1.

WELCOME ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

Clive Hilton started the meeting by welcoming our guests, apologies from Stephen Hammond, Gordon Vincent & Juliet Willis.

2.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The Chairman reviewed the Minutes of the last meeting, and they were approved.

3. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Income for the year was £315 up from £305 in 2010, from some 63 members. Costs were the WURA subscription of £20, website costs of £45 and the 2010 AGM £280.   The total funds held are £5,103.  

4.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The whole Committee was re-elected and approved by Peter Kallos & David Jenkins.

5.

CAMPER VANS ON THE CAUSEWAY / WESTSIDE

There was a lot of discussion about the above.   The Secretary has had discussions with the police, the Conservators and our local Councillor, and there seems to be little that can be done about this nuisance. To remove without restrictive parking scheme is going to be tough, even though we have photographic evidence that they are being lived in. The Chairman would like Merton CC to take more action, but in these times of austerity, it is not high on their agenda. Richard Chellew commented that it is a political issue within the council, the same traffic officers that are dealing with all traffic in the borough, would also be the same officers that would deal with the camper vans.

6.

WESTSIDE - PARKING

The vast majority of residents were in favour of double yellow lines / restrictive parking on Westside / Chester Road, but not in favour of flashing lights notifying drivers of their speed. The council has approved plans to add double yellow lines and this will be implemented after the tennis fortnight / early July. It was noted by RC that traffic officers had been tied up dealing with the traffic calming issue in the village (The Belvederes) and the scheme to close off these roads to push all traffic down Church Road, in an experimental scheme.

7.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The Chairman introduced our guest speakers – Councillor Richard Chellew and Rob Richman.

Richard Chellew told us about the history and importance of Merton Priory and  about the Magna Carta and local importance / relevance of it.

Rob Richman and team told us about the plans in Southfields to convert the Rileys Pool & Snooker hall into a cinema / restaurant complex, with the support of local residents and an angel investor. The current owner of the site is looking for change of use and therefore trying to sell the site at a premium to its current value, therefore it is uncertain at this stage if the offer that the cinema consortium has made will go ahead.

8.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

It was suggested Westside Common from The Causeway thru to Cannizaro Road should become one way, leading into Cannizaro Road to stop the traffic jams that are now occurring, especially with the increase in traffic that the F&G has brought in.

CH told us that there was a meeting on Thursday 9th June with Merton CC re on going issues re litter / drinking / abusive behaviour on Rushmere Common, at this time the council / police do not have the man power oversee Rushmere Common during the long summer evenings. It was suggested that the AELTC should offer assistance in cleaning away litter, especially after the tennis fortnight ball boy / girl party / rave.

There was discussion about The Fox and Grapes Pub – re the over flowing bins / litter / not being a part of the local community – it was agreed we should all “watch and monitor” the situation carefully and add pressure to get them to become part of our community.