Bridge and Bell Courts - Exe Street - St.David's

I have been approached, as Chair of LSDCA, by Devon and Cornwall Housing Association (DCHA), enquiring if our community association would be prepared to be involved in various proposed improvements to Bridge and Bell Courts.
Previously, DCHA had attended several SDNP meetings endeavouring to enlist their support in this project, and each time SDNP had refused to be involved. DCHA gave up trying because, as one DCHA representative commented, ”With SDNP, it’s not what they can do for you, but what you can do for them”. SDNP are always complaining re various drink and drug incidents relating to Bridge and Bell Courts but, despite SDNP ‘HQ’ being only yards from these flats, refuse to offer any support to DCHA. Clearly, SDNP’s concept of ‘community’ differs to that of Lower St.David's Community Association.

Jubilee Court Funday

I contributed to the organisation of a ‘Funday’ at Jubilee and Richmond Courts in May, 2008, these are flats are within the SDNP catchment area. I, and two of the Jubilee Court residents, organised this ‘Funday’ as part of Emma Hall’s (Exeter Community Voluntary Service) ‘Speaking Up in Your Community’ project. Since the ‘Funday’, SDNP have extended their remit to include Jubilee and Richmond Courts, which is, of course, a positive step. It unfortunate that it appears to have taken my involvement with Jubilee Court to bring about something that Exeter City Council staff had been trying to do for a considerable time, but had constantly been refused by SDNP.

Oh Dear, Kelvin, and You Believed That YOUR Contribution REALLY Counted!

Hi Kelvin - You attended a meeting with Christine Fraser relating to SDNP's proposed take-over of the Community Centre. My understanding is that this meeting was with Devon County Council representatives.

Apparently, according to Christine, your contribution was 'f*****g useless'. Neeedless to say, Christine's comment was followed with appropriate apology of , "Excuse my French"! It would appear that your 'contribution' to this meeting did not fulfill the required SDNP mantra and was therefore viewed as um... 'disappointing'.

If it is any comfort, although I doubt it, I too have proved to be a 'disappointment' to the self-seeking/promotion of St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership, view the 'Communities First' Post above for more information re my 'failure to please'.

To Sue Lawrence - Your valued Contribution as Perceived By Christine Fraser/SDNP

Extract from email sent to me by Christine Fraser/SDNP. This message was sent to me in response to Susan's continued failure to respond satisfactorily to my requests for specific information relating to an event within our community. I contacted Christine in order that some progress could be made, and in the hope that Christine's contact would prove more positive than my own.

“I will try to get Sue (Lawrence) to butt out - a third and unnecessary event manager!”

It would seem that even Christine Fraser's/SDNP's ‘ally’, Susan Lawrence, is not immune to CF's criticism and controlling remit.

Graffiti Wall

CF/SDNP/SL/EPW pressed very strongly for a ‘Graffiti Wall’ in our community. In spite of strong opposition from the residents (believing it could add to existing graffiti problems), it took many months to convince CF and SL that the community didn’t want it. Despite objections being raised, by various community reps and the community, it was very much a case of having to force this issue. Residents had always vigorously expressed their concerns re inclusion of a graffiti wall, but CF and SL continued discussing it as though it would be implemented. They eventually, and very reluctantly, conceded that our community didn’t want this and it was excluded from the ‘Action Plan’. Yet again CF and SL pushed ‘what was best for our community’ despite clear evidence to the contrary.