Agenda and minutes

The Chair will introduce those present and make any necessary announcements.

The Chair and any other Councillors who are present will make any declarations as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Russell, in the Chair, welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were given.

There were no apologies for absence.

Attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 7 February 2017 was confirmed as a correct record.

The following update was noted:

Braunstone Gate - Places for People Project.

Further to the principles reported at the previous meeting it was reported that detailed plans were now being considered and costed, which included the possibility of developer contributions.

An update will be given on issues concerning Bede Park.

Councillor Russell provided an update on the work undertaken at Bede Park.

It was noted that the outdoor gym equipment had been installed and was well used, and that the barbeque and seating area had also been installed.  Some replacement planting of trees had been undertaken to provide more suitable and hardier plants.

Improved fencing and paving had also been provided, with financial support from Leicestershire Police, which aimed to improve community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

It was suggested by a resident that further funds may be available to improve the area as part of the City Challenge initiative, although some problems had been experienced in contacting original signatories to release the funds raised.  The Parks Department had been advised to assist in resolving the matter, following consultation with the Community Engagement Officer.

A further update on Bede Park would be provided at the next meeting.

An update on planning and development issues in the Westcotes Ward not covered elsewhere on the agenda will be given at the meeting.

Councillor Russell advised of her involvement in enforcement activities concerning the use of garages/lock-ups in Westcotes Drive arising from noise and disturbance from premises operating without planning consent.  An appeal against the Council had been lodged and was under consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.  Evidence, including photographs of the operations, had been collated to assist the Council in defending the decision.

A planning application had been submitted for the conversion of Bradgate House at the corner of Westcotes Drive and Skyefield Avenue.  It was noted that the premises had suffered from anti-social behaviour, fly-tips and squatting since it became unused.  Although the proposal would bring the building back into use, a situation which was welcomed, some concern was expressed at the nature of the development and space standards, having regard to regulations concerning ‘houses in multiple occupation’ (HIMOs).  Residents were advised to view full details of the application on the Council’s website and make comments as appropriate.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in Westcotes Ward.

PC Tam Bains provided an update on Policing issues in the Ward.

A drop in reported burglaries had been noted, however, theft from vehicles had risen significantly.  An increase in the theft of number plates had also risen and offenders were using stolen plates to obtain fuel without paying.  Advice was provided on secure fixing s of number plates to avoid instances of theft.

Although the overall numbers of burglaries had reduced, it was noted that of those reported, distraction break-ins were becoming more frequent.  These burglaries involved offenders appearing at the door purporting to be from the local authority or energy provider.  Residents were advised to check the identification of visitors before letting them have access to their homes.

In conclusion, the Police were advised of anti-social behaviour at a car park in the ward and details were taken.  Street drinking in the car park and other anti-social behaviour had increased in recent months.  The City Warden agreed to organise a clear-up of the area, in consultation with City Cleansing, as broken glass and litter had become an increasing concern.  Similar problems of anti-social behaviour existed at the area adjacent to the Westcotes Health Centre and the Police and Warden were aware and were dealing with issues.

The Police were thanked for their update and advised that they would take details of any individual concerns from residents at the close of the meeting.

The City Warden will give an update on issues in the Westcotes Ward.

Richard Sutton (City Warden) provided an update on environmental and enforcement issues in the Ward.

It was noted that work continued to deal with the increase in fly-tips and educational work also continued undertaken with local businesses regarding their waste disposal policies and practices.

The problems of residential wheelie bins left on streets was also being addressed and a significant number of warning notices had been served, with some continuing to fines issued through fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

Councillor Russell commented on increased consultation with landlords to advise of the correct methods to deal with the removal of furniture, white goods and other large items between tenancies.

In conclusion, residents were advised of the LoveLeicester app which was promoted as an appropriate method of reporting problems to the Wardens’ service.

Councillors are reminded that under the Council’s Code of Conduct they should declare any interest they may have in budget applications

An update will be given on the Ward Community Budget.

The Community Engagement Officer reported that 3 had been approved for funding in the period to year end, with a remaining balance being carried over to the next financial year.

A recent application to organise a litter clearance of Bede Park and the surrounding area had been deferred pending further discussion with the applicant.

A representative from the Arts and Museums Service provided feedback on the recent family arts and public engagement project.

A.        Sustrans Consultation Events

Concern was expressed that some advertised consultation events had not taken place and that information was becoming difficult to obtain.  It was noted that Sustrans were experiencing a transition period between coordinating officers and it was expected that the situation regarding public consultation would improve.

B.        Advertisement Pictures - Tanning and Beauty Shops

A resident expressed concern at the advertisement practices of tanning and beauty shops, where large scale images were displayed.  It was considered that the pictures concerned were located near to schools and may have an influence on youngsters’ attitudes to their body image.  The matter would be researched in case the Council could intervene and regulate the scale or number of images being displayed.

C.        Briton Street Cycle Path

Following the discussion at the previous meeting concerning the Briton Street shared cycle path, it was suggested by residents that due to its popularity, the shared space was becoming increasing dangerous for pedestrians and required a redesign solution.

D.        Refuse Storage Areas

The City Warden was alerted to problems where refuse had been left uncollected from communal storage areas.  The situation had attracted rats and the Pest Control Team’s previous efforts to deal with the problem were reported and noted.

The meeting closed at 8.25 pm.