Agenda item

(I). Building/Technical Work Update

 

The Property Services Manager informed the Committee that the overall building programme was due to be completed by 13^th December with snagging work expected to continue into the New Year. Unfortunately there were still a lot of outstanding issues to be resolved and work to be completed before the contractor was to leave the site so the 13^th December deadline was not expected to be met.

 

He explained that investigations had already taken place by Bolsover District Council and the conclusion was that there were no issues with the workmanship, but they were aware that there was water coming into the chimneys, however the cause was unknown.  Further investigations were needed with an external surveyor. He explained that this was a very challenging piece of work as there were inconsistencies.

 

A question was raised by Martin Green (Friends of New Bolsover) asking whether it was just Council Properties being checked as he has had complaints from private owners as well.

 

The Conservation Manager responded that she was aware of the private properties affected. She explained that access was being gained for the Contract Administrator / Building Surveyor and Home Improvement Coordinator to assess their situations as well as the Council properties.

 

Councillor Peake voiced a concern that both Council and Private properties will need the work to be rectified.

 

Councillor Munro informed the Property Services Manager that communication must be made to all properties affected, explaining that work was still in progress to rectify the situation.

 

The Property Services Manager agreed that he would produce and send out a follow up letter in due course explaining the situation and what is being done to rectify the situation.

 

Councillor Bowler informed the Committee that the main complaints had been received from private houses and queried whether it would be possible to relocate the occupants whilst the issues are being assessed.

 

The Property Service Manager explained that there was not significant water ingress so therefore this would not be a viable solution.

 

Martin Green (FONB) commented that it was not the leaves in the gutters that was causing the situation as all the gutters have had a thorough cleaning. The amount of building materials that have been taken out the gutters was ridiculous. He also did not appreciate a letter that came from the Project Manager asking him to clean his gutters more often and then he would not have this problem.

 

(ii). Community Engagement

 

The Conservation Manager informed the Committee that Nathan Culkin, Shift Community Builder, was to continue to work with the residents on the Model Village and Carr Vale, with the aim of facilitating community activities and groups.

 

The group was progressing with a number of initiatives including a series of guided walks around the Peter Fiddler Reserve.

 

(iii). Friends of New Bolsover

 

Martin Green (FONB) updated the Committee on recent developments. A new group had started who specialised in mental health and one-to-ones had been established, and were funded by Derbyshire county Council. 

 

There was a trial with a parent and toddler group on the 9/12/19, which was to offer the opportunity to see midwives and health visitors and receive advice.

 

Channel 4 news was to be visiting the New Bolsover area and 126 to film on 8/12/19. The show was to be aired on TV on the 9/12/19.

 

A Christmas event was to be held at 126 New Bolsover and a ‘Decorate a Window’ for Christmas competition was being organised for the local community, with a £20 meat voucher donated for the winner.

 

The Big Lunch’ had taken place on Sunday 21^st September.Despite the weather the event was attended by over 80 people and the dog show was a great success. It was a very enjoyable day and the event raised £218.90.

 

(iv). Landscaping

 

The Conservation Manager stated that a steering group had been established to progress the proposals for the green. An initial design for a new play area had been produced as well. They were holding a community event to seek views from residents on the final design. Other proposals for the green included lighting and resurfacing of paths.

 

Bolsover District Council had contracted with a company to commence cleaning gutters on the Model Village. This work commenced on 25^th November.

 

The Leisure Special Projects Officer explained that a new play area refurbishment had been agreed for the Green. A drainage soak away needed to be investigated. A plan of the new layout was shown to the Committee and it was explained that this had now gone out to tender as the estimated costs were over £60,000 for the equipment.

 

Councillor Munro requested that a consultation meeting be organised for children to decide which equipment they would like to see on the park.

 

The Conservation Manager explained that an initial drainage survey had now been completed and the engineers were in the process of offering solution.

 

(vi). Community House

 

The Conservation Manager, Simon Redding, had been appointed to assist the FONB to develop a number of community initiatives. He was helping the group to prepare funding bids to develop a number of projects.

 

A grant application had been submitted to Derbyshire County Council for £5,000 for the development of the community allotment and had been successful. The work was already underway.

 

The Conservation Manager informed the Committee that an application had been submitted to the One Stop Community Fund, for equipment for the 126 community radio station. He has also set up social media sites for the group (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and is in the process of designing a website.

 

Councillor Munro proposed that an update on the progress of the 126 Community House be heard at Full Council on 19^th February. This was to include a slide show presentation from FONB. The Governance Manager would be requested to arrange this.

 

 

(vii). Tenancy Issues/Letting Policies

 

The Conservation Manager provided an update that things seem to be going well and there had not been many issues. She explained that most properties had been let; with a further 12 residents and full capacity would be achieved. The properties still available were mainly 2 beds.

 

The Clerks of Works stated that a 12 month defect inspection had taken place, with tenants explaining that their utility bills were good value.

 

Councillor Munro asked the Committee when Bolsover TV had last come down to produce some filming of the New Bolsover Area. He explained that FONB should liaise with Scott Chamber, Communications Manager, to see if it would be possible for them to film and produce a piece on the area every 6 weeks.

 

(vii). Other matters

 

Councillor Munro raised a question to the Conservation Manager about what was happening with Top Road and Piano Road. She advised that Derbyshire County Council Highways department had explained that this was in the programme for 2020/2021. Derbyshire County Council was to arrange a site visit in the New Year to assess the areas.

 

Martin Green (FONB) stated that they had set up a new speed watch awareness group with Carr Vale. A large area was being covered and they had been out in various areas with hand held speed cameras to record and collate evidence to pass onto the relevant authorities.  

 

The Chair requested that recommendations in future reports be revised as the importance of New Bolsover was already a well-established and recognised matter.     

 

RESOLVED – that the updates be noted.