Agenda and minutes

Councillor Barbara Potter was elected as Chair and welcomed everyone to the Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rita Patel, Charlotte Glover (City Warden), Chrissie Field (Area Manager, Housing), Rahul (Young People’s Council) and Shobhana Patel (Community Safety).

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.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Councillor Gurinder Singh Sandhu declared that he was a member of the Planning and Development Control Committee and would therefore leave the room for duration of item 6, proposed new local authority housing developments.

The minutes of the previous Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting held on 9^th July 2013 are attached, and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting held on 9 July 2013 be agreed as a correct record.

Representatives from ‘Healthwatch Leicester’ will be attending the meeting to outline their work. ‘Healthwatch Leicester’ is the new champion for people who use health and social care services.  

The Interim Chair of Healthwatch, Philip Parkinson introduced himself to the meeting and gave a short presentation on the organisation.  He explained that the role of Healthwatch was to speak up on behalf of members of the community on issues relating to Health and Social Care.  He expressed concerns that the health of people in Leicester was generally not as good as it was for people in other parts of the country. Healthwatch aimed to be the voice of local people and they wanted to know, for example, the experiences of members of the public in getting an appointment to see their G.P. The views and experiences of anyone who had recently been in hospital were also sought.

Philip explained that Healthwatch were happy to come out to talk to community groups and he asked people to let him know if a particular group would like a presentation.

Philip explained that Healthwatch produced a fortnightly e-bulletin and a monthly printed newsletter and he invited people to contact Healthwatch on:

0116 2574999 or

www.healthwatchleicester.co.uk

Philip was thanked for attending the meeting.

Julia Keeling and Kathy Bourassa, representing Housing Development at the City Council will be attending the meeting to outline proposals for local authority new-build housing schemes planned for the area: -

            i)          Manor Farm – Phase 2

            ii)         Laburnum Road – Phase 2 (74 properties)

Members of the community received updates on proposals for local authority new-build housing schemes as follows:

Manor Farm – Phase 2

April Knapp and Kanti Chhapi from the East Midlands Housing Group provided an update on phase 2 of the Manor Farm development.  The meeting heard this would follow on from Phase 1 and would probably be similar in style and architecture.

The proposal was for supported housing and single storey dwellings; all the single storey dwellings would be wheel chair accessible. Officers were still in discussion with Adult Services regarding the type of assistance that would be offered to residents; it was possible that these might be ‘moving on’ dwellings for residents who wanted less assistance than that offered in the dwellings in phase 1. An attendee commented that frequently, people with disabilities wanted to live their lives as independently as possible; but appreciated there being a ‘safety net’ in-case something went wrong.

In response to a query, officers advised that some of the properties in phase 1 of the project were privately owned, but properties in the second phase would all be rented.

Laburnum Road – Phase 2

Julia Keeling and Kathy Bourassa from Housing Development outlined proposals for a new development for 74 affordable council houses on Laburnum Road, some of which would offer supported housing. The development would help to address the demand for homes as the local authority has many people waiting on their housing register.

Strong concerns were raised from residents over the proposals. Comments were made that that Hamilton was being over developed, that the schools were already full and that there were problems over vehicular access and traffic into Laburnum Road. Concerns were also expressed that there could be housing management problems because of the large number of affordable rented homes being provided in one location for households on the Housing Register.

Officers responded that there was a need for housing and as the council did not have a great deal of land to build on, it needed to maximise the opportunities it did have. The demand for school places had been taken into account and generally would be reflected in the developer’s contributions. Officers were also working with the police architectural liaison; however it was suggested that it would be useful to meet with the police and officers from housing outside of the meeting.

The Chair stated that she agreed with the concerns raised by attendees and added that the local services and the G.P.s were also full. It would not help to have another 70 to 80 houses built in Hamilton. The Chair added that there should have been more consultation.

Officers explained that there had previously been an outline planning application which had expired and they did not know until about 8 weeks ago, that funding was available for this. The general view of the meeting was that before a planning application had been submitted, officers should have consulted with ward councillors, the community and local services.

 An attendee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

Officers will be present at the meeting to respond to Traffic and Highway issues that have been identified in the Ward.

Progress is sought on the following projects where funding has previously been committed by the Community Meeting:-

·         Pedestrian Crossing on Gypsy Lane opposite The Emerald Centre, joint funding sought with Charnwood Ward. Funds committed from 2011/12, plus remaining funds from 2012/13.

·         Grit Bins in the Ward – maximum of 20 Grit Bins. Funds committed from 2012/13.

