Minutes 6th July 2004

Minutes of Meeting on 6 July 2004:

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HELD AT 1ST FLOOR, LORENZO'S RESTAURANT, WESTOW HILL

1. Present
Honorary Chairman - James Slattery-Kavanagh - Quotes
Honorary Secretary - Lucy Smith - MyMatiz.com
Frank Lissimore - Amphlett Lissimore
Emma Jayne Sheehan - Amphlett Lissimore
Stuart Cardow - DCL Consulting
Kevin Carleton-Reeves - Transport Consultant
Dr L K Bandlish - Gipsy Hill Dental Surgery
Chris Brody - CBrody.com
Daphne Kellet - Art Dealer
Yemi Dada - Palace Estates
Frank Pons - Tamnag Thai
Roger Sorrell

2. Apologies
Honorary Membership Secretary - Mary Kennedy - The Tanning Shop
Sharon Baldwin - Town Centre Manager
Lorenzo Nargi - Lorenzo

3. Minutes of previous meeting
These were proposed by Kevin Carleton-Reeves and seconded by the Chairman.

4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.

5. Chairman's Review
5.1 Membership and Finances
The Chair welcomed two new members: Daphne Kellet and Sylvester Asenguah to the Chamber.

5.2 Presentation of Accounts
The financial statement for Year Ending 28/2/2004 was presented.

5.3 Chamber of Commerce at Crystal Palace 150th anniversary
Many MPs and local dignitaries were present and therefore there was an opportunity to network with these people and raise the profile of the Chamber. Around 4000 people attended. The Chair has received a letter from Jacqui Lait MP (Beckenham) who is keen to keep in touch with the Chamber, we will add her to our mailing list.

It was suggested by Frank Lissimore that the Chamber could offer to get a license and run a beer tent as there wasn't one at the event. The profit could go into something in the community and Frank said he would be interested in helping to organise this. As a result of the event the Chamber now has much stronger links with the Crystal Palace Foundation. The Anniversary went well and it will hopefully be repeated next year.

5.4 Upper Norwood Joint Library
The re-opening of this independent library was attended by local MPs, councillors and the mayor. It was refurbished within budget and on time. It has been refurbished to a good standard. The library is keen to establish contact with local organisations. They have a private advice room that is available to hire. Sharon Baldwin is based there Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is employed by Croydon.

5.5 Hanging baskets
The Chamber has been working with Sharon Baldwin to get some hanging baskets. Sharon had located 400-500 and a proportion will be allocated to the triangle. Maintenance, watering etc. will be an issue, also the lamp posts aren't sufficiently adapted to take them at the moment.

5.6 Event Banners
Melvyn found there was a shortage of places to put up event banners. There is a request out between neighbours. There are some planning issues and health and safety but the Town Centre Manager would guide you through the process. It wouldn't be general advertising but advertising for the park events etc. Speak to the Town Centre Manager (Sharon Baldwin).

5.7 Town Centre Management
Local council officials have been attacked by many local organisations round here. The survey has been well received because it is proper evidence and constructive. The council's central team will be reviewing next week. Sharon has asked them to prioritise three things: Double yellow lines; Time restrictions; Junction at top of Gipsy Hill.

She has asked for an official acknowledgement of information presented by the Chamber. Triangle traders have presented information and they have not acknowledged it. On the 13th September there will be a Policy Development Committee and on the 24th September a meeting lead by Adrian Dennis. They will be doing research into what needs to be done and how to go about it. Ian Simm will be visiting the Chamber on 5th October after the council meetings and we should know what they are doing. On 18th October there is a traffic management cabinet meeting.

Lalit said did they have any information on the traffic levels before and after the one way system was implemented. Transport for London are spending £16,000 conducting a survey on traffic flow. They realised they need to take into account pedestrians and local businesses including parking rather than just traffic flow.

Daphne said they should do an environmental impact study and then they would have to consult everyone. The Numidie Bistro was one example of how ludicrous the scheme was; zig-zag lines outside the restaurant, no unloading bays and cameras. The Chair said that an environmental impact study was not something the Chamber would be asking for. He can see that the council are sticking with the one way system. There will be a meeting tomorrow night (7th July) at the Salvation Army Hall at 7pm. Daphne said she would be writing to the Mayor's office.

5.8 Powercuts
Sharon Baldwin is speaking to an EDF supervisor re: electricity in Westow Street. The substation packed up and replacement generator also gave up the ghost and many businesses suffered interruption. The Chamber can't do anything but if you have insurance you should look at the policy and see if you have cover or speak to your electricity provider. The infrastructure is not good and the council is not involved but they will be keeping a closer eye on this. The broken water main outside the library is now fixed. The strip of pavement that is dug up will hopefully get fixed.

6 Members Directory
All members to give thought on whether we should publish member's directory, what format this would take and how we would pay for publishing costs. We could start off with something on an internal basis. Need to gage feedback from members on how much they are prepared to pay. Lalit said alternatively we could print diaries with the Chamber of Commerce logo on them.

7 Any Other Business
Saturday - Nigel Westaway park development meeting at Salvation Hall.

Observer July 4th - £1 billion boost set to be announced this month for transport and the East London Line.

Underspend of £500 on training for any member of staff. Croydon Council are providing the funding and it might still be available. If you have already paid for training then you could claim the money back against this underspend. Speak to the Stuart of DCL Consultancy for information.

The Chair reiterated that any member who has any news then they are more than welcome to publicise this in the Chamber's newsletter. The Chamber website also provides details of all members of the Chamber.

Date of next meeting: Tuesday 3 August 2004 at 7pm, Lorenzo's Restaurant (First Tuesday in the Month)