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 Alfonso welcomed those present.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Cassidy and from David Beale (Senior Project Manager), John Dowson (Transport Strategy) Chris Nutting (City Cleansing) and Charlotte Williams-Glover (City Warden).

Action Logs of the meetings held on 20 July 2017 and the two sessions of the Special meeting held on 2 November 2017 are attached for information and discussion.

The Action Logs of the meetings held on 20 July 2017 and 2 November 2017 were submitted and noted.

In respect of the Action Log of the meeting held on 20 July 2017, Geoff Forse (Woodgate Residents Association) suggested that a comment made by the Transport Strategy Officer concerning the proposed access arrangements at the new school development had been omitted.  He considered that the comment made at the meeting was important in relation to the suitability of the proposed location of the access and the infrastructure at the schools site.

The Democratic Support Officer agreed to research the issue and report back to Mr Forse in due course.

There will be an update on the Waterside Regeneration Project.

It was noted that David Beale (Senior Project Manager) was unable to be present.  A written update concerning the progress of the waterside Regeneration Project had therefore been prepared and was read by Councillor Alfonso.

Residents referred to the recent exhibitions and ongoing consultation and noted that comments concerning future cycle provision had been submitted.  Concerns had been raised at where the proposed new cycleways would cross other intersections and locations on the major roads network.  It was reported that, to date, email communications sent as part of the consultation process had not been responded to.  Councillor Alfonso asked that details of the email be forwarded to her, so that she could attempt to progress the issues on behalf of residents.

Details of discussions relating to wider transport implications, which had been raised at recent Bus User Group meetings were reported and noted.

The position and update was noted.

There will be an update on highways issues in the Ward.

It was noted that John Dowson (Transport Strategy) was unable to be present.  A written update concerning highways issues had therefore been prepared and was read by Councillor Alfonso.

Concern was expressed at a suggestion in the draft Local Plan that a proposed link road through Rally Park could be resurrected. It was considered by residents that as this scheme had been rescinded over 40 years ago and had been redundant since that time, it should not be reconsidered at this stage.

Councillor Alfonso reminded residents of the ongoing consultation process and the various stages of the Local Plan process.  She advised that comments and responses to the draft Plan should be forwarded as part of that formal process.

In conclusion, it was noted that a residents parking scheme for Woodgate would be reconsidered as part of a revised list of proposed schemes.

The update was noted.

There will be an update on the progress of the New Primary School in the Ward.

An update was provided on the new school development and it was reported that a further consultation event would be held on 11 January 2018.

It was suggested that highways issues that had not been included in the written update be raised at the separate consultation meetings.

The update was noted.

The City Warden will give an update on issues in the Ward.

It was noted that Charlotte Williams-Glover (City Warden) was unable to be present.  A written update concerning recent enforcement activities was circulated.

Residents noted the update and made the following observations concerning current issues in the Ward:

·         Low level anti-social behaviour and nuisance problems continued outside the Resource Centre premises on Woodgate and the extent of enforcement and educational proposals were clarified.

·         Street drinking had become an increasing problem, enforcement and educational proposals were also clarified and reiterated.

·         Fly-tipping of bulky items had increased; wider promotion of the free collection service was suggested.

·         There was a suggestion to produce information and advice leaflets in several languages.

·         The use of the MyAccount reporting system was promoted, rather than the LoveLeicester app that had been withdrawn.

The update was noted.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Ward.

Police Sgt Mark Brennan provided an update on Police activity in the Ward.

Changes to staffing structures and locations were noted, including improvements to the Hinckley Road Police Station.

Details of a scheme to repair and renew fencing At Bonchurch Street were reported and the reasons for the delays in the progress of scheme were explained and accepted.

In conclusion, transport enforcement schemes and educational initiatives concerning the use of ‘shared-space’ when cycling and the use of earphones with mobile devices were ongoing.

The update was noted.

The summary of the Community Budget will be provided.

The Community Engagement Officer reported that since the previous meeting

7 applications had been supported, with three applications currently being assessed.

The balance of funding was reported and applications were encouraged for any projects that would benefit Fosse residents.

Police and City Warden – Thanks

Residents asked that their thanks be recorded in respect of the Police and City Warden activities in the Ward. 

It was reported that to counter some recent unhelpful comments to the contrary, the Police and City Wardens were seen regularly in the Ward and their response to reports of problems was noticed and appreciated.

The meeting closed at 7.40pm.