Community Meeting – Gypsy and traveller site Tuesday 8 June, Church of Christ 6.30pm

Attendance: Cllrs H Harpham, M Iqbal, M Lea and 110 members of the local community.

Cllr Harpham gave an introduction and some background information about the sites mentioned in the report and the reason for the proposals. There had been no previous discussion with local councillors and they found out 10 days ago before it went to cabinet. The public meeting has been arranged to give the public the chance to air their views. The councillors personally leafleted the area to let people know about the plans and this meeting.

Cllr Harpham said we want to argue against the proposals and explain why it is wrong to have a site in Darnall. We feel that there has not been enough consultation as no one knows about the plan. It is wrong that the owners of the land didn’t even know about it and the whole community found out by reading it in the press. The purpose of meeting was

1) to receive views from the public on why we believe it is wrong

2) to apply pressure on the council

3) to encourage residents to attend the scrutiny board and cabinet meeting and sign the councillors’ petition.

If we don’t voice our opinions then the proposal will go ahead. Darnall Forum sill help to represent people’s views.

The following views/concerns were raised by members of the community:

Q1) Why not take a show of hands? The purpose of the meeting was to listen to the arguments for and against, however it was clear that the meeting did not support the findings of the report.

Q2) We already have a site, why are we getting another? Councillors and residents agreed that we can’t afford to have a site in Darnall because it is already a deprived area and it will disadvantage it even more.

Q3) Would you like it outside your door? Whitwell Street has had major problems for 33 years and nothing has been done. It has been linked to anti social behaviour, fly-tipping and prostitution and it is overrun with rats and so it doesn’t seem a suitable location for a group of vulnerable people. Councillors reminded the meeting that there has been no consultation at all about the choice of sites.

Q4) We shouldn’t just leave it to the councillors. Shouldn’t we all do something collectively to keep up the pressure up about the sites in Darnall?

Q5) What about the purpose built site near Centertainment which was wrecked/destroyed/vandalised?

Q6) How will the Lift project be affect ed?

Q7) Why should we have a site in Sheffield anywhere? What legislation is there for this? Have we voted for a site? The requirement to consider appropriate sites came from central government but councillors were not consulted about the criteria which should be followed in selecting what is an appropriate site.

Q8) Where will we park?

Q9) Can we have a list of email addresses or contact details to whom we can write? Residents can drop off comments or letters to Darnall Forum ans these will be passed onto councillors

Q10) Doctors’ surgeries are already over crowded and schools are full. Aren’t traffic problem going to increase with travellers here as well?

Q11) How can we sustain an additional community group when we already desperately need regeneration?

Q12) Why provide new sites when the previous ones have sometimes been closed?

Q13) How much will it cost for infrastructure for the site? Approximately 1 million pounds. The Council would expect Sheffield Homes to maintain the site.

Q14) What are the potential sites in Darnall? Senior Road, Greenland Road, Darnall Way, Ross Street/ Whitwell Street, the LIFT project site on Main Road, Prince of Wales Road, Ouseburn Road, Shirland Lane.

Q15) Why have so many sites been selected in our area and not in areas where the Lib Dems are in control? Why have they identified the site chosen for our medical centre?

The meeting agreed unanimously that Darnall was not a satisfactory location.

The councillors went on to say that they will do as much as they can as local representatives of the community and they are 110% behind this decision. They can represent the views of the community but their influence will be stronger if the community is seen to be behind them, which they are.

Councillors also said that it is Important to have a steering committee drawn from the public with about 5-8 members to represent Darnall to the scrutiny board and the full council meeting, and to present the petition on behalf of Darnall.

Mary Lea – Post Office Update

Darnall Forum has developed a social enterprise to run the local post office. For months now Neil Bishop, the manger, has looked into loans and funds and the Forum has also received £10,000 backing from the Council for this. He attended an interview and has been successful in his application to reopen the post office which should hopefully be completed by September. There must be an 8 week consultation process to see if the community are happy with the idea.

