Tornado Residents

Purpose of mtg: to give people living in area affected by tornado a chance to discuss support for local residents and air views

Mtg. facilitated by Ted Ryan, resident, Birchwood Rd, notes by Pauline Roche, resident – mtg. agreed that Cllrs. and representatives of organisations be asked to listen to residents rather than contribute to discussion.

Present: 50+ residents, 3 Moseley & Kings Heath Ward Cllrs, 3 representatives Balsall Heath Forum - List attached

ISSUES
• Poor distrib. of info/lack of communication
• Poor timings of mtgs organised by Council – daytime no good for residents
• No Residents Associations either side of Church Rd. to get help for residents
• Devastated area falls within 3 Neighbourhood Forums- residents don’t know which Forum they ‘belong’ to which is part of why this mtg was organised
• Security after Friday 11th on Alder Rd. when Council says security will be taken away?
• Alder Rd. residents want to preserve character of houses so want input on how area is to be rebuilt
• Some insurance companies not working together e.g. to match materials in adjoining houses
• Opportunity for all householders to get tog. to explore eco-home potential in Birchwood Rd/Alder Rd - roof plan needed
• Possibility of arson and other damage – fencing needed
• Fences around BH Park need attention
• Woodstock Rd - Is a private tenant legally obliged to pay rent while house so badly damaged?
• Security in day but not 6pm – 7.30 am next day
• ‘Teacup’ setup has been helpful
• Will govt. give loans for rebuilding? – people told ‘no’ at Council mtg at Lahore Karahi
• Mental health and well-being of local residents esp. children
• Need to talk to Housing Associations in area – concerns about demolition rumours - some don’t want that
• Taking fronts off houses in Alder Rd.?

Security/fencing
• Unfenced houses and alleyways
• Builders moving boards from house entrances
• Some Council staff clearing gardens have made damage worse
• Could keep phoning local radio/contacting local media to say how lack of security is affecting our lives
• Mtg asked for commitment to keeping properties safe
• • Job for Community Safety Partnership?
• • Local Delivery Group in District may be able to secure funds

Asbestos
• Officers from mtg. at Lahore Karahi today gathering info. about asbestos and will have at Information Point

Feedback from Council mtg. 1-2pm today at Lahore Karahi – Howard Boyd
• Council only have to make houses safe, not liveable;
• Asbestos disposal – more info. to be distrib.;
• Activities for children and young people to be prioritised;
• Security and fencing issues;
• More skips needed – 1 per road
• Council want to discuss regeneration of area

Other issues raised
• People not insured – 60%? – what is point of roofing insured but not uninsured properties, esp. when so many affected?
• Have to deal with rebuilding avenues/roads collectively
• Balsall Heath Forum can help a bit with security – Wardens, but suggest better work with Police/Council
• Suggest Small Action Group to get action done – Balsall Heath Forum could help bring together

• - Traders have worked together
• - Residents need similar access
• - Monkey Business scheduled for Balsall Heath Park Aug 20

• Need Council stall there
• Promise of help from Council Sparkbrook District office
• Can lobby District there

Input from 2 Moseley & Kings Heath Ward Cllrs (Cllrs. Cox & Mullaney)
• Ward has Neighbourhood Renewal funding

• - Some money for Balsall Heath Park (although not in M&KH Ward)

• £7k from M&KH Neighbourhood Renewal funding already spent there since tornado