Agenda and minutes

Councillors will elect a Chair for the meeting.

Councillor Manish Sood was elected as Chair for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Wann.

The first main item on theagenda 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.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the previous Fosse Community Meeting, held on 8 September have been circulated, and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting of the Fosse Community Meeting, held on 8 September 2010 be confirmed as a correct record.

There will be an update on the Epworth Church Improvements Project.

John Ogleby was present to provide an update on the Epworth Church Improvements Project.

John explained that the project had been largely funded by the Fosse Community Meeting and expressed thanks in receiving this to enable the project to progress.  In total, the project had received £8,000 in funding. 

John stated that £3,000 had been spent on renovating the kitchen facility.  Many units had been refitted and he felt that the church now had an excellent kitchen facility.  It was further reported that the Church’s back room had recently been converted into a lounge area. John pointed out that this would be large enough to host a future Fosse Community Meeting if members wished to do so. 

John also reminded Members that with the previous grant, the Church was equipped to improve the disabled access to the building, and the Church now had it’s own disabled drop off point.

The Chair joined members of the community in welcoming the improvements that had taken place at Epworth Church following the community meeting funding.  In particular, one member of the public welcomed the new carpets that had been laid within the church buildings.

There will be an update on the Rally Park project.

Rob Hincks, Planning and Economic Development, Leicester City Council, was in attendance to provide an update to those present on the Rally Park project.

Rob informed the meeting that an extensive consultation took place approximately two years ago with park users and local residents around how they would like to see Rally Park improve.  The exercise resulted in a positive response rate. 

Following the consultation and the receipt of £475,000 in developer contributions, a project plan had been established, and improvement works to deliver the project were to commence in January 2011 and be complete by the end of 2011.  Rob explained that his role was to ensure that the project is delivered within the prescribed time-scales and that the money was spent appropriately. 

Rob reported that a ‘shopping-list’ of improvements had been created, and he was currently working with site developers around what improvements were seen as a priority and were feasible.  It was explained that if the Rally Park site provided a good quality of open space, then there was a greater chance of attracting further development in the immediate area. 

In terms of consultation, Rob explained that this would continue to take place with park users, and in particular, was keen to gain views from local schoolchildren in respect of facilities that they would like to seen improved or established. 

Those present were informed that it was intended to upgrade the condition of the park’s entrances, and it was also acknowledged that there was a need for more of a water facility within the boundaries of the park.  Areas that had become over-grown were to benefit from new planting.  It was also intended to allow Soar Island to become better integrated with the park and to allow the park in general to feel more pedestrianised.  Rob also stated that there was potential to install CCTV within Rally Park and this was currently being considered.  With regard to this last point, it was commented that the Woodgate TARA favoured the installation of CCTV.  Rob asked representatives from Woodgate TARA to provide him with information around where they feel the most appropriate positions for CCTV within Rally Park would be. 

It was explained that this work would represent just the first phase of improvements to Rally Park, and the consultation that was to take place would help to establish a project plan for later phases. 

In relation to a point raised around whether tarmac would be used as part of the re-surfacing works, Rob could not confirm at this stage which materials would necessarily be used, and that this would form part of the detailed design work.  Rob offered to attend a future Fosse Community Meeting to provide an update on the work at Rally Park.

There will be an update on community safety issues that have been raised at previous meetings.

Anita Patel, Members Support Officer, provided an update on a number of community safety related issues that had been raised at previous meetings.

Anita explained that new alley gates had been installed in the area surrounding Tudor Road following a number of anti social behaviour issues that had arisen.  Further to this, a survey was to take place in the neighbouring area to identify whether there was a need for any additional gates. 

Anita also reported that 60 homes in the Pool Road area had recently undergone a target hardening process and residents affected had been provided with advice and safety equipment. 

It was also made clear that contact had been made with residents who previously raised concerns with regard to burglaries in the Pool Road area. 

An Officer from Leicester City Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Unit will be present to provide information on how anti social behaviour is being tackled in the area.

The Chair agreed to take this item, along with Item 9 ‘Police Issues- Update’ together.

It was noted that the Woodgate TARA had previously indicated several concerns in relation to anti-social behaviour within the Fosse Ward.  A member of the public explained that police had recently warned several perpetrators and this had helped to curtail the problems.  It was also felt that such problems were more commonly experienced during the summer months.

PC Rob Snart was present and led a discussion around a mosquito alarm that was used by the police to discourage and disband groups of young people who were responsible for anti-social behaviour.  PC Snart explained that the alarm produced a high pitch tone that younger people were particularly sensitive too.  He stated that many people had favoured the introduction of the alarm.  There were mixed views amongst those present around whether the use of this was needed.

PC Snart explained that the Police were working closely with the Leicester Anti-Social Behaviour Unit to help to alleviate instances of anti-social behaviour.  He was also of the view that many of the young people who had previously caused problems had grown older and no longer committed ASB offenses.  One particularly disruptive individual had also been recently moved out of the area.

One Member of the public stated that she had applied to set up a local Neighbourhood Watch, but was yet to receive anything in response.  PC Snart agreed to speak to the resident regarding this following the meeting.  PC Snart also agreed to speak to residents on an individual basis with regard to issues around disruptive neighbours and vehicle vandalism.

Representatives from the Local Policing Unit will be present to provide a Policing update for the area.

