Decision details

The Committee received updates on the review of Neighbourhood Centres. Officers commented on the following issues that were identified at February 2020 site visits and the meeting in March:

Oaks Cross

Fly-tipping – regular inspection regime was in place

Planter Trees – Ongoing discussions involving Ward Members and the SBC Arboriculture & Conservation Manager. An oak tree was scheduled to be planted this autumn in one of the empty planting areas at the front of the shops.

Possible substance abuse – Neighbourhoods wardens and Police to be advised to monitor the situation

Exterior wall paint on flats/shops – A Member confirmed that graffiti on the walls was not malicious.  Course of action regarding the wall paint to be determined after ownership of the area in question had been established.  Councillor Barr undertook to provide Councillor Bainbridge and other councillors with contact details of a reputable Stevenage graffiti artist. However, a simple repainting of the wall in one colour may suffice and be a lot cheaper than commissioning an artist.

St Nicholas

Security Fence – It was acknowledged that the security fence was unsightly but it was serving its purpose.  No updates relating to plans to improve the appearance of the fence were available

Concrete Planters and notice board – Planters and a notice board had been installed.  Plans were in place to replace some of the slabs around the new planters, which had become damaged with paint spillages, and the Assistant Director, Stevenage Direct Services agreed to action this.  Ward Members commended Community Development Officers, the local Neighbourhood Warden and other SBC officers who worked with resident groups to improve the area.  A Member complimented the charity Waste Not Want Not for its plant nursery service.  Members highlighted the challenges of carrying out volunteer work on community projects while ensuring Covid-security.

Oval

Planting area near the underpass – Bulb planting was due to start imminently

New signage and mural – The Arts and Cultural Development Officer was working with local groups and young people for possible art projects near the Oval and St Nicholas neighbourhood centres.  Members expressed concerns that they had not been consulted on the art project and that previously-identified mural designs were no longer under consideration.

Dangerous damaged steps – Members were worried that HCC appeared not to consider the repairs a priority.  Officers confirmed that consultations with HCC were in progress, and that HCC had now engaged with their contractor, Ringway, to investigate the area to see what measures could be taken to repair the broken steps

Bedwell

Deep clean and renewal of paintwork – SDS carried out an inspection on 4 September 2020. A programme of works to remove weeds, gum and paint stains was now in place, and the matter of the peeling paint on the car park railings had been raised with HCC to investigate

It was RESOLVED:

1.       That the updates be noted

2.       That Communities & Neighbourhoods officers liaise with Ward Members regarding new signage and murals in Martins Wood and St Nicholas