Agenda and minutes

Councillor Cassidy was elected as Chair for the meeting.

Apolgies for absence were received from Jean Rawson, a local resident.  

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the previous Fosse Community Meeting, held on 18 January 2012, 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 18^th January 2012, be agreed as a correct record.

There will be an update on the current situation concerning Fosse Library.

Adrian Wills, Head of Libraries was present to talk about the changes to Fosse Library.

Adrian explained that the Libraries service had carried out a significant consultation and members of the community had submitted a petition with 949 signatures in response to the planned changes at Fosse Library. 110 consultation responses had also been received. The key point of concern had been introducing self service machines. Other comments had included:

·         Concern over lack of staff to advise older people.

·         Increasing opening hours

·         Concern over reduction in library activities.

Adrian explained what the Council would do in response to the comments raised. This included:

·         After the petition and representation from ward councillors, finances had been reallocated to the library. This would then allow a staff member to be present to advise customers how to use the self service machines.

·         The staff member would remain as long as the current staffing hours were however the self service machines would open as long as the Fosse Centre hours.

·         The range of books would be improved.

·         There would still be access to public access computers and there would be new computers to replace the old ones in the next few months.

·         The opening hours of the library would be longer than the current hours.

·         There would still be toddler times held at the library.

·         Interested groups could still meet in the library and there would be a volunteer to help support groups.

The total impact would be longer opening hours, the library service reconfigured to make the best use of the ground floor area with the library still available as a common space.

Adrian also explained what would be happening next in the process:

·         The lead petitioner would be written to, explaining what had changed from the original plans and the ward Councillors would also be copied into this response.

·         It was also be looked into how the library service could be reorganised and how they would benefit from this.

·         A suggestion has been made by Members to form a planning group to see how the centre operated. It was aimed to work with Councillors to achieve best service and work was being done closely with community Services. It was requested that there was a representative in the Community to recommend improvements which were perhaps not seen by officers. The Chair suggested that the planning group involve Councillors, a member of the community and involvement from the Square Mile Planning Group

In response to a query concerning staff, Adrian stated that Fosse Library was one of three which was undergoing changes and the aim was reduce the impact on frontline staff. With regard to staff, there were a very small number of reductions and there would also be a strategic review of Library staff in the future which could involve asking staff to move locations however if staff wanted to stay in their current location, the option would still be there. There would also be librarian support from a twinned library so there was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

A representative from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue will be in attendance to present an overview of the work with the Princes’ Trust and will provide guidance on how local young people can become involved with the trust.

This item was not considered as the representative was not able to attend.

There will be an update on the Square Mile project.

Jason Wood, De Montfort University provided an update on the Square Mile project.

Jason explained that the Square Mile project was an initiative from De Montfort University together with Leicester City Council which had commenced around six months ago. The project was initially directed to last for one year however would now be continuing on for two years. Jason explained that the Square Mile Working Group met every two weeks, meeting at Fosse Library between 5:45pm – 7:30pm every other Monday. It was also explained that an event was taking place next Thursday, 29 March and information on this would be sent to residents.

There will be an update on work being done on derelict buildings in the area.

Sarbjit Singh, Team Leader, Planning was present to talk about derelict buildings and an action plan arising from a Member’s patchwalk in the area was circulated.

The action plan was considered and the following discussion took place:

·         Fiveways House – It was noted that there was scaffolding located on the site which was raising concern. Residents were informed that the owners had stated they would be starting work in March however the Council would be contacting them again. The current plan was to encourage the owners to carry out work on the site rather than carry out enforcement action which would take up resources and could be lengthy. It was also noted that the City Mayor had stated the building needed to be sorted.

It was suggested that residents who lived nearby be kept informed of developments about the building. Concern was raised that it was a struggle to keep the building secure however owners were taking a while to respond to this issue. It was agreed this would be raised with the Conservation Officer responsible for the site.

·         Derelict Church – It was noted that planning applications for the site had expired and no other proposals were currently forthcoming. It was aimed to prevent fly tipping. It was also explained a fence had been installed on the site however a panel from this had been removed. The owners of the site had been written to, so that work could be done without the need for formal action. It was explained that the Council could enforce action however the owners had been co-operative in the past. Concern was raised that there seemed to be an acceptance to leave situations as they were. Sarbjit stated that the sites mentioned were in private ownership and unless there was a scheme created, there was little that could be done. There were options such as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) however these were only used in exceptional circumstances. It was reiterated that buildings left empty and in these conditions were not good for the community.

·         Empire Pub – It was explained that a planning application had been granted for the site and while one was being considered, another one could not be submitted. Residents were informed that possible reasons why developers were not going through with applications, was that banks were not lending money. A resident stated that it was important to tie the properties to the community to make the area attractive. Sarbjit explained that when there were planning applications, these were decided on their merits however enforcement plans were not as strong.

·         Factories, Repton Street/Rugby Street – It was explained that officers had met with the architect asking what needed to be submitted. It was also noted that the agents had been contacted however however the land registry may need to be checked to clarify who owned the building.

·         Potential beneficial use of blue cladding building on Balfour Street, adjacent to Fosse Primary School – It was explained that the building belonged to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.

Members of the Local Policing Unit will be present to provide a crime update for the area.

