Minutes from the open meeting of Digbeth Residents Association (DRA) and Neighbourhood Watch on Monday 19th August

2013 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant. 1. Roll Call and Apologies Present: Gail Maynes, Karen Jones, Phil Bates, Simon Linford, Ronan Fitzgerald, Joe Holyoak, Ted Ryan, Pauline Roche, Phil Burrows, Bob Ghosh, Jayne Bradley, Cathy Wade, John Gordon, Pamela Pinski. Apologies: Sarah Crawley, Kate Gordon, Gabriela Butler, Tom Davies, Russell Poulton, Richard Trengrouse, Jacqui Kennedy, Sandra Hall, Councillor Tahir Ali, Lucy Cattell. 2. Matters arising a. HS2 Update John and Pamela appeared on BBC Radio WM on 27 June discussing the potential impact of HS2 on Digbeth, and in particular, the recently completely Eastside City Park. On the same day, the Birmingham Mail published an article written by Joe Holyoak on HS2. DRA has submitted a response to the Draft Environmental Statement, which is available on our website here. The next HS2 Community Forum meeting is on 24 September (details here). b. Digbeth Forum Update DRA has been invited to sit on a forum representing local businesses, land owners and residents, Chaired by Cllr Tahir Ali. Any relevant developments at these meetings will be fedback to DRA members, such as news on fibre optic broadband. DRA will very soon be organising focus groups to discuss the provision of superfast broadband in Digbeth. Anyone interested in taking part should email contact@mydigbeth.co.uk. 3. Police Report and Neighbourhood Watch News John Gordon attended Circoloco at The Rainbow, concluding that it was very well-managed. Sound levels were monitored during the event and were well within acceptable levels, but DRA will continue to work together with local venues on this matter. There was an unfortunate incident outside the venue during the event, unconnected to Digbeth. Police have been working with those who park their cars in Digbeth during the day to fit antitheft screws to number plates and disseminate crime preventative advice. There have been a number of thefts (phones/laptops) from offices in the Custard Factory. An arrest has been made which should hopefully stop the problem. The Police now have a key fob to access and patrol the Custard Factory during the day. John has been researching crime figures in Digbeth after representing DRA at the Police and Crime Commissioner Open Day in June. Although we have a bad reputation for crime, the figures reflect a crime incidence similar to Sutton Coldfield! 4. The Digbeth Pie Cathy Wade and Jayne Bradley presented three finalists for the title of the Digbeth Pie, a project using food to explore place. Meeting attendees were invited to vote for their favourite. 5. The Woodman - Update Due to an unexpected theft at the start of renovation work, there have been some delays to the project, but a tentative opening date has been set for the 26 September, with food being served the following Monday. Separating walls in the upstairs dining room have been removed, and a heat harvesting system installed, along with ten real ales on pump. 6. Any Other Business a. Small Change Phil Burrows (Birmingham FOE) Phil is hoping to make an application to the Small Change fund to raise money to install planters around Digbeth, with side advertising, but these would need to be owned by DRA. This proposition will be discussed in more detail at a future meeting.

b. Community-led Development There are around 50 social enterprises in Digbeth. iSE is preparing a proposal to be sent to the LEP to consider for European funding to develop a hub in Digbeth/Cheapside/Highgate for community-led development. c. Digbeth Walks The BBC series Peaky Blinders starts this autumn, exploring the gangs of Digbeth. To coincide with the series, DRA hope to organise historical walks to share the social history of our area. More information on these will be circulated in due course. 6. Date and Time of Next Meetings The next committee meeting will be held on Monday 9th September 2013 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant, High Street Digbeth. The next open meeting will be held on Monday 14th October 2013 at 6pm in the Old Crown restaurant, High Street Digbeth.