PRESENT:
Eileen Houghton, Longmeadow - Vice-Chair
Shirley Baldwin, Ballinger Court - Secretary
Jean Fishpool, Fowbridge Gardens - Treasurer
Mr. and Mrs. Halfpenny, Smallbrook Gardens
Roy Adams, Fowbridge Gardens
Mr. and Mrs. Neville, Penyard Gardens
Margaret Valleley, Penyard Gardens
Menai Roberts, Southgate Court
Nancy Evans, Longmeadow
Betty Marchant, Barklie Court
Mary West, Barklie Court
Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, Brierley Court
Margery French, Brierley Court
Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Rushmeadow
Mrs. Hodgettes, Rushmeadow
Mr. and Mrs. Hince, Churchcroft
Mr. Walbyoff, College Estate
David Ayres, Disraeli Court
Eddie Clark, The Herefordshire Council
Richard Hancock, The Herefordshire Council
Alex Sheehan, The Herefordshire Council

APOLOGIES:
Charlotte Baldwin
Lil Jones
Ann and Robert Downie
Steve Atkins

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
1. Vice-Chair Eilleen Houghton, opened the meeting at 10.30am and welcomed all members present.

2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record of proceedings.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
a. Eddie Clarke referred to the re-wiring of the alarm system at Longmeadow, the work should be completed by mid August.

b. Eddie told Mrs. Halfpenny that someone would contact her concerning the repositioning of the road signings at Smallbrook Gardens.

c. Lisa Sims is the new Fire Safety officer, Eddie to invite her to our next meeting. September 5th 2002.

d. Jean Fishpool was satisfied with the service carried out at Fowbridge Gardens concerning the rats. Eddie suggested that as the rats were nesting under the buildings another visit may be necessary by the
pest control department.

e. Eddie asked Jean to write in about the coalbunker problem.

f. Residents at Ballinger Court will be pleased to hear that that a pelican crossing on The Roman Road has been approved.

g. Richard introduced Alex Sheehan who is now working with the Tenant Participation Team.

h. Richard said that the Braille machine is now set up and working.

i. Richard/Eddie are to set up a meeting between officers of this group, Special Services and Tenant Participation regarding the ongoing funding of the group.

j. The group thought that it would be a good idea to look at a Tenant Participation Compact for Sheltered Housing. Richard said that Susanah Piohtee would write out to each member of the group with a view to setting up a sub-group to look at a special TP Compact. The sub-group could then report back to the full group at its monthly meetings - everyone thought this was a good idea. Roy Adams suggested that sub-groups could be set up to look at other matters as well.

k. Eddie told members that the Council Transport department would not provide a driver to get members to meetings, but a Mini-Bus is at our disposal if we can find our own driver. There are other options such as Dial-a-Ride, Lions club, and Action Bus. Eddie will contact these organisations.

4. VICE-CHAIR REPORT
Vice Chair asked members if they had received a copy of the letter from Robert Downie to her, tendering his resignation, all agreed that they had. Eileen went on to say that Robert had been a strong asset to the group, and that we should thank him for his input, adding that a card was available for all members wishing to sign it. Members expressed their wishes that Robert would rejoin the group in the near future. Vice-Chair said that the Secretary and herself would like to thank Eddie and Richard, also Nicky Gough, Helen Greenway and Wendy Jones for the help they gave us to make the meeting possible.

Many members are still not happy about Tenant Board Membership and Mr. Jaques response to it in his letter dated 23rd July 2002.

David Morris asked Eileen if she agreed with Robert's interpretation of events at the meeting they attended with Mr Jaques, Eileen said that she did, but went on to explain that from next year all members would be elected or re-elected. Two members have stepped down and one vacancy as yet to be filled.

Members expressed a wish for Tony Jaques to be invited to a meeting to clarify any misunderstandings that some members still have.

Vice Chair told the group that she had spoken to Robert and at that moment in time he had intended to resign.

Secretary will send a letter to Robert expressing members thanks for all his input in to the group over the last year.

Richard told the meeting that it is important that they are represented on the Herefordshire Tenants Federation.

Secretary to write to Robert Downie and Lillian Jones to ask if they still wish to represent the group on the Herefordshire Tenants Federation.

5. TREASURERS REPORT.
Jean Fishpool said that we now have £101.50p in our fund. Vice Chair thanked Jean.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
Mr. Walbyoff asked Eddie why grass cutting was done differently in different areas. Eddie said that this was a problem between Council, Contractors, and the environment department. Eddie to see Richard Gabb about this problem.

Jean asked Eddie why some people are paying 70p a week for a service they do not require. Eddie explained about sheltered and non-sheltered accommodation and said he would look into this.

Mrs. Halfpenny asked Eddie if anything could be done about children skateboarding,and playing around Smallbrook Gardens. Eddie said that the Warden should have a word with those concerned.

Stock Transfer will be delayed until November 25th 2002.

Eddie said that Nicky Gough will move from Sheltered Housing to head of the Alarm system, Jim Russell will take over Sheltered Housing. We would like to invite them both to our next meeting.

The group agreed to put in for an I.T. Grant for a computer for the group. We will have to ask Robert if he will please return the printer belonging to the group.

Eddie said that he would arrange transport for our September meeting.

Richard kindly thanked Vice Chair and Secretary for the hard work they had put in to make the meeting possible.

Vice Chair thanked Richard and Eddie for attending our meeting.

We would like to thank Menai Roberts for kindly hosting us at Southgate Court. Meeting closed at 12.00.

DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
Southgate Court, 5th September 2002

DISTRIBUTION LIST
Chair of the Shadow Board of Herefordshire Housing
Mr. T. Jaques - Herefordshire Housing
Mr. R. Hancock - The Herefordshire Council
Mrs. N. Gough - The Herefordshire Council
Mr. Eddie Clark - The Herefordshire Council
Herefordshire Tenants Federation
Chair of Tenants Disability Group