Agenda and minutes

Councillor Cutkelvin took the Chair and welcomed those present, particularly the newly appointed Police Beat Officer, Michael Thomas.

The Action Log of the previous meeting held on 20 January 2015 is attached for information and comment.

The Action Log of the previous meeting held on 20 January 2015 was agreed as a correct record.

Matters Arising:

a) Foodbank

It was reported that a meeting had been convened to determine the most appropriate location for the foodbank. 

b) Pavement Parking Review

It was reported that hardstanding areas on verges at Helmsley Road and Elston Fields were to be installed.

c) St Marys Allotment Site

A meeting had recently been held with interested parties and senior officers, and a consensus on the way forward had been reached.

d) Tic-toc Park Play Equipment

Play equipment had been ordered following the recent consultation with children from Marriott Primary School.

e) Traffic Calming

It was reported that overwhelming support for bollards to remain at Heathcott Road had been expressed following consultation with residents.  The situation with the one-way arrangement would be consulted on later in the year.

Ward Councillors will report on their recent activities.

Councillors reported the following:

a) Leisure Equipment

Use of gymnasiums at Leisure Centres was increasing which had led to support for the installation of outdoor gyms in parks.

b) Boulder Lane

The support offered to the family of a property that had recently suffered from a fire was explained.  The involvement of the Council to provide assistance and the liaison with Jon Ashworth MP was noted.

c) Foodbanks

A meeting had been held  with Councillors from Eyres Monsell Ward to ensure that provision was adequately provided from local community and neighbourhood centres.

The Democratic Support Officer will provide information concerning the new Ward Boundary and will confirm the Polling Stations being used for polling day on 7 May 2015.

The Democratic Services Officer provided details of the polling stations that were to be used in the forthcoming Parliamentary, City Mayor and City Council elections.

It was confirmed that the City Council election would be contested on the new Saffron Ward following the Boundary Commission’s review.

A map of the new ward boundary was provided, together with forms to register to vote, and applications for postal and proxy votes.

The position was noted.

The City Warden will provide an update on environmental and enforcement activities in the Ward.

Caroline Walsh updated the meeting with her recent environmental and enforcement activities in the Ward.

The recent dog fouling pilot initiative was discussed where significant interest and media coverage had been received.

Caroline encouraged use of the Love Leicester app and explained its wider promotion.

Councillors thanked Caroline for her work.

The Police will provide an update on their activities in the Ward.

PO Michael Thomas updated the meeting with crime statistics for the Ward.

It was confirmed that data across separate time periods and on an annual comparison could be provided in future to assess trends.

In conclusion, it was felt that the current rise in thefts from sheds and other break-ins, including the allotment site, could be due to the forthcoming car-boot sale season.

A summary of the Ward Community Budget 2014/15 is attached.

The following applications were received and determined as indicated:

·         1310

Aylestone Park Residents Group

Community Involvement

£500

SUPPORTED

·         1311

Aylestone Park Residents Group

Social enterprise

£500

NOT SUPPORTED as the Council’s protocols on the bids process did not allow for the application to be determined.

·         1367

Ndigbo Leicestershire (Nigerian Community Assn.)

Children’s Outing

£400

SUPPORTED

Note: that evidence of the benefit to children specifically from the ward would be requested for future similar bids.

·         1281

Rugby World Cup Bid

Saffron Arts

£2000

SUPOPRTED in the (remaining) sum of £1,959.09 as determined at the previous meeting.

The meeting closed at 6.50 pm.