Agenda and minutes

Councillor Willmott was elected as Chair.

Apologies were received from Councillor Bhatti

The first main item on the agenda is Declarations of Interest where Councillors have to say if there is anything on the agenda they have a personal interest in. For example if a meeting was due to discuss a budget application put forward by a community group and one of the Councillors was a member of that group, they would not be able to take part in the decision on that budget application.

Councillors are asked to declare any interest they may have in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the previous Rushey Mead Community Meeting, held on 8 July 2011, are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record.

Officers from the City Council’s Waste Management Service will be at the meeting to explain the new recycling collection service being introduced across the City.

Cristina Calleja, Waste Minimisation Officer, explained that a recycling trial for a new system had taken place in four parts of the city over the past year. The trial was successful and would become the new recycling service for the whole city the week commencing 17 October 2011.

Every property with a green box would be provided with a roll of orange bags, leaflet and a sticker during the first two weeks of October. These were easy to use with clear instruction on bags. The orange bags needed to be presented weekly alongside the wheelie bins by 7am on collection day. It was important to place the bags out by this time as although resident collection days would stay the same the collection times may vary.

The benefits of the new service included an extended range of recyclables being collected and easier to understand. Examples of items that were included in the new range were mixed paper and cardboard (including magazines and windowed envelopes), household plastics (including, ice cream tubs, yogurt pots, cling film), mixed glass, aerosols, cartons, tins and drinks cans.

It was noted that during the trial the number of people taking part in recycling increased and the amount of recycling had increased significantly (more than doubled).

In response to a question it was explained that the old green bag recycling system had changed to a box system due to the excessive amount of manually sorting. This was found to be very resource intensive. The new service was machine operated with some hand sorting for quality purposes.

It was queried what would happen to the green boxes currently used for recycling. In response it was explained that residents had the choice to keep the box or pass them to Biffa using the red sticker enclosed in the delivered information. The boxes would then be recycled.

The meeting were informed that if more that 10% of the orange bag contained contaminates a postcard would be left at the property explaining that these cannot be accepted and the property would be monitored. A separate crew would be called to collect the contaminated bag.

It was noted that large pieces of cardboard could be left out for collection with the orange bag left on top.

A resident queried if polystyrene could be included in the bag and concern was expressed that it could not go in the wheelie bin. It was explained that although it could not go in the recycling it could be placed in the general waste. It was requested that further information be provided following the meeting. In addition it was noted that Styrofoam could be placed in the recycling bag.

An officer from Leicestershire Constabulary will give an update on their priorities and actions in the Rushey Mead Ward.

Sergeant Wayne Nimblette gave an update on policing issues in the ward. He noted that supported had been provided to the City Centre during the disorder in the summer. The meeting were informed of the crime figures since July and noted that there were 185 recorded crimes, with an overall decrease of 14% since last year. There was a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour, however burglaries had been a significant issue in Rushey Mead. Due to the amount of work carried out in Rushey Mead there was a sustained period where no burglaries were committed.

Sergeant Wayne Nimblette reported that following the successful bid at the last meeting 650 vulnerable households in Rushey Mead had been fitted with shock alarms. It was noted that £500 was also funded by the local Joint Action Group. The alarms were fitted by a PC or PCSO on agreement with the resident. There were 150 alarms left to fit and the police were open to requests and offered crime prevention. A resident thanked the police and noted that her property had an alarm through the police.

The local policing priorities were:

1.    Reducing complaints of anti-social behaviour and illegal and inconsiderate car parking in Alderton Close, Leicester, between 5pm and 2am daily.

2.    Reducing burglary, robbery and vehicle crime through target hardening.

The meeting discussed nuisance parking and obstruction on the pavement. It was noted that there needed to be enough space on the pavement for a wheelchair to pass. Each case would be looked at on an individual basis.

In response to a query it was explained that there was no news regarding police staff redundancies. However due to an employment freeze when staff left the service reductions were made.

