Councillors will provide an update on ward related matters.
Minutes:
Ward councillors provided feedback on work they had been doing since the last meeting which included the following points:
Councillor Master:
· It was noted that new black bollards had been installed on London Road.
· Depending on the results of a survey, the potential to make Cedar Road and Myrtle Road one-way was a possibility.
· Most casework was noted to be regarding landlords and tenants, who were struggling to pay rent, stay in properties or deal with the inflation in energy costs during the cost-of-living crisis.
· It was noted that food bank referrals were at record levels and requested that members of the public who can help, provide assistance to struggling families and schools when possible.
Councillor Rahman:
· It was noted that there had been some delays with planning applications.
· Following the major earthquake in Turkey, the Leicester Turkish Education Centre requested donations from the public with emphasis on heaters, blankets, pillows, dry food, clean clothing, sleeping bags, winter boots, jackets, scarves and gloves. Members of the public can drop off any donations at the centre on 277 Saffron Lane.
A member of the public enquired about plans to implement one-way streets ward wide. It was noted that while it was in the broader strategy for the city, future plans would be based on available funding. Councillors encouraged members of the public to email enquiries about streets being made one-way over and would find out any plans as soon as possible.
Councillor Thalukdar:
· It was noted that a lot of case work was underway during the cost-of-living and housing crisis and that concerned members of the public could either contact ward councillors or refer to the Leicester City Council website, which provided help and support for struggling residents.
Members of the public enquired about the Local Plan and noted that the Plan had relaxed the number of takeaway restaurants allowed side by side. It was noted that the proposed local plan would become national policy and the issue involved both Licensing and Planning matters. Councillors noted a bid for a representation on the matter where possible and requested members of the public to send any information over to Councillors.
Members of the public requested that, where unable to stop implementation of fast-food restaurants, that the enforcement of parking outside be reviewed and improved.
Members of the public highlighted concerns about parking in the ward. It was noted that the consultation for a residential parking scheme was ongoing to help alleviate parking concerns, with priority for residents. Further implementation of a walk to school scheme aimed to reduce the number of vehicles outside schools at drop off and pick up times.
Members of the public noted people were unable to access secure housing and full Hostels, despite empty houses in the ward. It was noted that not all empty properties were Council owned and strict requirements on style of housing may result in the private landlord abandoning the property than to fit the cost.
A member of the public enquired about enforcement of double yellow parking on Evington Road, resulting in the two-way road becoming one-way. It was noted that Police could only provide tickets for dangerous obstructions. Further, a red route could be installed to fix the issue but was noted to be very difficult to implement as it may interfere with local businesses receiving business. ACTION: Councillor’s agreed to look into the matter for a possible resolution.