February 2023 Update
12th February 2023
BINS & WASTE
We are very thankful to the Southampton CIty Council Waste Management department for sending two volunteers to our meeting.
Our questions to the SCC Waste Management Team yielded some interesting answers.
Firstly, there are no enforcement officers for bin related issues as such. The department funding seems to be in favour of dealing with fly-tipping, and educational approaches. The team informs residents individually of their incorrect use of bins by making face-to-face house calls. Sometimes this is brought about by observational walks, and other times they will visit a street based on the amount of reports they receive. They confirmed that the online form reports are useful for this.
They are in ongoing conversations with the SCC HMO officers and Solent University. They believed having a visible guide to bin etiquette in these properties would be useful.
There are currently no plans for communal/underground bin facilities but there are statutory changes coming in for the city. We asked to be involved in future discussions about waste management.
Regarding accessibility, we raised the architectural and structural problems that many streets have with the placement of their bins. At their request, we have emailed them a list of streets in which this is prevalent and offered to go on a walk with them to help explain our issues further. We are still seeking solutions. We have also asked for data collected on the interventions in the area.
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What can you do?
It is evident that individuals filling in the online forms is an effective way to draw attention to our ongoing issues. Please use the "useful links" section to report.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
The disused noticeboard at Bedford Place carpark has officially changed hands and keys. It is now Southampton's Tiniest Art Gallery. Stay tuned for transformation.
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Bedford Place and The Polygon is full of heritage and areas of historical interest. We are launching a project to map the neighbourhood, creating an interesting local walk, and displaying plaques proudly. If you would like to get involved please email polygonra@gmail.com.
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GREENING
We are seeking volunteers who would like to establish our new community garden, at the entrance to the Rollesbrook Greenway (near Excellent Car Wash and Springhill Primary School). If you are green-fingered, handy or arty, we have lots of ways to get involved. We have been given permission to paint the bin shed at the edge of the apartment block so if you know of any artist who would like a high-profile location for their work, please let me know.
Our councillors have put in a minor capital bid to purchase some new play equipment for the playground. We have purchased some vinyl signs to promote the location of the playground which will be placed in the Spring.
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The Wilder Southampton team would be most grateful if you could complete their short survey, to ultimately help wildlife and nature in our area.
SUMMER SOCIAL
We would like to host an event to get to know our neighbours. The Great Get Together in honour of Jo Cox MP, was a wonderful suggestion. We are looking for volunteers to lead the charge on co-ordinating this project. You will have the full support and resources of the committee of course!
Indeed, if you would like to get more involved in BePoRa, you are most welcome to join in! None of this would happen if it were not for the wonderful work of our volunteers, so thank you once again to everyone who has given over their time and care. In particular, the headteacher of the Polygon School has gone above and beyond to faciliate our meeting. They are hosting a fundraising quiz night on Friday 24th February. Your attendance would be a lovely way to say thank you.