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 Joshi as chair led on introductions.

There were no declarations of interest and there were no apologies for absence.

The Action Log of the North Evington Community Meeting held on 1 August 2019 is attached for information and discussion.

The Chair led on discussions based on actions raised from the action log of the last meeting.

It was noted that the issues with the installation of the gate at the end of Oak Street had been raised with the Neighbourhood Housing Officer at the recent Patchwalk. Councillors were in agreement that support should be provided for the cost of the gate using the Ward Community Funding.

ACTION: Ward Community Engagement Officer to liaise with the local residents to assist with funding application.

Councillor Fonseca informed residents that the police had identified the area as a hot spot and agreed to help co-ordinate. 

It was noted that there were ongoing issues around ASB at the ball court on Overton Road. Following a petition that had been received by the Council, local residents had continued to report on ongoing problems with the youth congregating at the ball court. ACTION: Community Engagement Officer to liaise with CrASBU.

The North Evington Ward Councillors provide an update on the issues they have been dealing with in the ward.

Councillors noted that:

·         With the housing shortage in the area, it was becoming very difficult finding a suitable accommodation.

·         The one-way system around the Wood Hill and Asfordby Road area was complete and running smoothly. The system had help ease the congestion in the area and improve the flow of traffic.

·         Councillors assured residents that a City Warden had now been allocated to the ward and would be visible tackling the issues that had been raised over the few months where the ward did not have an allocated City Warden. It was noted that the City Warden team could be contacted directly to report issues or the Love Leicester App was an alternative means to contact the team.

·         Surgeries were held on a weekly basis and residents could request for home visits or via telephone.

·         Councillors had been meeting with the Ghudwara on East Park Road to work on parking issues.

·         The Diabetes Centre was running well at the Merlyn Vaz Walk in Centre every Thursday between 10am-6pm.

·         Councillors praised the police for initiating the patch-walk on Larch Street, which was well attended and helped addressed the issues around the area.

·         Residents were encouraged to recycle their plastic, cans and bottles using the orange bag service.  

Housing officers will be present to provide an update on housing issues in the North Evington Ward,

Marlene Blake the Housing Team Manager provided an update to the meeting.

It was noted that a petition had been received for the removal of benches in the courtyard areas on the Charnwood Estate. Residents were concerned with the anti-social behaviour the courtyards attracted and petitioned to have the benches removed. Following the consultation more residents were in favour of keeping the benches and residents suggested entry systems to each of the entrances. Residents were encouraged to keep the entrance gates locked, to ensure resident safety.

Information on rent and repairs was not available as the area was managed by a different service area. It was noted that information could be made available on request.

A number was provided to report any faults and repairs required (please see attached).

Officers from the Local Policing Unit will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the North Evington Ward.

PC Ash Lorgat was in attendance and provided an update.

It was noted that the police were aware of the ASB in the local area and were working on tackling the issues raised. There were extra high visibility patrols carried out by the police at hot spots and warrants had been issued for the Misuse of Drugs Act. This approach had help visibly reduce the problem, but long-term solutions were being sought. Residents were recommended to continue to report all instances or keep a log and report to the Neighbourhood Officers.

The Police suggested that ensuring all gates were locked was the best solution to the ongoing ASB issue on the Charnwood Estate and receiving post should not be prioritised over public safety.

After carrying out a knife sweep, it was noted that a few items had been recovered with arrest and charges to follow. The police were conducting two sentinel reports.

Ward Councillors thanked the police for their work and shared their appreciation for the excellent work in conducting and delivering the patch-walk.

Highways officers will give an update on highways issues in North Evington Ward.

Mark Govan from the Highways Team was in attendance and took note of resident’s queries.

The Asfordby Street one-way scheme had been installed and was generally working well. The temporary buildout at Harewood Street with the junction of Green Lane Road would be made permanent. The one-way scheme has only been in place for less than 3 months and the need for speed cushions and/or bollards near the Harewood Street and Humberstone Road junction would be reviewed over the next 3 months to see if they would be required or not.

A review of the existing highway features on Green Lane Road will be undertaken to improve traffic flow, this includes removing a buildout outside the cinema opposite Prospect Road and reviewing existing parking restrictions.

A potential pedestrian refuge on Hastings Road opposite the play park may be installed to provide a safe place to cross and also to slow vehicles on the stretch of road.

A potential crossing on Forest Road near Prestwold Road, may or may not be constructed, as limited localised parking in the area would be lost. An Officer from the Highways Team had responded to the petitioner in relation to the matter.

Residents reported on parking ralated issues on Rosemary Road. It was noted that the Ghudwara and local businesses were using up street parking spaces. Residents from the area shared their concerns with the Highways Officer who noted their concerns and would pass on to the areas of concerns. ACTION: Highways Officers to pass on residents’ concerns.

Residents were concerned that a tow truck has not moved on Brambling Road for 3 months, the stationary vehicle and its location was causing issues with visibility. It was suggested that the vehicle may be linked to a nearby garage on Bramling Road.

It was noted that the East Park Road and Nottingham Road junction had long term issues that needed resolving. The Chair suggested that a yellow box marking should be installed at this junction. Residents did not believe that this would stop inconsiderate driving manoeuvres and an alternative solution must be considered.

Residents from around the Prospect Road and Green Lane Road junction suggested that there were visibility issues at the junction. It was suggested that this junction could be considered and included in the Green Lane Road corridor review. ACTION: Highways Team

The local City Warden will be present to provide an update on any environmental issues in the ward.

In the absence of the City Warden, the Community Engagement Officer updated the meeting with recent activities carried out on the ward by the City Warden’s Team. (Please see attached)

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

An update on the Ward Community Budget will be provided at the meeting.

The Community Engagement Officer delivered an update on the ward community budget. The following projects had been funded:

·      Highways - £780 – Frisby Road Footway repairs

·      Mindful Warriors - £500 – Yoga and mindfulness in schools

·      Shree Limbachia Gnati Mandal - £500 – Diwali celebrations

·      Highways - £600 – Frisby Road railings

·      Poverty Action Community Trust - £200 – Wheelchair buddies project

·      Highways - £800 – Bollards on St Saviours Road

The remaining balance to date was £11,520.

Aamenah Patel, the North Evington Community Connector for Leicester Ageing Together was in attendance and provided a presentation on activities that were ongoing.

Residents were invited to participate in the range of activities that the organisation were providing.

Leaflets with further information were distributed at the meeting and are attached for information.