A show of hands was taken and everybody supported the Post Office.

The Lift Project is still going ahead.

The Ward Brothers have been asked to revise their plans and are meeting with the Council.

It was agreed that the community can come into Darnall Forum to get contact details for local councillors and also use Darnall Forum as somewhere to leave comments – so councillors can pick them up and collate the information.

Mushtaq Tufail (BBC SHEFFIELD) interviewing Clive Betts MP at High Hazel's Park in Darnall on Sunday 13 May during the the Boshaki Mela which celebrates the new year. Despite funding issues the local community managed the event on a shoestring budget with a small grant from the East Community Assembly. The majority of the cost was sponsored by the businessmen who paid for stalls and exhibitions.

Up-Coming Community Meetings

Tonight at 8pm there will be a meeting at the Church of Christ on Main Road Darnall to discuss proposals to site a permanent car park for Travellers in Darnall.

The next general community meeting will be held on Thursday 24 June at 10am. The venue is to be confirmed. The main item for discussion will be planning issues, including the future of Darnall Centre.

Notes of the Community Meeting on 15 April

Notes of the Darnall Community Meeting held on Thursday 15 April at the Darnall Forum offices and chaired by Cllr Mazher Iqbal with Cllr Mary Lea and Sylvia Hamilton (Chair of Darnall Forum) in attendance

Simon Kirk from Sheffield Primary Care Trust gave a short presentation about two current issues:

1) The York road Surgery has made a business decision to more to the former Wellington Public House. There is no basis in the contract they have with the NHS to compel them to use the new health centre. They successfully appealed against the Council’s decision to refuse planning permission. Their plans for the new building must be approved by the PCT so they will have to refurbish to a high standard. The service must be the same as they currently provide or improved. They are also entitled to reclaim the cost of their premises from the NHS as long as they can agree a reasonable figure with the PCT.

2) The ground for the LIFT Project has been cleared and site investigation is on going. The LIFT Company will build the health centre and rent it to the PCT for 25 years, after which there will be an option to buy. The District Valuer has to confirm that the cost of the deal is value for money. The difference which the facilities make to the health of local people is part of the calculation which the PCT must also make if the DV has any reservations. The Strategic Health Authority must also approve the PCT’s decision.

There will be a stakeholder group to help drive the project forward. Local people will be involved. It will be convened when the project reaches ‘financial close’, ie. the price is agreed with the Company and the DV and the Strategic Health authority accepts that it is value for money.

New international accountancy rules did look as if they might potentially derail the scheme, but that threat has gone away. National government could also change the rules but there is no indication of that. The project is in the PCT’s five year plan.

Questions

1) Drs Mehrohtra and Swinden have told patients that they will have 18 parking spaces but this was in a draft consultation document which is now being revised. Patients will have to walk or go by public transport unless they are disabled.

2) They have got planning permission to redevelop their existing surgery.

3) The Council has cut almost £100,000 from its budget for public health promotion (the APHC Project). In Darnall’s case it is losing £10,000 from a £51,000 budget.

4) The stakeholder group will include Darnall Well Being, The Forum, councillors, the LIFT Co., The GPs’ practice, the public health team etc.

Jenny McPhail gave a presentation about the Council’s Insulation Scheme which provides free loft and cavity wall insulation for residents of Darnall Ward and also special categories of people throughout the city (eg. over 70s). EAGA Insulation is the only approved contractor for the scheme. If minor pointing needs doing or scaffolding needs erecting, EAGA will do this. Clients of the scheme will have a personal password which only the official contractors know. Cowboy insulators won’t be able to quote this password.

The team can also provides other green energy and fire safety advice. They link in with the Green Doctors. Email: insulation@sheffield.gov.uk or phone 0800 9159096

Questions:

1) If you have less than 8” of insulation the Council can top it up to 12”. The survey is free. It includes insulation of the hot water tanks and associated piping; and cold water tanks if they are in the loft.

