Agenda and minutes

Councillors will elect a Chair for the meeting.

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 Byrne, Chair for the meeting led introductions and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence or declarations of interest.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 6^th February 2018, is attached and Members will be asked to confirm it as an accurate record.

The action log of the previous meeting held on 6 February 2018 was agreed as an accurate record.

A Police Officer will be at the meeting to provide an update on local policing issues in the Ward.

Sgt Matt Blackburn gave an update on local policing issues across the Abbey Ward.

It was noted that:

• Issues concerning ASB and nuisance behaviour reported by residents close to the Broadway public house had been investigated since the previous meeting.  It was noted that due to increased patrols, problems and reports had reduced.
• Reports of speeding vehicles at and around Parker Drive had reduced.  The situation continued to be monitored.  It was emphasised that reports were necessary to ensure that action could be taken and residents were encouraged to notify the police of any continuing issues.
• An incident involving an unlawful travellers’ encampment at the Halifax Drive area on 25 May 2018 had been dealt with using S61 powers.  It was noted police officers had visited residential properties following the incident to provide reassurance.  The Police were thanked for their response to the incident.
• An increase in small fires being lit in the Abbey Rise area had caused concern and residents were asked to report any instances.  Liaison with the Fire officer colleagues was ongoing.
• Problems with mini-motos and motorbikes being ridden unlawfully had become more frequent, it being noted that this was annual trend as the summer months and lighter nights began.  Residents were encouraged to report instances immediately and the police S59 powers to seize vehicles were confirmed.
• A national police initiative was being held on 1 August 2018 to inform residents of the current priorities being addressed, including knife crime and ASB.  It was noted that the Tudor Centre would be hosting a drop-in event to support the initiative.

Sgt Blackburn was thanked for his report and update.

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

Charlotte Glover (City Warden) provided an update on enforcement and environmental issues across the Abbey Ward.

It was noted that:

• An approach to increase liaison with neighbouring local authorities to tackle the growing number of fly-tips had begun.  It was noted that councils in the UK had dealt with 12,000 fly tips in the previous year at considerable cost.  It was envisaged that the enhanced liaison between councils would allow for more efficient methods of dealing with the problem.
• An information leaflet providing clarification of the effective ways in which waste and other items could be disposed of were circulated.  The responsibility of residents to ensure that anyone collecting waste from them was properly registered was noted.
• An initiative to reduce the numbers of bins left on the street in Abbey Lane had been undertaken.  Photographs were displayed to show the success of the initiative, together with associated environmental improvement works.

Charlotte was thanked for her report and update.

A local Housing Officer will provide an update on housing issues in the Ward.

Vanshree Raja (Neighbourhood Housing Team Leader) provided an update on housing issues in the Abbey Ward.

A list of 17 projects that had been completed recently was reported, which had been undertaken with the assistance of partners and agencies including the grounds maintenance team, probation team, Leicester to Work, and the police.

In respect of the future programme, projects identified for 2018/19 included:

• A play Area in Mottisford Road, at the rear of Thurcaston Road properties.
• UPVC to replace wooden slats at the Abbey Rise communal area.
• Dedicated bin storage areas in Kinley Road and Langley Avenue.
• Pathway clearances at Belgrave Boulevard, Pytchley Close, and Modbury Avenue.  The works to be undertaken by the Leicester to Work team.
• Annual site clearance at garages
• Fence and railing painting works at Kirkstead Walk.

Vanshree was thanked for her report and update.

An officer from the Highways team will be present to give an update on issues affecting the Abbey Ward.

Mark Govan (Highways Engineer) provided an update

on highways and traffic issues across the Abbey Ward, which included the following points:

• Residents of Roydene Crescent, had met officers separately outside of the meeting to discuss problems of parking and to the number of accidents and potential accidents being witnessed.  It was confirmed that officers would be arranging further consultation meetings to consider the residents’ concerns.
• The Loughborough Road bridge project would involve road closures from 15 July 2018.  Ward Councillors would be informed of further details nearer the time and press releases were to be issued.
• Complaints concerning School run parking continued to be raised and site visits to various school locations had been agreed.  It was noted that some road markings would be reinstated and education at schools to encourage parents to use alternative transport was ongoing.
• The Redhill Circle roundabout was identified for resurfacing works, which would cause some disruption. 
• A programme of joint-sealing roads continued, including road repairs at Cashmore View and Wheatley Road.

In response to a question it was reported that an alternative layout of parking bays and position of bollards at the Burnham Drive shops could be considered.  Examples of other parking configurations at similar shopping areas in the city were provided as suggestions.

Complaints of pavement parking in Bath Lane adjacent to Brucciaini’s were reported and would be investigated.

Issues concerning the consultation information on the Council’s website were raised, it being noted that the Belgrave St. Peters 20mph zone information had been difficult to access.

Information was requested concerning the access and egress design of the new Barratt Homes development at Heacham drive.  Officers agreed to contact the concern residents directly to clarify the layout.

Problems and concerns regarding an increase in accidents due to speeding in Anstey Lane, particularly at the junction with Blackbird Road were expressed by residents.  The possibility of using hand held ‘speeding guns’ and other enforcement measures were discussed.  In terms of the frequency and seriousness of the issue Ward Councillors referred to the evidence sent to them in emails, which would be forwarded to relevant officers.

Mark was thanked for his report and update.

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 as well as a summary of grant applications submitted for consideration since the last meeting.

The Community Engagement Officer informed the

meeting that Councillors had supported two applications since the last meeting.

One further application had been received and was currently being assessed.

It was confirmed that all applications were to be made online.

The following helpline number was provided: 0116 454 1940

Abbey Pumping Station.

It was reported that a two-day rally, involving several visiting steam engines would be held at the Abbey Pumping Station on Saturday 7 July 2018 and residents were encouraged to attend.

The meeting closed at 6.30 pm.