Issue - meetings

An update will be provided on the Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme within the North West area of the city.

Adrian Wills, Head of Neighbourhood Services gave a presentation regarding ‘Transforming Neighbourhood Services’ which affected several Council buildings across the city including libraries, community/ youth centres, housing offices and more. All to note:

·         A review of how neighbourhood services would be run was in progress and also, the plans to work with local people and community organisations to deliver effective joined up services.

·         Some options included; offering buildings for ‘community asset transfer’ (whereby community groups would run/ manage the building), merging services into shared buildings, self service facilities and reducing the number of buildings owned by the Council.

·         The current process for community groups to apply for community asset transfers was explained.

·         The Transforming Neighbourhood Services proposed changes for the North West Area leaflet was distributed at the meeting. This included a consultation form which would be open until 11 April 2016 and it was encouraged for residents to submit their views via the form or online.

Residents’ concerns:

·         It was requested for Adrian to find out about the latest situation with empty buildings in Western Park including the Eco-house. Adrian would take this back to his team.

·         Councillors requested further information on the running costs for centres and also accessibility for vulnerable/ disabled persons. Adrian agreed to ensure the Councillors had a copy of the packs disclosing this information, it was reported to also be available online. In regards to accessibility, Adrian reported that equality impact assessments would be carried out.

·         Joe Carroll from the Braunstone Frith Recreation Centre requested to meet Adrian to further discuss the venues future. Councillors requested to be kept up to date with this meeting.

·         A local resident noted that certain groups such as Super-trooper girls may struggle to find a venue. Adrian was happy to talk to the group if they required.

Hetha Copland, the Neighbourhood Development Manager will provide an update on the Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme which is expanding to the North West area of the city.

Members of the public were asked to note an update from Hetha Copland, Neighbourhood Development Manager on the Transforming Neighbourhood Services programme. Hetha’s presentation included the following points:

·         The programme looked at how local city council buildings, such as libraries, community centres etc were used and could be used in the future as very significant savings could be made by maximising the use of buildings.

·         As part of the programme there had been consultations with local groups and service users. No decisions had been taken yet and there would be further consultation over the next six to nine months.

·         Information would be available on the council’s website and in community buildings.

Councillor Cole added that it had been suggested to the City Mayor, that it would be very helpful if any money saved from the programme could be used to provide some provision in the area of the Western ward where there was none.