2. Minutes of Meeting of 6th December
2006
The minutes were approved.
2a. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
3. George Street Christmas Decorations
The Chairman thanked Ian MacFadyen for attending the meeting.
IMacF reported the current Christmas tree decorations could
be re-used in 2007, he recommended that different fabric options
should be explored that would allow 70% of air to pass through,
with additional ballast in the trees bases at junctions to help
prevent toppling. BS enquired re. securing trees to building,
however this is not possible due to many of the buildings being
A & B listed. The intermediate trees are not the immediate
concern, it is mainly the trees at junctions. IMcF will contact
Scotia with regard to receiving proposals and will keep GSA
up to date, he is happy to attend the next meeting to go through
options. VO’B requested that if anyone has ideas/options
for 2008 Christmas decorations to please contact him.
4. Web Site Update
The ultimate aim is a fluid site, and to encourage more members
giving the association a stronger lobbying position. There was
general discussion regarding possible ways to encourage new
members, and to promote the website – some points included
• IB, ECCM will mention GSA website in it’s newsletter.
ECCM could also assist with a flyer to distribute to companies
in the area, It was proposed that current members could contact
neighbouring firms and publicise the site.
• JL, Kindle advised that GSA must show potential members
the benefits of joining the organisation., e.g. prestige, platform
to meet other companies, networking events.
• There is also potential to keep members updated on
latest BIDs developments.
• BS, GSA could discuss the possibility of a differential
membership subscription to encourage more businesses where perhaps
a web link and listing on the website is not beneficial.
4a.
A meeting is being held on February
2nd with Gavin Bonnar, Chameleon Design to discuss a monthly
maintenance fee for the site, the committee will be updated
at the next council meeting
5. Public Realm
VO’B briefly summarised and distributed notes on meeting
held with Andrew Holmes to see full report Public
Realm notes,
• IB, ECCM reported he had a meeting with Ewan Kennedy,
Network Services Roads Manager, who advised that the streets
were inspected regularly, and reports were given on any work
required, IB stated that George Street has a low footfall in
comparison to other streets in the city centre.
• The committee noted that whilst it was noted that inspections
had taken place shown by marking on the streets, there did not
appear to be any work following on . IB will follow this point
up with Ewan Kennedy.
• IB will give GSA the contact details of street inspector
to contact with specific problems.
• Longer term public realm plan as detailed in the notes,
VO’B will chase up SLI property department, also Jonathan
Guthrie to arrange a meeting to discuss further, whilst some
years away it would be beneficial to the area to have a long
term goal and to assist in investigating whether the scheme
has potential for investors.
• In principal GSA would support an underground car park
in George street. Any upgrade to public realm in George Street
will be delayed by Tram installation. ECCM will lobby to include
George Street in Phase II Capital Streets Plan.
6. BIDs
• IB, ECCM introduced Mike Gallagher, Project Manager,
who reported the BID consulation process is ongoing, businesses
in Rose Street have been contacted, priorities noted include,
crime, security, the environment, the consultation process will
continue for the next 3-4 months, there are 600 businesses in
the BID area.
• A survey will be emailed to all the GSA members to
be returned to ECCM to assist in giving baseline information,
VO’B asked if a copy of GSA members priorities be given
to GSA to assist the association gauge the members wishes.
•· Business champions from local businesses, including
John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Harvey Nichols, St James Centre
have been appointed
7. ECCM
• IB, a meeting will be held 5th Feb in Harvey Nichols
to update neighbouring businesses on the redevelopment of St
Andrew Square gardens.
• MG reported on retail crime database which has been
successful in Stirling the database has the ability to share
images and CCTV footage to other retailers helping to prevent
known shoplifters. The database is dependant on retailers feeding
information. This type of initiative could be financed by BIDs
project in the longer term.
• Community Safety Unit continuing to finance taxi marshals
on Saturday nights only, until end of March.
• ECCM have received 3 awards, for Castle Terrace Farmers
Market, Castle Street Eating Place, Fashion Festival, and have
been put forward for an award ceremony in London.
• Continental Market will take place 12-18th February
• ECCM would appreciate comment from GSA regarding Princes
Street upgrade plans
• ECCM are producing a retail guide & website for
the city centre
• Capital signs - signage has been improved with information
points in car parks, navigator sites and street information
points will be improved.
• ECCM are interviewing firms to assess city centre monitoring,
to observe footfall across the city centre
GSA expressed concern with traffic/parking in Castle Street,
IB stated that yellow lines will be painted to enforce traffic
regulations. JMcG commented on staining to the surface caused
by cooking at the markets, IB will request cleansing department
to monitor.
8. Treasurers Report
The Chairman distributed the treasurers report, the accounts
are in deficit at the moment due to the large outlay on the
website, DS is hopeful this will be rectified when subscriptions
are received in May and new members received.
9. Police/Crime Statistics
• Insp BJ reported that boundary
changes will take place from 1/04/2007 making the city centre
one area, this will have the effect of doubling the amount of
officers and increasing patrol cars to 5 or 6. A back to beat
system will be operated with 1 officer per shift in a beat for
1 year to familiarise the residents/business to the personnel.
BJ went on to discuss LBP running crime prevention measures
including civil ASBOs preventing known criminals from entering
the city centre this has shown an immediate decrease in crimes
reported.
• Statistics - 15% reduction in recorded crimes
• Solve rate 50%
• Serious assaults raise of 15% (all taking place in
the early hours all alcohol related)
• Robberies decrease 50%
• LBP are still endeavouring to install CCTV in the George
Street area, there are some problems with planning, however
2 sites have been identified and planning applications reapplied.
• Shoplifting is not always reported to LBP, a policy
for reporting shoplifting incidents is being planned to encourage
every businesses to follow the same procedure.
• Neighbourhood managers are being recruited, who would
liaise between LBP, Associations and CEC.
10. Planning Applications
The most recent planning report was distributed, for full report
follow planning
report January 2007 GH asked if the association could
assist the flower seller whose street trading license has been
revoked for 2 years due to the refurbishment of the Assembly
Rooms, VO’B agreed to sign a letter on her behalf.
11. Correspondence
Correspondence from CEC regarding traders vans having access
to residents parking to carry out work in premises in the city
centre, VO’B will reply if necessary.
12. AOB
Marketing Sub Group ECCM retail forum, DS was proposed to attend
to represent GSA, IB will arrange an invitation
Electrical supply, JM and JL approached the GSA to ask for
assistance in lobbying Scottish Power in regard to interruptions
in power supply to the Frederick Street area, initially JL would
like information from member firms experiencing similar problems
please contact Jamie
Kindle with copy to Patrice.mchenry@hamiltonandinches.com
many businesses in the area have experienced loss of revenue,
estimated to be in six figures area. There is a complication
with multiple suppliers, however there may be a fault in cabling
from the sub-station. BS commented that a devise was available
to measure energy supplied that can prove loss of supply in
any phase. JL has contacted the Operations Director, Scotland,
to complain. VO’B agreed to support JL in this initiative
and will write to Scottish Power. JL will contact VO’B
with contact details
15. Date of Next Meeting
Next meeting will take place on 21st
March at Royal Bank of Scotland, 36 St Andrew Square
A
full list of meeting dates 2007 in members section of the website.
