Written by designer | 26 January 2010

1. Ymddiheuriadau / Apologies

Apologies were accepted from the following members;

Ms Louise Peel (Environment Agency)

Ms Paula Evans (Gwynedd Council)

Mr Ayrton Westwood (Deiniol Centre)

Mr Richard Green (North Wales Police)

Mr Rob Clarke (Debenhams Store Manager)

 

2. Cofnodion y cyfarfod diwethaf / Minutes of the previous meeting

Some minor corrections have been made to the previous minutes following the groups comments. It was then agreed that the minutes were a true reflection of the last meeting. (Action; ILT)

 

3. Grwpiau / Groups

 

a. Gr?p Busnes / Business Group

Ms Amanda Davies reported that the groups scheduled meeting last night (10^th November 2009) was cancelled as apologies had been accepted by several of the members, it’s hoped the meeting will be rescheduled for the 18^th November 2009. It’s hoped that progress will be made regarding the empty boarded up units in and around the Menai Centre. Ms Amanda Davies and Ms Paula Evans also hope to arrange a meeting with Watkin Jones in order to discuss the possibilities regarding the untidy plots of land dotted around the city. The Christmas Community Entertainment slots have been a great success, with the four allocated evenings full booked. It was also reported that the business group hope to apply for a grant from Gwynedd Council with regards to city centre marketing. (Action; AD/PE)

 

b. Prifysgol / University – Caru / Love Bangor

Ms Gwenan Hine reported that the group meet last week. The group meet with a PR company which is developing a campaign targeted towards the student population in Bangor. All being well work will begin in February 2010, working towards the end of the academic year in May – June. More details will be available for the next meeting. (Action; GHine)

 

Mr John Jackson reported on the ongoing success of the Love Bangor Card, with many of the new shops on the High Street signing up to the scheme. The Students Union are looking to set up a voluntary clean up group that will focus on the City, they have a surplus of 40 volunteers which could take part in the project.

 

Mr Bill Coppack added that the Police regularly conduct Environmental Audit, it was suggested that a site visit or ‘walk about’ should be arranged. (Action; BC)

 

Mr Peter Simpson noted that Gwynedd Council has a statutory responsibility to clean the street’s, and that the City Centre is a priority. It was suggested that the volunteers time may therefore be best spent out of the Centre. The idea was welcomed and it was decided that further talks were needed. (Action; PJS/JJ/BC)

Mr John Jackson mentioned that a lack of funding for administration was an issue, therefore co-managing or co-administrating any project would be very much appreciated, as the university would be able to supply volunteers.

 

c. Ysgolion Bangor / Bangor Schools

Ms Amanda Davies reported that the Bangor School’s Conference will take place on the 25^th November 2009 in Ysgol Tryfan, up to eight representatives from each school in Bangor will be present at the event. The programme that’s in place for the day comprises of the following topics and / or talks:

 

1. Lon Adda.
2. The public realm project, with specific reference to the time-line which will run along High Street.
3. University will run a session around the importance of arts in Bangor.
4. The conference will provide an ideal opportunity to collect vital information and ideas from the school children of Bangor.
5. The Bangor Pride website will be launched during the conference.

 

If the conference is a success it will become an annual event.

 

The Chair commented that the conference would provide a great means of communication and hoped the day will be very successful. (Action; AD/ILT)

 

 

 

 

d. Tîm Trefi Taclus / Tidy Towns Team

Mr Bill Coppack reported that the team hope to revisit the area to the rear of the High Street to assess what further work is required. The Maesgeirchen alley way closure should also be considered as a possible project for the team.

 

Mr Peter Simpson referred to the ‘Possible Environmental Projects in Bangor Meeting’ to be held tomorrow, the meeting will focus on environmental issues in general with specific reference to;

 

i. The Memorial Gardens

ii. Donkey Lane (Trem Elidir)

iii. Roman Camp

 

It’s hoped this work will be conducted by a variety of organisations, for example, the Young Offenders, North Wales Police, the Tidy Towns Team, the probation Service, Volunteers and Gwynedd Council. Bangor Mountain is also seen as a longer term project which may involve repairing foot paths. (Action; PJS/BC/GHughes/ ILT)

 

Cllr Keith Marshall added that he has a survey of the area, with the recommended works that need to take place (Green Roots).

