Bill stated that the stretch of Western Road onto which the Farman Street Alley opens has changed over the past few years. What was once shops has now changed into bars, restaurants and clubs. Most are very late night closing and in some cases open 24/7. This is the major source of the anti social events that occur in Farman Street. Noise pollution from music and persons outside smoking is top of the list. Because of the closure of the Toilets in Norfolk Sq many customers are taken short whilst outside these venues. They then tend to use Farman Street as their toilet.
Bradshaw's Bar has a CCTV camera installed in the alley and the owner has kindly said that the images it records can be viewed upon request. These images are kept on camera for 28 days.
Barbara Montague said there were huge environmental health issues as it was extremely unpleasant cleaning up vomit, faeces and needles.
Mike Robins ( local tour guide) suggested a gate should only be installed at the Western Road end. He was told that one for Cross Street end had not been requested.
It was suggested that a gate could be installed but open during the day and at night that it could only be opened from the Western Road side by means of a code. The Farman Street side of the gate could be opened without a key or code so there would be no problem of persons being trapped in Farman Street. The Gate would therefore  be open 24/7 out of Farman Street into the Western Road. Entrance into Farman Street from the Western Road would be restricted during late evening and at night.  Times to be decided by the residents and bar owners.
Michael Atkins (Neighbourhood Watch) asked how long the cameras had been in place. Drug dealing had been seen in the alleyway which is classed as a criminal offence. It was confirmed that the camera had only been in place since the bar opened and there was no evidence of any recent dealing.
Bill said residents were sick of reporting incidents using the 0845 number as it takes too long. Verbal reports and e mail reports to our PCSOs are numerous but do not count towards a recorded incident. So as far as the police are concerned there have been no incidents (recorded) There is no response late at night when the incidents occur. The Community Support Officers are available throughout the day and are often in Farman Street. However the incidents occur at night when they are off duty. The Police will not attend during the night as the offences being reported are too minor.
Jonathan said it was important for all residents to keep a diary and inform the police of every complaint and make sure they get an incident number for each accusation. The residents will try BUT as incidents are daily most do not have the time to make a report to the Police and get an incident number.
There was support from Chief Inspector Jane Derrick for the previous Gating Order.
It was stated that the problems had got much worse since Bradshaws  had opened. Whist the access had been suspended during their building work there had been no recorded incidents.
Jonathan said that evidence must be robust and detailed. The environmental noise patrol have evidence of noise pollution. They are currently working on the noise issues with the residents and bar owners.
Nick the owner of Bradshaws said he was more than willing to do anything he could to help. Even let customers of the smaller bars use his toilets. He also questioned the council’s decision for closing the toilets at the top of Norfolk Square.
Cllr Paul Elgood said he was not optimistic about a gate being installed in the near future and would like to know when the council would be discussing these issues. Cllr David Walker said Simon had been constant in his support and suggested the whole appeal should be speeded up with everyone keeping detailed diaries. There will be more antisocial behaviour in the run up to the holiday period. It was also suggested that all incidents should be e mailed to the Simon Bannister to keep him informed.
Simon said that all the protocol for a gating order was on the council’s web-site under the title of Alley Gating on the Planning Page. The Protocol could be downloaded from the site. Stealing plants urinating etc. is not be given such a high profile as sexual offences or drug dealing. All evidence needs to be recent and include photographs and sound recordings if possible.
Simon asked Nick (owner of Bradshaws) if the council could see the CCTV footage on a regular basis . He agreed as it would help him deal with any anti social behaviour. Nick said the images recorded were good as the alley was now well lit.
Barbara Montague asked if there would be any objections to a half gate. Simon said it would still need a gating order. He informed the meeting that there had been 20 objections mostly from individuals and bodies such the Open Spaces Forum and the Rambling Association who appeared to be targeting this particular gating order whilst ignoring others.
It was asked would these people still object if the gate was not locked.
If the opposition decide to go to the High Court it could be very costly to the council.
Cllr Elgood said the whole application needed speeding up and that this would be better with a small working group meeting on a regular basis. He suggested a start in the New Year. All residents should keep records and Simon should log all emails. It would be useful to have the police involved in the sub group.
Bill agreed to set this up asap. Jonathan said he was happy to attend theses meetings at a time and place suitable to all.
He stressed that it was important that there were no objections from anyone living in Farman Street. .
 Michael Akins said there was to be a Local action meeting on Wednesday 25th November in The Cornerstone Community Centre.  Bill will attend and inform the Police of our intention to apply for a gating order for Farman Street.
The meeting was attended by residents from Farman Street and Cross Street a total of 25 persons in addition to EBRA chair and secretary, Councillors and Staff of the council.
It was felt that it was a positive meeting and Simon and Jonathan were thanked for their support.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm
 Notes taken by Joan Marks - Secretary to EBRA

CORNERSTONE CENTRE HOVE  17/11/09...6.30PM
Notes of an open meeting called to discuss a Gate for Farman Street
Present were
Cllr Paul Elgood
Cllr David Watkins
Simon Bannister - Council Staff
Jonathan Fortune - Council Staff
Bill Cowell - Co Chair East Brunswick Residents' Association
Richard Oxford - Farman Street EBRA Representative
Joan Marks - EBRA Secretary
Michael Akins - EBRA member and Neighbourhood Watch