2) Report cowboy firms who are trying to capitalise on the programme

3) The funding comes from the CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Project)

Councillor Iqbal and Neil Bishop gave an update on the negotiations to reopen the post office. The Forum is submitting an application for a loan to pay for the set up costs for reopening the post office. The Community Assembly are looking at ways to help by making a grant for Social Enterprise. The main benefit of this would be to encourage the lender – the Yorkshire Key Fund – to invest in the project. Commercial banks are now reluctant to fund Post Offices. Sylvia Hamilton explained that the Forum is a voluntary organisation and exists to promote the regeneration of Darnall.

High Hazels Park

The Café has now opened in High Hazels House.

30 young lads have been playing cricket as part of a Cricket Tournament funded by South Yorkshire Police and supported by advice from Darnall Forum, which is funded through the Community Assembly. Residents said how nice it is to see children in the park again.

COULD YOU BE A VOICE FOR PATIENTS AND THE PUBLIC?

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals are looking for members of the community to join the team of Trust Governors. Becoming a Governor is an exciting opportunity to support your local community by representing the needs and views of patients and the public. Governors work with the Board and have an active say in how our Hospital’s services are developed and how the organisation is managed. They represent the views of the 8,800 Sheffield public and patients who have registered to become a Member of the Trust.

The next Elections are coming up on 24 May and anyone who is interested in finding out more about this important role should contact Jane Pellegrina, Foundation Trust Membership Manager as soon as possible. Information and briefing sessions (details will be provided with nomination packs) are being provided but here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is a Governor?

As a Governor you will play a very important role. You will act as a link between the Trust Members and the Board of Directors. You will have a number of key responsibilities, such as:

• helping to plan for the future

• ensuring the Trust is accountable to patients and local people

• recruiting and encouraging new members

• Influencing decisions by sitting on and contributing to various committees

An effective Governors’ Council is crucial to the success of the Trust and we will help you develop the skills you need to carry out your role as Governor.

What will my responsibilities be as a Governor?

1. to bring new ideas about how services can be improved and provided in ways that meet the needs of patients

2. to discuss strategic plans and new developments

3. to share information about key decisions with other Trust Members

4. to represent the interests of Trust Members (other members of your local community)

5. to appoint the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors

6. to set the pay levels for the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors.

Will I get paid?

No, similar to a school governor you do not receive a salary but you are paid expenses.

Do I need any special skills or experience?

You do not need any particular skills or experience but a passion for making NHS services better will help you enormously. The Governors elected will be supported by staff from within the Trust who are experienced in public involvement and communication. You will also be working alongside staff Governors and those appointed by the local councils, other parts of the NHS and the voluntary sector. The Governors meet regularly as a group and often work as a team.

How will the Elections be run?

We have appointed the Electoral Reform Service to run our elections for us. As well as making sure that we follow a robust process, it also means that the Elections are independent. We will give notice of an Election and invite any nominees (people who wish to stand as governors) to register their interest.

Anyone putting themselves forward will be asked to answer some simple questions. This information will be included on our website, and on the voting papers which are sent to all Members. Once the closing date is reached the votes are counted and we will then announce the results publicly.

Will support be available?

We are happy to discuss any training or support that you may need to help you stand as a Governor, or to fulfil the role should you be elected.

How much time is needed to fulfil the role of a being a Governor?

A Governor is expected to attend the quarterly Governors’ Council Meetings (the expectation is that you will attend at least 3 out of 4) and the Annual General Meeting. All Meetings are held at the Hospitals. Time will also be required to read papers provided for each meeting. Apart from these minimum expectations, there are many opportunities to participate in committees, visits and other activities such as recruiting Members, all of which contribute

to making the Governor’s role useful and interesting. The amount of time a Governor spends in the role is entirely up to him/her and may only become clear after several months in post. Attendance at induction and training events will be required.

How long will my appointment last?

An appointment as a Governor will be for a three year term up to a maximum of 2 terms.

Are there rules I have to follow? How will I know if I’m doing it right?