 

e) Grwpiau Cymunedol / Community Groups

Ø TPOBCG

Mr Nigel Pickavance thanked the group on behalf TPOBCG for the invitation to the meeting. The group were informed that TPOBCG were set up in May, and has proven very popular with various meetings held around the City. The community group now look forward to working under the Bangor Pride umbrella.

 

The group were given a short- up date of the work conducted by the group to date;

1. Fund raising, for example, bag packing in Morrisons, regular car boot sales in Llandygai, the Marina were thanked for supplying a free pitch. To date over a £1,000 has been raised.
2. Disco’s in Bangor, it was felt that there was nothing central to bring all the residents of Bangor together, the discos have had a good response with people from all over the city attending.
3. Sponsored walk from Holyhead to Bangor to raise money for TPOBCG.
4. The community group hold monthly meeting, everyone is welcome to come along.
5. Donation boxes have been distributed all over the City.
6. The web-site is up and running but still in it’s early days.
7. The Bangor Carnival is attracting different kinds of volunteers and bringing all the people of Bangor together, the carnival queen has been confirmed. The parading route has been confirmed and the University were thanked for the use of their car park’s.
8. TPOBCG hold regular meeting with Mr Alan Parry (The University Director) in order to try and develop / discuss ways of improving relations between students and local residents.
9. It is hoped that a Bangor in Bloom group could develop a link with the allotments in Maesgerichen.

 

Ms Gwenan Hine invited Mr Nigel Pickavance to the next meeting of the Bangor University Group. (Action; NP)

 

The Chair commended the work that TPOBCG are conducting and noted that their contribution to Bangor Pride will be much appreciated.

 

Ø Maesgerichen Community Group

Mr Paul Hockaday believes that getting TPOBCG on board is a major step forward, and looks forward to working with the group in future.

 

The last of the Environmental Action Day’s for this year was held on the 26^th of October, 15 tonnes of waste was removed and many referrals were made to authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Service for home fire safety checks and to the Housing Department. It has also become apparent that the residents have a greater awareness of rubbish issues, recycling etc.

 

The group were nominated for KWT award, the ceremony was held in Llandudno on the 5^th of November, the group unfortunately didn’t win but did come away with a finalist Certificate.

 

The Chair congratulated the group on the award.

 

Mr Peter Simpson added that the a KWT awards are a National competition, with over a 100 applicants throughout Wales competing. The group were presented with a finalist / runner up certificate by Lord Dafydd Ellis Thomas.

 

Ø Garth Community Centre

Cllr June Marshall sent her thanks to Mr Dave Thomas for his assistance with the site clearance. The group also hope to receive the result of their grant application towards the end of the month.

 

Ø Upper Bangor Society

Cllr Keith Marshall reported that work was done under the ‘Blitz’ programme in time for the 125^th Anniversary of the University. Railings were repaired and painted, new bins were also distributed in the area, some things still need to be done, for example the Penbonc area.

 

Cllr Keith Marshall advertised the Coffee Morning to be held on 5^th December in Penrallt on Holyhead Road. (Action; KM)

 

Mr Gwyn Hughes commended the impressive work carried out in Upper Bangor as part of the ‘Blitz’ programme. A major issue of fly posting throughout the whole of the City was raised, and the fact that it needs to be targeted.

 

Mr Pater Simpson noted that he’s currently working on a project to tackle fly posting on street furniture and noted that Gwynedd Enforcement Team and the Police have powers to hand out Fixed Penalty if someone were to be caught in the act. (Action; PJS)

 

Mr Bill Coppack believes that the first priority is to remove the fly posting and get the area clean, following this CCTV cameras could be used to trace and prosecute offenders.

 

Mr Gwyn Hughes reported that a Public Realm meeting is scheduled for next Monday, and the issue should be discussed under the Public Realm Strategy.

 

4) Adolygu Strwythur Balchder Bangor / Reviewing Bangor Pride’s Structure

 

Mr Peter Simpson felt that only one representative from each sub-group is needed to attend the steering group, this allows groups to work individually and then report back to the steering group, which will hopefully be a much more efficient means of communicating.

