JERICHO ECHO ARTICLE
December 1984
The AGM of the Jericho Residents' Association was held on 23rd November 1984 in the St. Barnabas and Jericho Institute. Thirty people turned up despite a pouring wet and cold night. A number of matters were raised and a new committee was elected. The Chairman opened with a brief summary of the past year.
One of the most important long-term issues was the attempt by the Council to evict tenants from 13 Juxon Street on the grounds of illicit multi-occupancy. The JRA defended the tenants and cleared up the question of tenancy rights. Lucy's have now sent a letter of policy that they intend to restore all their properties in Juxon Street to residential occupation.
Industrial encroachment into residential areas is illustrated by an application by Taylors of St. Giles (Usborne's) to start a kitchen in the old garage in Walton lane. The residents are objecting, loudly, on the score of smells, refuse and traffic. Who wants the smell of cooked ham, pork pie, scotch egg etc. hanging round the garden 6 days a week? Parking also came up when Mrs Gillard of Richmond Road asked if the right of 24 hour restriction of non-residential parking could be applied to the Jericho Residents' parking areas. Other areas in the city get this privilege so why are the places in Jericho open to outsiders during the day, especially when they stay there until late evening.
Overcrowding of the minibus was another question and we are glad to tell you that the Committee are arranging to meet the South Midland. They are as anxious as we are to improve services and are thinking of adding yet another bus. A little bit of feedback is what is needed and Dennis Wise is your man. He will see that your suggestions get passed on.
The elections reappointed Edwin Ardener as Chairman and Christine Cowham as Secretary. Mrs Neill joins the Committee and Charles Gordon leaves it. But that is not the end of it. Anyone can ask to be co-opted. Anyone can attend any meeting.
We ended up with an appeal by a representative of Wolvercote Commoners about Medley Boat Station. Most of us know the bare bones of the story. How Medley Boat Station has systematically encroached on the common land of Port Meadow despite local and national protests. So far the City Council have failed to enforce their own planning powers - at the last inquiry their case was thrown out on ' legal technicalities' . So they have thought up a face-saver. They will grant retroactive permission to all the illegalities by Medley Boat Station in return for a promise not to do it again. Don't you try the same game, though - it needs money and influence to get away with that. Anyway, Wolvercote Commoners don't want them to get away with it and are appealing for help to pay for proper legal counsel to fight the case. You will get a leaflet soon. Even if you do not care a damn for Port Meadow at least you will be standing up for the belief that the law applies equally to everyone - big business, small business, private individual or public company. It is OUR MEADOW, not his private estate - for which he does not pay rates. Finally, our financial position. Cash in £16.86. Outgoings £10.10 on rent for a committee room and notices of the AGM. Balance £6.76. Please support the JRA stall when you see it at local events.