Martin Fletcher, Head of Highways provided an update on traffic and highway issues in the Humberstone and Hamilton ward.

Martin provided an overview of the different responsibilities that were covered by the Highways Section and he updated attendees on local highways issues. He explained that there was a limited amount of money to be spent across the city and it was therefore necessary to prioritise the most urgent work.

·         A lay-by scheme on Keyham Lane to deal with parking problems by the school was under consideration. This was a priority and it was hoped to have the work completed by the end of March 2014.

·         Request for a pedestrian crossing on Gipsy Lane / Victoria Road East to provide easier access to the Play Barn etc. The ward community meeting had offered to help fund this work from their community meeting budget. Two options had already been considered; but they were expensive and officers were looking for an alternative, less expensive option. People in the Charnwood Ward had also expressed a desire for this pedestrian crossing.

The following issues and concerns were raised by the ward councillors and members of the public:

·         Traffic calming was needed at the top of Netherhall Road by McDonalds; the junction there was said to be dangerous.

·         Additional safety measures were needed by Tesco.

·         A road hump was missing on Ivy Church Road

·         There were damaged speed humps by Scraptoft School and McDonalds.

·         Traffic calming on Hanover Close and Lidster Close was said to be ineffective. There were also potholes on Lidster Close and problems with a tree on private land that needed cutting back as it was blocking the light.

·         A resident raised concerns over speeding vehicles in East Hamilton

·         There were traffic problems outside Keyham Lodge School which were causing chaos.

·         A request was made for a grit bin to be located near to St Joseph’s School. Attendees were advised that officers worked with ward councillors to decide where the grit bins would be most useful. The Chair suggested that as there were a number of requests for grit bins, £1000 could be set aside from the community meeting budget to fund 5 grit bins for the ward.

·         A bus shelter on Netherhall Road had been vandalised and no longer had any seats. A request was made to mend the shelter and re-fit new seats, as whilst it was in a damaged condition it was likely to attract further vandalism.

Martin was thanked for attending the meeting.

The Community Meeting to receive an update on Young People’s Services in the area.

Rakhee, Youth Worker at the Armadale Youth Centre and a representative from Street Vibes provided an update on the activities that were available for young people at the centre.

The representative from Street Vibes explained that there was a group of young people with whom it was difficult to engage; the young people chose to gather around the Netherhall Centre instead.  The meeting heard that Street Vibes offered activities on Friday evenings,  and the Chair expressed concerns that on those nights, once the Street Vibes sessions had finished, young people who had participated in the youth sessions, remained in the area and caused problems. Further concerns were expressed that a great deal of money had been invested in the youth centre, but it did not appear to be serving local people.  The representative from Street Vibes explained that they worked at the youth centre on Fridays between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm but elsewhere in the city they might work until 2.00am. He suggested that alternative times might be possible, but these would be by arrangement with the officers at the city council rather than directly with Street Vibes.

Rakhee said she would ask the Detached Youth Team to try to talk to and engage with the group of young people who were reluctant to get involved in any organised youth activities.

The Chair made a request for the youth centre to be open longer hours and for them to work with young children as well as young people.

The local City Warden to be present at the meeting to give an update.

There was no update from Charlotte Glover, the City Warden as she had submitted her apologies. However members of the community were informed that there was currently a consultation on whether the public would like the council to enforce and issue fines for people caught  spitting in the street.  Surprise was expressed that there needed to be a consultation on an activity which was deemed to be very anti-social, but the Chair explained that this was something the council needed to consult on.  It was agreed that this should be discussed further at the next Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting.

RESOLVED:

that an item on spitting in the street be considered at the next Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting.

The Community Meeting to receive an update on local policing issues.

PC Katie Burnham provided an update on local policing issues and explained that currently the police had no problem solving plans for the area. She had noted though the concerns expressed earlier in the meeting relating to anti-social behaviour and she would look into this and a problem solving plan would be created if appropriate.

 A member of the community expressed concerns over an apparent lack of response when she phoned 101 in relation to people texting on their mobile phones whilst driving. PC Burnham agreed to pass on the resident’s concerns.

A concern was raised relating to irresponsible parking by schools and PC Burnham explained that the police were not allowed to issue parking tickets. The Chair added that such dangerous and irresponsible parking was a problem in all schools; they all started and finished at approximately the same time and parking wardens could not be everywhere.

The Chair again raised a concern relating to anti-social behaviour outside the Netherhall Neighbourhood Centre and asked for the police to provide a more visible presence on the streets.

Officers to attend the meeting to focus on the support for Council tenants that are having to cope with the impact of welfare reforms.