 

The Chair noted that this topic was previously discussed, and that the general feeling was that the group was not mature enough at this stage to move forward in such a way. Discussion was opened to the floor.

 

Mr Gwyn Hughes expressed his agreement with Mr Peter Simpson.

 

Ms Amanda Davies believes that the current format is unsustainable, and that a more efficient means of communicating needs to be put in place as people are being over stretched. It was accepted that the Community Groups would need more guidance as they are still in the early stages of development. (Action; AD)

 

Mr John Jackson expressed his agreement with Mr Peter Simpson views, perhaps the steering group should meet on a twice monthly basis with a large meeting of all parties held twice a year.

 

Cllr Keith Marshall felt that these discussion are to premature, and the group is moving to fast, concerns were also raised about losing identity.

 

The Chair suggested that a new format / model should be drawn for the next meeting. (Action; PJS/AD)

 

Cllr June Marshall raised concerns that the Community Groups have no structure and that they need guidance.

 

Ms Amanda Davies responded by noting that details of Community Groups have been collected and will be develop in early 2010. (Action; AD)

 

Mr John Jackson believes adopting a new structure would make management much easier.

 

The Chair closed the discussion and noted that a proposed model should be produced by the next meeting.

 

5) Briffio’r Wasg / Press Briefing

 

Mr Peter Simpson explained to the group that that a press briefing will take place prior to each Steering Group meeting, hopefully this practice will be much more efficient for journalists.

 

6) Datblygiadau Cyfredol / Current Developments

 

To be removed from the Agenda for the next meeting.

 

7) Llecynau Cyhoeddus / Public Realm Projects

Ms Amanda Davies reported that the Officers Steering Group meeting will be held on Monday. The artist for the project will be appointed tomorrow. One project will be carried out during this financial year around the Cathedral and the old Debenhams site, this work will be conducted during the first months of 2010. With the work on the High Street it’s self taking place during the financial year 2010-2011.

 

8) Marchnata a Chodi Ymwybyddiaeth / Marketing and Awareness Raising

See items 9 and 10.

 

9) Balchder Bangor Ar-lein / Bangor Pride On-line

Ms Amanda Davies reported that Mr Mathew Tapping is helping to develop the web-site. A meeting took place on the 22^nd of October, more information was added and some editing took place. As a temporary measure the leaders of each sub-group will be responsible for editing relevant sections. The web-site will be launched on the 25^th November 2009 in the School’s conference.

 

A link and password to be circulated to members prior to the launch for comments and suggestions.

 

The Chair added that he looks forward to the launch.

 

 

 

10) Swyddog Balchder Bangor / Bangor Pride Officer

Mr Gwyn Hughes reported that the City Council next meet on Monday, and that the post would be further discussed. (Action; GHughes)

 

11) Symud Ymlaen / Moving Forwards

Nothing to minute

 

12) Unrhyw Fater Arall / Any Other Business

 

Mr Gwyn Hughes will approach Gwynedd Council’s legal department regarding street entertainment. It’s hoped that by the next meeting a representative from the legal department will be present to inform the group. (Action; GHughes)

 

Ms Amanda Davies felt that the Public Realm Strategy should be linked to this issue. (Action; AD)

 

Mr Bill Coppack would be happy to attend a meeting regarding enforcement matters.

 

Mr Peter Simpson hopes to remove chewing gum between the old Debenhams shop and Kyffin Square, as this area will not be effected by the Public Realm Project. The group were invited to suggest other possible areas that needed attention. (Action; PJS)

 

Mr Gwyn Hughes reported that a Planning Application had been submitted for a fast food outlet in the new Student accommodation block (the old Plaza). He raised the fact that it’s the fast food stores responsibility to clean the rubbish produced by their business.

 

Mr Peter Simpson added that fast food waste is a common problem and that every business has a duty of care over the rubbish they produce. If problems persist the group were advised to contact Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Team.

 

13) Dyddiad y Cyfarfod Nesaf / Date of Next Meeting

Date of next meeting will be 2^nd of December 2009.

 

 

ILT 16/11/2009