Digbeth Residents Association

Digbeth Residents Association Minutes of Meeting Paragon Hotel Digbeth Monday 7th September 2009 at 7pm Present Adam Crossley

Chair and Digbeth Resident

PC Phil Bates

Digbeth Neighbourhood Officer

PC Kate Ollis

Digbeth Neighbourhood Officer

PC Lee Mulvale Andy Sheppard

Digbeth Neighbourhood Officer Neighbourhood Manager

5 Digbeth Residents! Apologies Sgt Gary Chantrey

Digbeth Neighbourhood Sergeant

The Hostel on Alcester Street at Cheapside is not going ahead; it for the moment is staying as Luxury Apartments. Residents will be kept informed if any new plans are submitted. Friday 2nd October – there is a fundraising event at the White Swan. Mick O’Loughlin explained his role on the St Patricks Festival Committee and the fundraising in the area. It’s a karaoke evening and is £5 per ticket, available from White Swan, Mick O’Loughlin or Kate Ollis. Kate looked at spare parking in the area and phoned around – at present no spaces available. Phil spoke with Taxi Liaison regarding the noise from taxis in the early hours; advice from liaison is for the police to ticket the offending taxis and then details passed to Taxi Liaison. Andy Sheppard the new Neighbourhood Manager introduced himself and outlined his role in the Digbeth community, he covers Digbeth/Highgate and St Andrews. Andy believes that no neighbourhood management exists at the moment in the area and he aims to change this by getting the service providers / agents working together with the residents to improve the area and its services. To look at the issues and

devise action plans. He wants to get a neighbourhood board together, and would like to have a representative from the Digbeth residents association on the board. Andy is employed by Birmingham City Council and wants to make sure the voices of the residents are heard and actioned. Adam said he has put his name forward to be added to the list to get emails for any developments in the area, yet to date this has not happened. Andy will put out information and send out information by email. The Police boundaries are changing to coincide with the council boundaries / constituencies. The definite plans are yet to be decided but should be in place by April 2010. Phil – Crime figures for August. 64 Crimes recorded in the area. If residents see anyone or anything suspicious please do notify the police. 999 in emergency, 0845 113 5000 for non emergencies. Use extension 7868 6047 to speak with a Digbeth Neighbourhood Officer. Lee Mulvale introduced himself as a new member of the Neighbourhood Team covering the Digbeth area. Next meeting to be held on Monday 5th October 2009, 7pm at Paragon Hotel.