Agenda and minutes

Councillor Potter was elected as Chair for the meeting.

Councillors Patel and Sandhu were present.

There were no apologies for absence.

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.

In respect of Agenda Item 6 “Proposed Development at Hamilton Tesco” Councillor Potter declared that she was a member of the Council’s Planning and Development Control Committee which would be determining the planning application for Tescos.  In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, this interest was considered so significant that it was likely to prejudice Councillor Potter’s judgement of the public interest.  She therefore advised the meeting that she would withdraw from the meeting for that item.

In respect of Agenda Item 10 “Housing Update” Councillor Potter declared that she was a Council tenant.  In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, this interest was not considered so significant that it was likely to prejudice Councillor Potter’s judgement of the public interest.  She was not therefore required to withdraw from the meeting for that item.

The minutes of the previous Humberstone and Hamilton Community Meeting held on 26 March 2014 are attached, and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 March 2014 were confirmed as a correct record.

It was reported that Action Notes, rather than minutes, would be taken at future meetings.

The City Warden updated the meeting on environment al and enforcement activities:

·      An article had been published in the Hamilton Gazette newsletter reminding residents of their responsibilities in keeping their gardens and other areas of private ownership in a tidy condition.  It was noted that a service had been offer to help people to tidy their front gardens which was include in the article.

·      The garden waste and bulky item collection services were promoted and it was noted that fly tipping incidents, particularly those involving garden waste has reduced as a result of those signing up for the new services.

·      Bins on streets continued to cause problems and work to prevent problems was ongoing.

In reply to questions the City Warden agreed to liaise with Parks Services concerning various footways in the ward which required attention due to overgrown brambles and branches.  It was reported that signs and lighting were overgrown and this had led to dangerous situations for residents.

Councillor Potter left the meeting for this item in accordance with her Declaration of Interest noted at item 3 above.  Councillor Patel agreed to take the Chair.

The meeting was informed of the detail of the planning application which was to be considered by the Planning and Development Control Committee on 23 July 2014.  The consultation period would allow for all observations to be submitted and considered up the date of the meeting, however it was noted that the report to be written on the application would be finalised during week commencing 7 July 2014.  In order for the report to represent the public view it was stated that letters of objection or support should be submitted before that time.

The highways response to the application was awaited as the impact of the loss of the area of car parking and any increase in traffic would need to be considered.  Other internal departments and external bodies, including the Environment Agency, had been consulted.

Councillor Patel reported on liaison with Keith Vaz MP on the application, particularly in regard to the previous commitments expressed by Tesco when the original application was determined, relating to community and social responsibility which it was felt had not been fully met.

The need to ensure that the vacant units on site be brought into use was expressed, including previous proposals to bring them into community use.  It was noted that Tesco had not been cooperative with the suggestions and wishes of the community in this regard.

It was noted that public speaking at the Committee would allow for Keith Vaz MP to speak and address the views of constituents and Councillor Patel would address the Committee as Ward Councillor.

Councillor Patel confirmed that her representation would refer to previous commitments to assist the local community which had not been met by Tesco and the need for them to be more aware of their corporate social responsibility, should the application be approved.

Councillor Potter rejoined the meeting.

Councillor Potter reported that a foodbank would be started in the Ward with the help of volunteers. 

The qualifying criteria were noted and it was reported that although proof of benefit would be required, it was hoped that the foodbank could be operated without unnecessary limitations and that those eligible would receive help.

It was noted that subject to funding, the foodbank would be advertised and run from the end of July 2014.

Police Sergeant Wayne Nimblette updated the meeting on the following crime statistics for the Ward:

·      There were 180 fewer crimes compared to the previous period (from 27 March 2014), with 384 reports dealt with.

·      Reported incidents of burglaries, including those from garden sheds had all risen.  It was reported that one individual had been placed on remand and was awaiting trial.  Incidents had significantly reduced since the arrest.

·      Thefts from person had risen, and opportunist thieves were targeting people with hand held devices such as iPads and mobile phones.  It was suggested that the public should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and environment when using hand held devices.

·      Anti-social behaviour was being tackled by a multi-agency approach including Housing officers.

·      Window shock alarms had been distributed and were available on request.

Police Sergeant was thanked for his attendance and report.

In response to a question it was suggested that representatives of the LASBU multi-agency unit could be invited to a future meeting to explain their work in tackling anti-social behaviour in the ward.

Rupert Bedder (Highways) submitted an apology for absence.

An email was read which indicated that 20mph speed limit areas were being considered.  It was suggested that this should be extended to include the area being developed by Redrow Homes and that S.106 contributions from the development should allow for a suitable pedestrian crossing to benefit the wider community.

It was suggested that if S.106 monies were not required for the crossing at the Redrow Homes development purpose, they be used for an alternative crossing in the Ward.  Suggested locations included areas at Gypsy Lane. Kestrel Fields School, and Thurmaston Lane.

Highways officers would be invited to update the next Ward Community Meeting.

Tracy Mcallistair (Housing) updated the meeting on the following:

·      Growth bid funding had meant that painting and planting would be undertaken following consultation with residents.

·      It was confirmed that the Growth Bids for 2014/15, to be funded from the Housing Revenue Account, had also been submitted to ensure continuation of the improvement works.

·      Painting of the railings at Netherhall Shops would be undertaken following recent approval.

·      Trees were to be planted at various areas in the ward following consultation with tenants.

·      Residents of St Mary’s had benefitted from replanting and repaving of footways.

It was reported that where possible tenants had been involved in the planning and development of improvement projects.

In response to questions it was noted that additional benches had been requested at a midway point on the hill at Ivy Lane to allow the elderly and infirm to rest.

It was also suggested that Parks Officers should be informed of the areas planted with bulbs, as it had been reported that areas, including Winslow Drive, had been mown over soon after planting.

Councillors are reminded that they will need to declare any interest they may have in budget applications.

The following applications for Ward Grant funding were received and determined as noted:

·      Danbury gardens

£500

Fete and Open day

APROVED

·      ‘Young Mums’

£500

Activity Sessions

APPROVED

·      Humberstone Blooming

£700

Plants and Planters for ‘in Bloom’ competition

APPROVED

·      Parks Services

£300

WWI Poppy planting – commemoration

NOT SUPPORTED

·      Klick Project

£400

Purchase of items for Caribbean Carnival

NOT SUPPORTED

Representatives of Groups who had received funding to support their activities gave updates on the following:

·      Wednesday Club - meal, recital and garden centre visit.

·      Tuesday Bowls Club - visit to Sheringham and Cromer

·      Planters to support ‘in bloom’ competition installed at Hamilton Library.

·      COUNCILLOR POTTER – CHANGE OF POLITICAL PARTY

Councillor Potter referred to her recent decision to resign from the Labour Group of the City Council.  She advised that her relationship with fellow ward Councillors remained unchanged and that she would work with them to support the common interest of the constituents in the Ward.

·      BUS 21/21A

Concerns at the loss of the 21 bus service were expressed.  It was noted that the issue was being debated at the Bus Users Panel.  The City Mayor had previously expressed regret that commercial operators had cut unprofitable services and that his powers did not extend to demand that such services were maintained.

·      USE OF COMMUNITY FACILITES

Following approaches from interested Groups, it was confirmed that existing of users of community rooms would not have their bookings altered to accommodate pre-school activities.

The meeting closed at 8.00 pm.