We will give you the training and support you need to be an effective Governor.

If you are interested in finding out more please call Jane Pellegrina on

0114 2714322 or email jane.pellegrina@sth.nhs.uk

Reply to the Anonymous Blogger

Someone has posted an anonymous message to the blog accusing us of concentrating on 'planters, fruit trees and "touchy feely" stuff' instead of the real issues which confront local people, and claiming that the trustees are not local residents.

Actually, all but one of our trustees live in Darnall. The one trustee who does not live locally works for East End Quality of Life, and has been involved in environmental and community work in Darnall for many years.

The blogger correctly forecast that his, or her, message would not be published. This is because it is anonymous. Tell us who you are, and we will be happy to publish your post. This site does not accept anonymous messages of any kind.

Neil Bishop

Darnall Community Meeting

Notes of the community meeting held at 7pm on Wednesday 20^th January 2010

Living Waters, Main Road

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Mazer Iqbal.

Councillors Mary Lea and Harry Harpham were also in attendance. 43 Officers and members of the public were present for all or part of the meeting.

POST OFFICE

Mark Barker spoke about his job working for the council to enhance the Post Office network in Sheffield. The Post Office closed in August. Post Office Limited, which runs the network, has been investigating different locations for a new post office and has been asked to help with the setup costs. Since the Post Office closed the remuneration for sub-postmasters has dropped. There will need to be a 12 week consultation process before the post office can reopen somewhere new.

In answer to questions, Mr Barker said that:

· The post office cannot reopen where it is now for legal reasons.

· The Station Road Council offices are not suitable.

· The Council does not know why the post office closed.

· The Council does not have a massive influence on Post Office Ltd.

Members of the meeting noted that:

· There has been a massive reduction in trade in all the local shops.

· Manor Top Post Office has closed as well.

· Handsworth and Attercliffe Post Offices are not convenient for the residents of Darnall.

Councillor Iqbal said that the Council has a 500,000 Post Office Fighting Fund for reversing post office closures. Darnall Forum was being considered as one option for keeping the Post Office alive in Darnall because Darnall Forum is a not-for-profit organisation and might be able to operate with lower profit margins. The Chair, Sylvia Hamilton, said the Forum would hope to make a profit from the Post Office and reinvest in things like training for the community and the Darnall Carnival. Mike Roberts from The Darnall Traders’ organisation said he would support the Forum running the post office. Sylvia Hamilton said that if the post office were to be relocated to Darnall Forum the date that was being discussed was June, partly because of the consultation period that the law requires. However, there are other hurdles to cross. Mark Barker said the consultation period might be able to be reduced. He said that not a day goes by when he does not remind the Post Office about Darnall.

Clive Betts, the councillors and the CEO of the Council are among those who have written to the managing director of Post Office Ltd. Members of the meeting were encouraged to write to Post Office Ltd.

DARNALL CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT

Debbie Merrill, the lead planning officer for the area, said that progress has really slowed down over the last year because the developer is still looking for a food store to work with them. They firmly intend to bring forward a new scheme and have already sent the planning department some very sketchy proposals.

Members of the meeting asked:

How can a developer be allowed to buy so many properties that they effectively control the future of an area and get the power to close shop units?

Councillor Iqbal pointed out that owners have the right to sell to a developer but the developers have been asked to avoid blighting the area as much as the can. The recession has created undoubted difficulties for the developer. In the final resort, the councillors do have powers to compel the developers to make environmental improvements.

Questions were asked about what the Forum is doing to put pressure on the developers. Neil Bishop said the Forum had helped residents to comment on the original proposals and had also raised the issue on tonight’s agenda. Concern for the health of the shopping centre was one of the main reasons why the Forum is considering running the post office in Darnall.

Debbie Merrill felt the council’s City Development Team might be able to pressure the developers to find suitable tenants for their empty properties or improve neglected shopfronts, but the planners are not in a position to do this and they share the frustration of traders and residents about the continuing blight of the centre.