Andy East from Estate Management gave an update on the Housing Improvement Budget and explained that the main proposal was to put parking bays on Grantham Road. A consultation was also on-going relating to internal painting at Manor House and Monks Rest.

In relation to issues relating to Welfare Reforms, officers were sign-posting and advising members of the public where they could go for help.  Andy explained that he had brought leaflets and information on the welfare reforms including the bedroom tax to the meeting for anyone who was interested.

A member of the community raised a query relating to the Golden Age site. Andy explained that this was a private development site and as such the housing office did not have any information about it. A concern was raised that the development appeared to have no parking provision and there would be chaos with the extra traffic.

The Chair requested an update on the Golden Age site at the next Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting.

RESOLVED:

that an information item on the Golden Age site be brought to the next Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting.

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.

The Community Meeting to note that the current Community Meeting Budget Balance is £16,780.

The following applications have been received since the last meeting and are to be considered by the Community Meeting.

i)          Christmas Meal                                                                               £830

An application received from the Twilight Senior Citizen Group to joint fund, with Coleman Ward, a Christmas Meal for senior citizens on 21^st December 2013.

ii)         Refurbishment of Kitchen                                                           £2,000

An application received on behalf of Humberstone Royal British Legion to part fund the refurbishment of the kitchen at the premises of the Humberstone Royal British Legion.

iii)        Humberstone Park Bonfire and Fireworks                             £3,000

Application received on behalf of the Humberstone Village Community Forum to part fund the staging of a Fireworks Display and Bonfire on Humberstone Park. Similar applications have also been submitted to Charnwood, Coleman and Evington Community Meetings.

iv)        Improving Futures in the Community                                       £500

Application received on behalf of The Emerald Centre to fund a course entitled “Computer Skills for the Terrified” for the benefit of 40 persons who will have attended sessions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people, particularly the elderly and unemployed, who have become isolated and who have difficulty accessing services. A similar application has also been sent to Charnwood Community Meeting.

An update was given on the community meeting budget. The following funding applications were considered and it was explained that as Councillor Patel was unable to be present, she would be informed of the views taken at the meeting and her opinion also sought.

Christmas Meal: £830

An application was received from the Twilight Citizen Group to joint fund with the Coleman Ward, a Christmas meal for senior citizens, at the Highfield’s Rangers, Gleneagles Avenue.

The application was not supported, as a Christmas meal would be held at the Armadale Centre and local senior citizens had indicated that they did not wish to travel to another ward.

RESOLVED:

that the application from the Twilight Citizen Group be un-supported.

Refurbishment of Kitchen: £2000

An application was received from the Humberstone Royal British Legion for kitchen refurbishment. The Chair explained that the maximum that would be supported from the Humberstone and Hamilton Ward would be £1000; amounts in excess of this were only approved in exceptional circumstances. A representative from the British Legion indicated that they would be able to proceed with the refurbishment even if the ward could only part fund the project.

RESOLVED:

                        that the application be supported to the value of £1,000

Humberstone Park Bonfire and Fireworks: £3000

The Chair explained that the Humberstone Park Bonfire and Firework’s event would not now take place, because the necessary funding would not be forthcoming from all of the surrounding identified wards. Instead, the £3000 that had been set aside for the event, would be transferred to the £7382 that had already been committed for the work to the Gypsy Lane pedestrian crossing project. A request was also made for the City Mayor to match fund the amount already committed by the Humberstone and Hamilton Ward for the pedestrian crossing.

RESOLVED:

1)    that the Humberstone Park Bonfire and Firework event be unsupported as the necessary funding would not be forthcoming from all the identified wards;

2)    that £3000 be added to the funding already committed towards the Gypsy Lane pedestrian crossing project.

3)    that the City Mayor be asked to match fund the amount already committed by the Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting for the Gipsy Lane pedestrian crossing.

Improving Futures in the Community.: £500

An application was received on behalf of the Emerald Centre to fund a course entitled “Computer Skills for the Terrified”. It was agreed that although £500 had been requested, the Ward Community Meeting would support to the bid to £1000, because the cost of providing I.T. was expensive and the project benefitted many users from Humberstone and Hamilton.

RESOLVED:

                        that the funding application be supported to the value of £1000.

The Dream Academy of Dancing: 20 Years Anniversary Fun Day: £500

A funding application had been received for a fun day to be held at Jimmy’s Rugby Club, Leicester on 28 June 2014. The Dream Academy were a local dancing school and the majority of the children that attended came from the Hamilton, Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.