It was reported that there was a satellite police station at Soar Valley School. This was to enable police to be more visible in the area and was not open to the public.

It was reported that there was a Facebook page for Rushey Mead, with local news, appeals and events. This would be accessed through www.facebook.com/leicspolice. In addition Sergeant Nimblette was tweeting to provide updates, this could be found through www.twitter.com/leicpolice.

Sergeant Wayne Nimblette asked for information on crimes to be passed to the police, with as much detail as possible.

Rachel Webster and Harry Boyd Pick, Project Team, will provide an update on Mellor School.

Rachel Webster, Senior Development Officer, attended the meeting to discuss the developments at Mellor School. She reported that on 9 August 2011 the handover of the school was accepted, this was on time and successful. There was an open day at the school on 24 and 25 August, which was attended by 500 local residents and parents. There was a 12 month liability period for the contractor. Constant monitoring was taking place to identify any problems and the contractor then had twelve months to amend the problem. If the problem needed immediate attention the work should be carried out in 24 hours.

It was reported that the asbestos removal was a huge operation and was currently on programme. This was hitting all the targets.

The next stage of the programme was in December where soft play, a ball court and outdoor amphitheatre would be installed. There was considerable landscaping in the school.

A resident noted that a leaflet advertising the open day had not been sent to her property. Rachel apologies and explained that instruction had been given to circulate include that road. She noted that the official open day would take place when all the works were completed. Rachel was available to take people around the school at other times and an appointment could be made.

A resident queried why materials from the old school were not reused. Rachel commented that a number of items were reused, however items needed to pass a health and safety test.

The Chair queried if there had been any parking complaints since the entrance had been moved. It was reported that there had been no complaints. In addition it was noted that there should be an impact once the new car park was open. Highways were monitoring the speed of traffic along the road and there would be a decision on the speed limit by the time the car park was open.

David Poxon, Team Leader Road Safety, explained that road safety was being addressed across the city. 7000 households were being consulted, with traffic calming measures being considered. It was noted that there was often opposition to traffic calming which could cause problems. It was suggested that Glenegeales Avenue be monitored.

Information will be given on the extended services.

Paul Saville, Extended Services, explained that the service worked with schools, children’s centres, play schemes, adventure playgrounds, and the overall provision in the area. Extended services covered activities that were an extension of the school day such as after school clubs, holiday and weekend provision and breakfast clubs.

It was reported that the funding for these services had changed and was being paid direct to the school without ring-fencing. Each school therefore had control over where the money was spent. Paul was visiting each school to investigate their plans and request that some money was placed in a central pot for holiday schemes. It was noted that Mellor had offered use of their school for extended services where children from neighbouring schools could attend.

Paul explained that there was little provision for the October half term as the process had only just began. The funding added extra responsibility to the school which needed to be organised.

It was noted that links could be made with community provision if the information was provided on what was available.

It was important for the schools to become part of the community and work together. It was felt that Mellor School was a good example of this.

An officer from the local library enquired if they would be able to use any extended services funding and work in partnership. It was explained that the library had provided extended services such as readying groups with parents and children and library author experiences. Paul explained that schools would need to provide funding for this and he would feed this into discussions. It was felt that additional activities were important especially to children who did not engage at school.

The meeting were informed that one problem with the funding was that schools had pressures on their budgets and that their priority would be maintaining staff.

The Chair requested the figures for each school. Paul noted that the funding had been allocated to schools with all other funding and that some schools had not realised it had been allocated. The Chair suggested that the funding amounts be published.

Information will be provided on the Church Community Development.

Maureen White, St Albans Church, reported that there had been a consolidation of churches in the area due to falling attendance. St Albans was the church that remained and Maureen provided details regarding the church

The church had created a community centre, which brought in more groups of people. When the centre was created visits to other churches had taken place to see what could be achieved. The congregation and users of the church had been consulted on what they would like from the centre. Everyone was welcome at the church as there was an open door policy. Maureen explained that changes in the way the church ran had meant different activities and ways of learning. A mental health group found the environment safe, secure and friendly. In addition at the weekends there was private hire for around 200 people. The meeting learned that the church had celebrated 100 years in 2006 and it was hoped that the improvements could continue the sustainability of the church.

