Minutes of Meeting on 1 February 2000:

CRYSTAL PALACE & NORWOOD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Minutes of meeting held at the Phoenix Centre, Westow Street

Tuesday, 1st February 2000

PRESENT

Doug Barnes - Chairman (Tamnag Thai)
Christopher Dobb - Temp. Secretary (Upper Norwood Joint Library)
Geoffrey Harding - Hon. Solicitor (Bennett, Welch & Co.)

Caroline Streek (Quality Hotel/Streek's)
David Kerr (Town Centre Manager)
Ian Ward (I W & S A Ward)
Councillor Pat Ryan (London Borough of Croydon)
James Slattery-Kavanagh (Quotes)
Neil Dyson (Crystal Palace Foundation)
Wendy Allen (Phoenix Shoes)
John Ellner (Joannas)
Peter Runacres (Thornton Springer)
J. Itayalcumar (Morleys Fried Chicken)
Mr Kanex (Pizza Express)

Guests
Kevin Carlton-Reeves
Geoff Bailey (CPO Norbury)
PC Paul Trevett (Beat Officer, Upper Norwood)

1. Apologies

Allan Thompson (Hon. Secretary)

2. Minutes of Meeting held 4th January 2000

The minutes of the last meeting were approved after Pat Ryan made a small comment that he hoped "wanted cars parked in a way that caused further disruption" would not be quoted out of context and the Chairman agreed to change the wording slightly to put emphasis on the "to be towed away" part of the sentence.

3. Chairman's Report

Doug gave his thanks to Alan Thompson for contacting ChingWah Wong of Lambeth Council and getting instructions for Fast Track Bye Law passing to prevent "on street drinking". These documents were passed to Pat Ryan and David Kerr with the request that they consider asking Croydon and Bromley Councils respectively, to pass such legislation to enable the police to prevent this problem in the Upper Norwood area.

• There has been news of an Underground link to Crystal Palace. Kevin will investigate and report back on this.
• Keith Bryars (Croydon Planning) has asked for a meeting on Transport
• CCTV - the bid was successful and £1.4 million is to be spent in this area. Robin Dice and David Kerr have both worked extremely hard to achieve this success. The system may be operational by Christmas (more likely March!). Press release to be sent out.
• Getting to Know You - joint event with Croydon and South London Chamber - 15th February. Display tables can be hired.

4. Geoff Bailey - CPO Croydon

Geoff talked about the Security Upgrade Survey Scheme. They are working across borders with Gipsy Hill and Southwark. Grants towards improvements are available - matched up to £600.

The problems of beat officers travelling up the hill to Upper Norwood as part of their duties were discussed. Option of cycle purchase - Chair to investigate ways money can be raised through SRB.

5. David Kerr, Town Centre Manager - Update

• Number of vacant retail units down to 25
• 2 information boards to be put up around Triangle
• Welcome packs are sent to new traders
• There will be a refurbishment of area outside Safeways
• Website is being constructed
• Blitz on "To Let" signs
• Living Over Shop Scheme - there are 31 schemes going on in this area
• Loyalty Card Scheme - trying to get quotes for this
• Town Guide - the map is going through proof-reading stage
• Restaurant Voucher Scheme - consultation taking place on this idea
• Shoppers Survey undertaken, which covers Upper Norwood
• Bus Terminus - now up and running
• 361 and 157 buses may be cut - Chair to write to London Buses
• Advertising hoardings - still trying to have these removed

6. A.O.B.

Concern was expressed over wall which runs along the Parade - whether it is safe for people to lean against whilst waiting for buses. Chair to write to Southwark.

West Norwood Town Centre Forum - at a recent meeting members of the Board were elected. Isabel Elder will be producing a newsletter.

Quality Hotel - the Gallery Restaurant will be open at Easter. The new Balmoral Suite will be opening on 27th April.

John Ellner and Wendy Allen introduced the Chamber's New Discussion Policy - as attached. It looks as if the developer of the top site (London & Regional) will pull out of the Community Forum. All has gone quiet, presumably until the pending court case which will not be heard until 29th March. Press Release to be sent out on Chamber's policy.