PC Andy Goadby was present to provide a policing update for the area. The following update was provided:

·         There were anti social behaviour problems on Fosse Road North and on Central Road which were being dealt with.

·         A school safety campaign had been completed to highlight safety issues. There had been issues with Fosse Primary School with regard to this and a meeting had been arranged.

·         There was to be an internal reshuffle within the local policing team with the beat officers becoming the Safer Neighbourhood Team and there would also be shift changes as well however PC Goadby stated that he would be remaining in his current role.

·         It was explained that burglary was a big priority with a lot of work being done on crime prevention with a process known as ‘Super Cocooning’.

·         A query was raise regarding keys for the gates on Tudor Road. PC Goadby explained that this was part of ‘Super Cocooning’ and all the alley gates in the area had been highlighted. It was noted that a number of people tended to use the gate and there was a chance they could be left open.

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

Jethro Swift, City Warden for the Fosse Ward was present to provide an update on environmental issues in the area. The following update was provided:

·         It was explained that work was being done on bins on streets in the Tudor Road and Newfoundpool and around 12 section 46 notices had been issued. The issue of dog fouling was still aiming to be tackled and some tickets had been issued for this in Rally Park. Concern had also been raised regarding there being no fence outside the children’s play area which allowed dogs to come in.

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 budget. The following budget applications have been received:

Application 1

Applicant: PC Andy Goadby

Amount: £1,500

Proposal: Groundwork Youth Session

Summary:

Due to an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime within the Woodgate area, the Police and other partnership agencies have been exploring ways to improve the area for local residents.

In December 2011, I successfully bid for £500 to fund a youth session on a Monday evening at Woodgate Adventure Park. Extensive consultation has been carried out and this has highlighted a lack of youth provision within the area.

On Central Road during the evenings, large groups of youths were loitering outside local shops and this was causing local residents to feel intimidated, thus avoiding the area. This was also publicised within the Leicester Mercury by the local Police and Councillors (published 06/08/11). A mosquito alarm was installed at the location as a short term measure but it is recognised that this is not a long term solution to the problem.

As a result a working group has been formed to address the issue, “Project W”. This consists of volunteers from local agencies including Police, the local church and the Square Mile Team at De Montfort University.

“Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire” is a local charitable organisation that has the Eco House on the A47 as part of it’s operation. They have a newly established youth engagement section and have set up a youth club on a Monday evening between 1830 hours and 2030 hours. This is considered a “hotspot” time when complaints of anti social behaviour are received from local residents. Groundwork need to continue to use the Woodgate Adventure Playground buildings as a base and will be offering sporting activities, music , art, counselling and forward signposting to other support groups. They also incorporate practical activities such as conservation work and improving play areas. Darren Cashin is the Manager and he is happy to continue to organise and run the evening.

Since the sessions commenced in December 2011, we have seen a decrease in reports of anti-social behaviour. A register is kept by the GWLL youth workers and this has shown that a large amount of youth who usually hang around the local streets, have been attending the sessions on a regular basis.

I am submitting this bid for funding as I need to pay for the use of the buildings at the Adventure Playground. They are planning to run a further 21 sessions. In addition to this, they are organising another session on a Thursday evening to cater for the older age group. Each evening will cost £40. This will pay for the usage of the rooms, lighting and heating. The Square Mile Team is looking at the sustainability of the project and a National Lottery  ...  view the full agenda text for item 137.

James Schadla-Hall, Members Support Officer presented the Community Meeting budget.

The following applications were submitted for consideration.

·         Groundwork Youth Session, PC Andy Goadby - £1,500

It was explained that the application was to help fund a further 21 sessions for the youth club. This would include the paying for the use of the buildings at the Adventure Playground. It was also planned to run another session on Thursday evenings.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £1,500 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

·         Maya Well-Being Project, Maya Group - £2,640

It was explained that the application was for funding to support the Maya Well-Being Project based at the Aapka Centre on Pool Road. The project was aimed to sustain the health and well-being of elderly women.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £1,348 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

·         Big Jubilee Lunch, Fosse Inter Agency Consortium - £1,400

It was explained that the application was to hold a ‘Big Lunch’ in Rally Park on Sunday 3 June to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee weekend. It was noted that an application for £300 had also been submitted to the Western Park ward.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £1,400 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

·         Diamond Jubilee Party, Mrs B Allen - £500

It was explained that the application was to hold a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee on Saturday 2 June 2012.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £250 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

·         Noticeboards for Rally Park, Square Mile Residents Group - £1,600

It was explained that the application was for four noticeboards to be based in Rally Park. James Schalda-Hall explained that following discussions with the Council’s Parks Services, it was felt the four noticeboards requested would not be appropriate for the park. It had in fact been suggested that a more appropriate noticeboard needed to be installed which was vandal proof and this would cost £1,800. It was noted that Parks Services had agreed to make up the £200 difference from the money that was agreed.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £1,600 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

·         Move to Bronze, Square Mile Residents Group - £1,560

It was explained that the application was to help fund ‘Movin to Bronze’ which was an exciting and inspiring dance project designed and delivered by De Montfort University dance graduates and Fosse Residents.  

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £1,560 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 8:01pm.