19th APRIL 2021

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GARRISON RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD ON 19th APRIL 2021

ZOOM MEETING (following Covid-19 rules) 7.30 P.M.

 

Logged in:

  • Chris Coomber  Hon. Chairman

  • Phil Coombe     Hon. Treasurer

  • Pamela Deakin  Hon. Secretary

  • Robert Fowler

  • Michael Stiers

  • Cliff Marshall

  • Richard Spence

  • Peter Farrington

  • Daniel Puddick

  • Pam Dewey

 

1 Apologies

Apologies were received from Jason Britchford and Jonathan Hunnibal

2.   Minutes of 8th March 2021 Meeting

It was noted that the fifth tree in Gunners Rise had been replaced.  With this correction, Minutes of the Zoom meeting of 8th March 2021 were agreed.

3.     Barge Pier Road Land Sale

Following planning approval, Garrison Estates has put the Barge Pier Road site up for sale. Committee members have significant reservations about building on the active flood plain: it was noted that the land level of the site lies 20-30cm below the water table.

Further progress of the sale will be monitored, liaising with Shoebury Residents Association, who have gathered a large volume of technical knowledge about the flood plain status.

There was a question as to whether a S106 payment to Shoebury High School had been paid by the January 2021 due date.

4.     S106 Handover Update.

No further progress has been notified – the matter is still held up by the Land Registry. Avant Homes has promised to advise of any movement.

An introductory meeting of prospective directors has taken place. Prospective directors are

Fay Williams, John Brooks, Elizabeth Abbiss, Jonathan Hunnibal, Clare Bonner, Noel Morris, Richard Spence.

 5.     Parking and Garrison Speed Limits

Parking around the Garrison continues to generate controversy. There is an ongoing difference of view as to who can park where. It was suggested that Avant Homes should be asked whether there is a definitive map of allocated parking.

For Horseshoe Crescent, it was suggested that parking places should be numbered on the walls to show resident allocation. Their allocated spaces should be included on their leases or title documents. It was agreed that this step should be addressed before any further action can be taken. Parking matters will be put before the new Board as a priority concern for residents

The 20mph speeding restriction signs at the Barge Pier Road entrance to the Garrison is misaligned and can’t be read on entry: Southend BC will be informed.

6.     Horseshoe Crescent Signage “Dead End”

 To avoid the increase in traffic trying to exit the Garrison via Horseshoe Crescent, residents have asked for a “Dead End” or similar sign. Fowler & Spenceley will arrange.

7.     Cricket Pavilion and boundary fence repair

Police have been informed about increased problems of damage to the cricket pavilion and boundary fence.  Matthew Halls has been informed, and has asked that any incidents be reported online. Michael Stiers will contact Southend BC to request action. It was noted that Alan Richards is now in charge of Asset Management for Southend BC

8.     Report from Managing Agents, Fowler & Spenceley.

Michael Stiers presented the report from the managing agents.

Landscaping:

Chris, Michael and Peter completed a walk-round inspection of the site on 23rd March.

General ongoing maintenance has continued: the bollards in Horseshoe Crescent, which have been repaired several times, need replacing.

Fowler & Spenceley have invited contractors to tender for work on various blocks: only three contractors have tendered.

Enquiries have been received about parking policies and associated issues.

Service Charge invoices for 2021 will be distributed by Fowler and Spenceley in week beginning 26th April. Problems with new software were now cleared.

9.     Cart & Wagon Shed Update

The lease to CIC has not been received from Southend BC. No completion can take place. Residents will be informed on Facebook when further information is available. Chris will contact John Budge.

10   AOB

Chris, Richard and Cliff raised concerns about speeding on Barge Pier Road, and raised the possibility of traffic calming measures.

Cliff had contacted Cllr Wakefield regarding incomplete fencing on the seafront in front of Outlook, highlighting Southend BC’s duty of care regarding access to the beach. Cllr Wakefield is pursuing the matter. Chris has contacted Martin Warren about the need for a gate at the Boat House entrance steps. 

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.  Next meeting will be a Zoom meeting on 7th June 2021 at 7.30pm

 Thank you to Phil for arranging and hosting the Zoom “venue”.