Agenda and minutes

The Chair will introduce those present and make any necessary announcements.

The Chair and any other Councillors who are present will make any declarations as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Cassidy was invited to take the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from M. Broad (Neighbourhood Development Manager) and Sergeant Andy Goadby (Leicestershire Police).

The Action Log of the meeting held on 18 March 2015 is attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 18 March 2015 was agreed and noted.

An officer will be present to provide an update on the Waterside Development Project.

David Beale (Senior Project Manager) updated the meeting on the Waterside regeneration initiatives.  Reference was made to the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which had now been adopted.

An outline planning application had been submitted for the first phase of development and a delivery strategy and timescales were being developed for the scheme.

Funding for delivery had been secured and some related infrastructure works were underway.  It was reported that the market was beginning to respond to the commitment to regenerate the area with investment enquiries.  In respect of the highway infrastructure works it was also reported that the Waterside area was situated on the A50 corridor and reference was made to the major programme of works being prepared (Leicester North West Major Transport Scheme).

The provision of primary school places had been identified as an issue for the area and the SPD had recognised this need.  A site search and a high level feasibility exercise had commenced.

In discussing the update the following observations were made:

·         The Environment Agency were considering flood schemes, which could lead to ecology benefits, improved access to the waterside and improvements to towpaths.

·         Friars Mill construction work was to be complete by the end of November 2105.

·         The Outline planning application was for up to 500 homes, townhouses and lower rise appartments.

·         Active discussions were being held with the owners of the Premier Screw site, albeit separate from the development and outline planning application.

The position and update was noted.

An Officer will be present to talk about proposed 20 mph zones within the Ward.

Steve Warrington (Road Safety Engineer) updated the meeting in respect of the commitment to provide 20 mph zones in appropriate locations in the city.  He referred to the Tudor Road area where a scheme had been proposed to reinforce the traffic calming scheme already implemented.  A further scheme around Fosse Primary School was also being considered.

It was confirmed that all traffic schemes were subject to a period of consultation with residents and interested parties before any decision was made.

In respect of previous requests for calming schemes suggested by the Woodgate Residents Association, including the Bonchurch Street area, and Basset Street and Dunton Street areas, it was suggested that officers contact the Association to clarify details of the requests so that they be brought forward if appropriate.

Concerns were expressed at the road layout adjacent to the former Empire Public House and it was confirmed that a planning condition had required a traffic scheme to be agreed and implemented before the commencement of works.  It did not appear that the condition was being met and officers agreed to investigate the matter.

Steve was thanked for his report and update.

An update will be provided on Transforming Neighbourhoods Services.

Laura Burt (Community Engagement Officer) updated the meeting concerning the review of neighbourhood services and confirmed that a preferred bidder had been identified to take on the future management of Newfoundpool neighbourhood centre.  The terms of the lease were to be released for agreement and signature in due course. 

Laura also confirmed that protection had been included in the lease terms for existing user groups to continue their activities.

The update and position was noted.

The Police will provide an update on any Policing matters in the Ward.

Officers updated the meeting with recent police activities in the Ward.

Thefts had increased and residents were requested to ensure security of their garden sheds and garages, as these had been targeted in recent months.

Several reports of Anti-social behaviour had been reduced, however, increased street drinking in the Tudor Road (Tudor Gardens) area had caused concerns and patrols had been increased to deal with problems.

A community event supported by the square mile project to raise funds

for the adventure playground and the Lord Mayor’s fund was advertised and information was circulated.

In response to questions it was reported that collaborative working with Council colleagues and officers from neighbouring police divisions was ongoing to tackle the increase in graffiti ‘tags’.  Details of the worst affected areas were noted.

The update was noted.

There will be an update from the City Ward Service.

The City warden could not be present, however details of his environmental and enforcement activities had been circulated and were duly noted.

Councillors are reminded that under the Council’s Code of Conduct they should declare any interest they may have in budget applications.

a)     An update will be given on the Ward Community budget; and

b)     A list of grant applications submitted for consideration at this meeting is attached.

Councillors referred to the purpose of the ward Community Budget and reported on the local projects had been awarded funds.

Representatives of the Nigerian Association presented details of their recent community event and expressed their thanks for the contribution received.

The meeting closed at 7.20 pm.