11th September 2023

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GARRISON RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION 

COMMITTEE MEETING.

 Zoom Meeting on 11th September  2023 at 7.30pm

Present

  • Chris Coomber Acting Chairman    

  • Cliff Marshall Acting Chairman

  • Pamela Deakin Acting Secretary

  • Pam Dewey

  • Darren Munsey

  • Daniel Puddick

  • Robert Fowler

  • Nick Kenney

  1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Richard Spence

  1. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved. It was confirmed that there had been no further news from Cllr Jarvis regarding use of the rill Shed and Chapel,

  1. Progress of Handover to Resident Directors

There will be a meeting of the directors on the 19th September 2023.

There has been progress regarding the Share issue. New shares will be issued to all owners; a Proposal for a Share Indemnity to safeguard that any unreturned original shares are not valid will be considered by the 4 directors and Robert Fowler.

All SGMCL directors are now registered at Companies House.

The following questions were asked:

  • What is to be the Quorum number of directors required to confirm decisions

  • Will Minutes of directors’ meetings be published

  • Will a Statement of Aims and Objectives be published which continue the terms stated at the setting up of SGMCL.

It was suggested that the Statement of Objectives should be sent out with the new Share Certificates

  1. GRA Facebook

Pam Dewey asked Daniel why she and Tim were blocked from posting comments about removal of mature trees from the Taylor Wimpey site. Daniel responded that he is not involved in administering the Facebook site, and cannot accept the workload involved. The page is currently monitored by Damon Beech. 

Pam noted that she and others are concerned about the way this duty is being completed.

Following discussion it was decided that the current arrangement should be re-examined, and changes should be considered.  Pam offered to share the duties, but felt that she could not take full responsibility.

Daniel will send relevant information to Pam.

  1. Taylor Wimpey and Bellway Developments

It was felt that continuing discussion about the trees is futile. Louise (Taylor Wimpey) had set Taylor Wimpey’s reasons for the planned approach, which were agreed by arboreal experts and accepted by the planning authority. 

Questions were raised about the fence line between the TW development and the Garrison, which show a pathway from the new site onto Chapel Road. Implications of access to a private road could generate unwanted nuisance – for example TW resident parking on the Garrison Estate.

The ownership of the land by Westgate was questioned.  This land was absent from the schedule of SGMCL responsibilities, the owner is unknown and it remains in poor condition. Robert has obtained the details of all Shoebury Garrison estate land from the Land Registry and is in process of identifying relevant legal positions.

There is significant local opposition to the proposal to bring topsoil to the Bellway site in New Barge Pier Road. Further questions The grass areainclude the contaminated soil on the existing fllood plain and the arrangements for transporting further topsoil from beyond Southend.

  1. Managing Agents Report

Various major works have been completed:  the external decoration to Willow Court and Gunners House; J and M Blocks in the Horseshoe. In other blocks in Horseshoe Crescent and Chapel Road works are now in the hands of new contractors.

In Gunners Rise various landscaping issues have been highlighted:  the grassed area in the centre has a high weed content; 4 trees have died; many timber posts have rotted. Darren has reported that various residents have complained but have received no response. On behalf of the managing agents, Michael asked for more information on the issues and assured Darren that they were being followed up. Action so far has included

  1. Weed and Feed has been applied at the appropriate times using a recommended products:  however, the soil is poor and weather has favoured weeds over grass

  2. The four trees, which were replacements for the originals, are now thought to be unsuitable for the area. Wooden planters with draught-tolerant plants are now being considered:  residents are invited to comment on preferences and possibilities

  3. The current replacement cost for the rotted posts is considerable.  The agents have considered alternatives using non-rotting materials:  plastic posts and chains have been quoted at £7000 (mostly labour costs)

Referring to the proposed wooden planters, Cliff asked if galvanized metal containers would be a suitably stylish and practical solution. He also suggested that Sinking Funds could be enhanced.

7 Report of Walk-round

Matters covered in Item 6 above.

8 Cricket Pavilion Plans and Anti-Social behaviour in Barge Pier Road

Darren and Nick are to meet with a representative of the Cricket Club in week commencing 9th October 

9 Any Other Business

The Coronation celebration accounts have been completed. Details will be given at the next meeting.

The booking arrangement for the tennis courts appears to be problematical. A letter is to be sent to Cllr Jarvis.

The meeting closed at 9.25pm

Thanks to Robert for hosting the meeting and to Chris & Cliff for Acting Chairman.

The next meeting will be on 16th October at 7.30pm

The AGM will take place on Monday 27th November at 7.30pm at Hinguar School

(Access will be guaranteed!)  

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