Hanover and Elm Grove campaigns for safer crossings, co-housing and more trees

Green campaigns in Hanover & Elm Grove - March 2011

Fairer water charges for pensioners 
Hanover and Elm Grove Green councillors are campaigning for a fairer deal on water charges for sheltered housing tenants. Says Cllr Bill Randall: “On a recent visit to Sidney Tidy House in Queen’s Park Road, I discovered pensioners living in identical one- bedroom flats paying different amounts for their water. Some are paying as much as £30 a month, more than £5 a month more than their neighbours. I have taken their case up with Southern Water.”

Safer crossing at Elm Grove School 
Green councillors handed in a petition to the March council meeting signed by more than 150 parents and other residents and calling for a Puffin crossing to replace the outdated Pelican crossing outside Elm Grove School.

Community land grab on the Queen’s Park Estate 
Green councillors are campaigning with Queen’s Park Estate residents for the community takeover of wasteland behind Plumpton Road. Local residents will decide the way the space is used. First proposals include a community garden, a children’s play area and a food-growing project. “Three years ago we persuaded the Guinness Trust to give the association a rent-free community base, christened The Haven by residents, in its Pankhurst Avenue scheme,” said Cllr Bill Randall.
“It has been a huge success, thanks to the work of residents, their former Chair Margaret Lucas and Amy Allinson and other Trust for Developing Communities workers. More than 70 local young people have used the Haven. Other activities provided have included a mother and toddler group, cookery classes, a sewing circle, a women’s book club and an estate-based choir.”

The Hanover & Elm Grove Local Action Team (LAT)
The LAT, chaired by retiring councillor Georgia Wrighton, has groups on transport and parking, and students in the community and wants your views on these hot topics in the ward.
“The transport and parking group, which is chaired by my colleague Bill Randall, was set up to capture some of the good ideas raised during last year’s parking debate. It has met twice and heard views and ideas across a wide spectrum, and will hold one more meeting in April before publishing its findings and seeking the public’s views on any proposals.”
The Students in the Community Group begins its work next month and will look at issues raised by student housing and the halls of residence in the ward. First flagged up by Green councillors five years ago, the issues were dismissed as not being a problem by the Labour-controlled council.
“The transport and parking group, which is chaired by my colleague Bill Randall, was set up to capture some of the good ideas raised during last year’s parking debate. It has met twice and heard views and ideas across a wide spectrum, and will hold one more meeting in April before publishing its findings and seeking the public’s views on any proposals.”
Problems with untidy or obstructive Binvelopes are frequently reported at the Hanover and Elm Grove LAT. Some Binvelopes are left out permanently by residents and fill up with litter, recycling and Councillor Georgia Wrighton, Chair of the LAT, responded by joining a local resident and council officers on a walkabout to look at the worst examples of untidy Binvelopes. Officers agreed to follow up be kept in a neat and tidy condition and must not be obstructive. The letter will warn residents their Binvelope will be removed, if they are neglected. Binvelopes are a great way of keeping Hanover streets clean and Local Action Team wants your views on local hot topics Cherish your Binvelope – or you may lose it...
The next LAT meeting is on Thursday 9 June 6.45pm-8.45pm (venue to be confirmed). For more information on the sub-groups, please contact Cllr Georgia Wrighton.

Greens pledge support for co-housing groups and housing co-ops 
Green candidates Matt Follett and Liz Wakefield met Julian Howell (centre) of the Brighton Cohousing Group at a recent meeting at the Hanover Centre attended by about 40 people who want to set up cohousing projects. “It was very inspiring meeting that clearly demonstrated an unmet housing need for people who want to combine shared living with their own private space,” said Liz.
“Greens support the work of cohousing groups and housing and co-ops, which reflect the spirit of Brighton and Hove and could make an important contribution to solving the city’s housing crisis,” added Matt.

Matt Follett and Liz Wakefield with Julian Howell (centre) of the Brighton Cohousing group

13 new trees for Hartington Road 
Hartington Road resident Grant Fischer (centre left) was concerned about the loss of mature trees in his road and asked Cllr Georgia Wrighton (left) for her help in getting them replaced. The result is 13 new trees recently planted in the street and more to come. Cllrs Vicky Wakefield-Jarrett and Bill Randall joined them to mark the tree planting. For more information, call the Arboriculture Team on 01273 292929.

Off-licence victory! 
Cllr Bill Randall campaigned with residents recently to scupper plans by a Queen’s Park Road off licence to stay open until 3am every morning. Following their representations to the council’s licensing committee, closing time was fixed at 11.30pm.Greens pledge support for cohousing groups and housing co-ops.