Minutes+-+November+11th+2008

10 RAs represented Clyde Area RA, Woodlands Park RA, Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Assoc, Hillfield-St James RA, Chestnuts Northside RA, GLC-RAG, West Green RA, Fairfax Rd RA, Hampton Ct Homeowners, Stroud Green RA. **//__Apologies:__//** 9 RAs - Warner Estate RA, Bruce Grove Residents Network, Fountain Area RA, Roden Ct TA, Ferry Lane Action Group, Haslemere Rd RA, The Hawthorns RG, Broadwater Farm RA, Coldfall RA;
 * __ Report of HFRA General Meeting - 11th November 2008 __**
 * //__RA Delegates Present__://**

They were very brief apologies from Secretary. Agreed to be accurate.
 * 1.** **__Minutes of Sept 9th Meeting__**

RAs present reported a wide range of local activities reported... There were also written reports from Bowes Park CA (newsletter distributed), Noel Park N Area RA and The Hawthorns (newsletter).
 * 2.** **__Local reports__**

Reports given re: Licensing; Cycling (LBH cycling officer post may be temporarily lost); Waste Management (some streets to get cleaned 3 times per week. Also, looking into recycling/disposal of paint).
 * 3. __Officer reports__**

We agreed that Liz Pine and Geoff Amabilino, both of Woodlands Park RA, would be co-opted as joint treasurers of the HFRA. Dave has banked outstanding cheques.
 * 4. __Finances__**

Discussed various contested sites:
 * 5. __Planning Issues__**

- **Wards Corner.** Site has been left to rot for years by TfL. Alternative community plan backed by Princes Trust. Local Councillors have broken ranks to support this too. Council and NDC have put £2m of public funds into the controversial demolition plan by private developer, due to go to planning cttee on Nov 17th. Big protest planned there. - **Ally Pally.** After much opposition and a critical independent report into the finances, the private developer has now pulled out. Save Ally Pally and the Council are all calling for a new approach and plan for the site. - **Civic Centre.** The plan to move into Woodside Park, objected to by the local Friends and user groups, has been shelved due to the ‘credit crunch’ financial crisis. - **The new Wood Green School.** Concern about over-development and loss of nature conservation area - **Tottenham Hotspurs.** The recent proposal to expand the stadium and demolish listed buildings has attracted criticism.

There were various tactics discussed, including traditional objections and protests, legal action (eg Judicial Review), and lobbying for policy changes. Joyce reported attending on behalf of the Federation a London-wide conference about amending the ‘London Plan’ planning document - Dave sent a formal HFRA response to that consultation. Bob agreed to attend on our behalf a ‘Core Strategy’ meeting organised by the Council’s planning dept.

Concern expressed over growth of repossessions due to economic crisis. One RA reported a very disturbing eviction witnessed in her area. It was agreed this is something local RAs should keep our eyes on, especially if their own members need support.
 * 6. __Housing__**

We had publicised our support for the current Parkforce proposals. We also agreed to back the campaign by the Friends of Lordship Rec for funds for regeneration of the park, including for a GLA grant decided by public vote this winter.
 * 7. __Parks__**

Car Free Day in Wood Green High Rd on Sept 28th had been a huge success, with 10,000 people taking part. The joint HFRA and Friends of Parks stall went down well and helped encourage people to join their local RAs and Friends groups all over Haringey. We reiterated our support for street parties in general, and major car free day events in particular in the coming year.
 * 8. __Street Scene.__**

Dave had reminded the Council they had agreed 9 months back to investigate a scheme (jointly proposed by the Federation and the Forum for Older People) for free public access to toilets in cafes, pubs etc. The deputy leader of the Council agreed to get things moving.
 * 9. __Public Toilets__**

It was noted that the local Save Our Surgeries campaign, which we support, was moving into a critical few months. The Haringey Primary Care Trust was continuing to push for polyclinics which could result in surgery closures and the threat of privatisation of the management of some NHS services.
 * 10. __Health__**

We welcomed the continuing activities of the borough-wide Sustainable Haringey network, and that some new local green networks were forming in Muswell Hill, Highgate, South Tottenham and Crouch End. We also noted that the new Sustainable Communities Act, which we had lobbied for alongside many other UK organisations, was now in force and there was an opportunity for Haringey to adopt certain positive new policies. Ideas suggested included promotion of local food production, 20mph standard speed limit, and installing solar energy throughout Haringey. We agreed to work with Sustainable Haringey on this.
 * 11. __Sustainability__**


 * 12. __Federation business__**
 * HAVCO AGM:** Liz (our new treasurer) agreed to attend on our behalf.
 * Federation Email Bulletins**: still seeking a volunteer for this so that we can report news from local RAs and other key issues on a regular basis.
 * Calendar of coming events:** could be added to our website, if we can find a volunteer to update it!