In response to a question a Member noted that St Gabriel’s was owed by the Church and was in the process of being sold. The Community Centre at St Gabriel’s was currently on lease to AVH Solutions from the City Council. 

An update will be given on the Troon Way/ Melton Road Junction.

David Poxon, Team Leader Road Safety, provided an update on the Troon Way/ Melton Road junction. David explained that the Council had a list of sites in the City where accidents had occurred. There were a number of locations that had 9 or more accidents. On Troon Way there had been 23 accidents where injuries had occurred. The incidents were examined to identify if there was a pattern. One cause of accidents at the junction was cars going through red lights over Melton Road to Watermead. It was noted that Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland had a high level of incidents of cars running through red lights. This had resulted in a red light running workshop, which 2000 people have taken. David stated that ideally another red light camera would be placed on Watermead Way.

A resident noted that the time allowance to turn onto Nicolas Road from Troon Way was limited. The comment was noted.

A resident suggested that an arrow to stop traffic on Troon Way would improve traffic turning. David noted that they would like to treat this problem, although fewer accidents had resulted from this issue. The meeting discussed the possibilities for the junction and it was noted that the outcome of the GE lighting site could influence measures such as installing a pedestrian crossing.

The City Wardens will give an update on the work of the City Wardens in the Rushey Mead Ward.

Kerry Wellington, City Warden, provided an update on the work of the City Wardens in Rushey Mead. It was reported that joint working had taken place to respond to complaints of illegal parking on Gypsy Lane.

The City Wardens were planning to work with Sandfield School to carry out litter picking and bulb planting. The school were also planning to design flowerbeds which would be planted by people in the Payback scheme. It was noted that there were issues with littering and bird feeding in the ward.

A resident gave thanks for the work the City Wardens had carried out on Sandfield Close.

The meeting were informed that the community project was working well for the school and shops to take ownership of their area. In particular JJ Chippy were regularly cleaning away litter.

In response to a query regarding scrap merchants in the area, Kerry stated that targeted enforcement was taking place. As this was an on going investigation no more information could be provided.

Kerry reported that residents could visit her at the library and the days and times were available on request. It was requested that problems be reported so that action could be taken.

Councillors are reminded that they will need to declare any interest they may have in budget applications, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

There will be an update on the Community Meeting Funding.

It was reported that no applications had been submitted.

In response to a question it was noted that the Belgrave and Latimer Community Meeting had agreed the funding for the Ganesh’s accessible trips and events. It was requested that there be an update at the next meeting.

It was reported that the family discovery day at Watermead Park had taken place.

Action: An update on the Ganesh’s accessible trips be provided at the next meeting.

The future meeting dates for the Community Meeting are as follows:

8 December 2011 at 6.30pm

15 March 2012 at 6.30pm.

The dates of future meetings were agreed.

Highways

A resident thanked the Council for road surface improvements around Glenegles Avenue.

A resident queried the use of white lines outside driveways. David Poxon, Team Leader, Road Safety, explained that these were access protection markings that identified a driveway and a vehicle parking on it could be treated as an obstruction by the police. It was noted that there was a cost to install.

Temple

It was noted that there was an opening day at a new temple in Rushey Mead and requested that Councillors attend, especially as some residents had concerns. The Chair stated he would be attending the event.

Councillors Contacts

It was noted that Councillor contacts for Rushey Mead advertised in the Link magazine were Council rather than private phone numbers. The Chair explained this was because an officer would always be contactable during working hours. He noted that his number was available on the Council website and it would be in the next Link. In addition it was noted that councillors could also be contacted at their surgeries. A resident asked if these could be located in other parts of the ward. The Chair noted that regular locations were an advantage as residents would know where to go, however they would investigate the possibility of holding some at Mellor School.

The meeting closed at 8.35pm.