A resident commented that it will be difficult to sell new houses in Darnall if the district centre is not redeveloped.

Councillor Lea pointed out that councillors had worked hard to try to keep Morrison’s open in Darnall and are working hard to address the situation but there are no quick and easy solutions available.

A resident asked whether it is true that Forward Investments are getting a concession off their rates while the properties they own are vacant? Councillor Harpham said the councillors would find this out and report to the next meeting.

MATHER ROAD PAVILION / NURSERY DEVELOPMENT

Alan Williams talked about the redevelopment of the Mather Road upper and lower pavilions. They had been badly vandalised but are being refurbished. The Football Foundation and the City Council are funding the refurbishment of the lower pavilion with the Children’s Centre. A youth project has addressed the vandalism. A friends group has been established, meeting in the upper pavilion. Community Services and the Police are working closely with the friends. Darnall Nursery is providing 16 OFSTED registered places for 3-5s from this year. A drama group and a youth club also meet. There is an after school club. It is planned to start the refurbishment of the lower pavilion in July. Alan acknowledged that problems with vandalism are on going but he isn’t giving up. A handful of young people are a problem but new football facilities and a new sign are planned very soon.

In answer to questions he agreed to get some of the piles of vegetation moved which were left by the people who cleared the site. Some old benches are being replaced by solid steel benches set into concrete. There is a problem with wheelie bins being set on fire, but councillor Iqbal pointed out that the police treat these issues in Mather Community Park as a priority. When young people get involved in the regeneration of parks they help to prevent damage from happening.

Councillors asked if it could be minuted that everyone involved in the Mather Road Project is doing an excellent job.

DARNALL PARKS & GREEN SPACES

Sarah Pilkington updated the meeting about the other parks and green spaces.

It is proposed that High Hazels House be redeveloped for use by the the community and the golf club – with a café, offices and meeting rooms. Heritage Lottery fund may contribute.

70 Acre Hill is a natural landscape. Highland Cattle keep the grass down.

There are water rails, sparrow hawks and newts.

Phillimore Park/Darnall Community Park will be refurbished next month after a delay caused by the weather. There will be new play facilities for young people and children. There is an art project which is employing an artist to create youth shelters, seats, land mounds and vehicle barriers with the help of young people and a women’s ESOL group.

Kettlebridge Action Group has a Green Pennant – a quality mark for small neighbourhood parks.

Darnall Neighbourhood Park is the latest neighbourhood park and the committee members are bidding for funds. On 15^th February and 9^th March at 2pm there will be two opportunities to meet the designer for the Park’s master plan.

There was concern among residents about the difficulties of feeding the calves on 70 Acre Hill during the snow but Sarah observed that they have survived.

Sarah was thanked for her work and the friends of the parks were thanked for their support.

Members of the meeting said how pleased they were about Darnall in Bloom. Neil Bishop explained it is paid for by the councillors and managed by Darnall Forum, who are hoping to arrange a spring planting. Residents said it would be nice if the railings could be painted too.

NEW HEALTH CENTRE

The health centre plans have been approved. The PCT are looking for residents to serve on the management committee for the health centre. Councillor Iqbal said it was wonderful to see the health centre now being developed.

Members of the meeting asked how far will it benefit all the residents of Darnall? Patients of one of the surgeries can look forward to being relocated in the former Wellington Public House!

The Practice concerned has bought the Wellington and successfully appeaedl against the decision to refuse planning permission, but the PCT also has to assess their application and no one was present from the PCT to comment on progress.

Cllr Iqbal explained that some health services will be available to all residents of Darnall in the new health centre. The councillors will ask the PCT to send a representative to the next meeting. The local health improvement specialist practitioner did not attend tonight because of ill health.

FINDINGS OF THE HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Only 11 people from Darnall attended the health impact meeting. Residents asked why it was held on a Thursday afternoon. The PCT will be asked to comment.

A resident asked why male patients have to explain their health issues to female receptionists before they can get an appointment.