This issue was considered along with Item 8 ‘Tackling Anti-social Behaviour’.

The City Warden for the Fosse ward will provide an update on environmental issues in the area.

Jamie Stubbs, Fosse City Warden, was present to provide an update on environmental issues in the area.

Jamie informed those present that the ‘Bins on Streets’ project was developing well and would take a further 1-2 months to complete.  It was reported that offenders had been issued with fixed penalty notices.

Jamie also stated that a number of fixed penalty notices had recently been issued to those who had not appropriately cleared dog mess.

There will be a brief discussion on proposals to engage with the Polish Eastern Block Community in the area.

Anita Patel, Members Support Officer, stated that Councillor Wann had requested to include this as an agenda item in order to explore ways in which engagement with the Polish Eastern Block Community in the area could be improved.

Anita explained that Members were minded to meet with representatives from this particular community with a view to potentially awarding a sum of money from the Ward budget towards work that could allow members of the Polish community to become better integrated with projects and services within the Fosse Ward.  An increase in the number of children attending primary schools in the ward was one of the main factors that had led to the Members requesting this work.

Members of the Public were of the view that holding Community Meetings at primary schools could lead to members from the Polish community attending. 

Anita Patel, Members Support Officer will provide an update on the Ward Action Plan.

Anita Patel, Members Support Officer, reported that the Fosse Ward Plan had been updated and had copies were available for circulation. 

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.

Please find summaries of applications received for consideration below. Full application forms can be accessed by contacting Democratic Support on 0116 2298814 or by visiting the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk.

1)     Environmental Activities, Ahmed Faraji, Parks Services, Leicester City Council - £500.

The application is to provide the Fosse ward community and activities about all aspects of local parks and open spaces and it’s management. The applicant would like to promote a better understanding of natural features, ecology, resources, human interaction, culture and history of the area.

2)     Epworth Development – Community Outreach, Epworth Methodist Church, Community Development Steering Group - £4,762

The application is for the improvement of the Community Outreach Programme. The applicant states that the application will benefit groups immediately upon implementation as detailed, all existing and potential groups would also benefit in the medium-term. The applicant also states that the equipment will ensure that the improved and enlarged premises will be better provisioned for existing users and open the use of the premises to other community groups on future occasions.

3)     Community Children’s Christmas Party, Hawthorne Street Residents Committee - £480.

This application has been approved under delegated authority by the Members as the amount requested is £500 or less.

The application is for a party for local children in the Fosse Ward which will be held at the Newfoundpool Working Men’s Club. The applicant is hoping to be able to put on a pantomime and other entertainment as well.

Anita Patel, Members Support Officer, presented the Community Meeting budget.

Anita explained that six bids had been submitted for consideration, and that the Chair had agreed to accept two of these as late applications: 

Anita also explained that Councillor Wann had informed her of his views to each application prior to the meeting, but that this excluded the late applications.

It was made clear that all applications considered were subject to approval by Councillor Wann and the relevant cabinet Lead Member.  

1)     Community Children’s Christmas Party, Hawthorne Street Residents Committee - £480.

Anita explained that this application has already been approved under delegated authority by the Members as the amount requested was less than £500.

Jeff Connolly, Chair of the Hawthorne Street Residents Committee stated that the application was for a party for local children in the Fosse Ward which would be held at the Newfoundpool Working Men’s Club.

RESOLVED:

That it be noted that £480 had been allocated from the Ward Community Fund, and that approval for this has been received from the Cabinet Lead for Front Line Service Improvement and Neighbourhoods and the Leader of the Council.

2)     Environmental Activities, Ahmed Faraji, Parks Services, Leicester City Council - £500.

Ahmed Faraji, Parks Services, was present to introduce the application.  He stated that the application was to provide the Fosse Ward community activities and information about all aspects of local parks and open spaces and it’s management. He expressed a desire to promote a better understanding of natural features, ecology, resources, human interaction, culture and history of the area.

Ahmed explained that expenditure would be directed towards particular items that would help to enhance local parks, including spaces, rakes and litter-pickers.

RESOLVED:

                        That the application be supported and £500 be allocated from the Ward Community Fund subject to approval from the Cabinet Lead for Front Line Service Improvement and Neighbourhoods and the leader of the Council.

3)     Epworth Development – Community Outreach, Epworth Methodist Church, Community Development Steering Group - £4,762

John Ogleby introduced the application and stated that it was for the improvement of the Church’s Community Outreach Programme. The applicant stated that the application will benefit groups immediately upon implementation, and that all existing and potential groups would also benefit in the medium-term. The applicant also stated that the equipment would ensure that the improved and enlarged premises would be better provisioned for existing users and open the use of the premises to other community groups on future occasions.

RESOLVED:

                        That the application be supported and £3,500 be allocated from the Ward Action Plan Fund subject to approval from the Cabinet Lead for Front Line Service Improvement and Neighbourhoods and the leader of the Council.

4)     Family Craft Club –Cornerstone Church Council - £828.94

The applicant was present to introduce the proposal.  He stated that the craft club was planned to meet six times a year and would be held at Alderman Richard Hallam School.  It was made clear that no charge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 March 2011 at 3pm. The venue will be confirmed in due course.

It was confirmed that the next meeting would take place on Wednesday 9 March 2011 at 3pm.  The venue was to be confirmed.

The meting closed at 4:45pm.