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.

Everyone was welcomed and introductions were given.

Apologies were received from Mr John Jones and Mr Simon Bennett.

Attached for information and discussion.

8^th September 2015 – received and noted.

Forum members will be at the meeting to provide an update.

A Steering Group meeting took place on the evening of 24^th November. A summary report on progress provided by the Steering Group was read by Cllr Dr. Moore and is attached for information.

Members will provide an update on ward information.

Councillors reported the following:

• A planning application to convert part of the Gables Hotel on London Road to retail was refused on the grounds of highways safety issues.
• Councillor Grant had objected to a planning application for a development on Knighton Church Road due to concerns with flooding. The application was approved with conditions.
• Consultation was undertaken with Castle Ward residents regarding permit parking in Clarendon Park. Councillors stated consultation should also be undertaken with Knighton Ward residents who would also be affected.

·         The closure of a post office in Knighton Ward had been proposed, on the basis that Knighton residents could use the branch on Queens Road. Ward councillors to write to the City Mayor to ask that Knighton residents’ views be taken into account.

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

PCSO Lynette Steadman and PCSO Diane Stewart (Aylestone Ward) were present at the meeting and the following update on police issues was given:

·         Statistics for incidents in the ward for the period of 35 days up to 24/11/15:

o   5 burglaries of dwellings and 1 attempted burglary;

o   3 burglaries of other than dwellings (sheds/garages);

o   9 reports damage, 4 occurring at Lancaster Boys/Sir Jonothan North schools which related to the same group of youths – one youth had been arrested and was on bail whilst further enquiries took place. 3 of the damages were to unattended cars;

o   2 bicycles were stolen;

o   2 theft of cars;

o   3 theft from vehicles.

·         Burglary figures for Oadby, South Wigston, Wigston and Freeman 23/9 – 23/10

71 in 2014

32 in 2015

Bags containing advice on security and timers for lighting were distributed at the meeting.

·         The police were looking at graffiti tags in the area to see if they could be identified with individuals.

·         Councillors advised the scout hut to submit an application for vandal-proof lighting for the side f the scout hut.

·         The City Warden to bring a graffiti kit to the next community meeting.

The police were praised for their good police work, rapid response and excellent detective work regarding the recent attack on a young school boy in the area.

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

Darren Evans, City Warden, informed the meeting he covered Knighton, Spinney Hills and Stoneygate wards. He added Chris Bramley-Brown would co-work with him in Knighton ward.

·         Contact details to be passed to ward councillors and posted online.

·         Residents to contact the city warden with any issues in the ward.

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.

The following funding applications had been agreed:

·         68^th Leicester Scout Hut – replacement of equipment – an application for £2,001.40 had been received, but a revised bid of a lesser amount was due to be submitted which was supported in advance.

·         Allandale Road / Francis Street Community Market (submitted by Kevin Urquhart) – £3,769.00 (joint bid with Stoneygate at £500) – supported for the lesser amount of £769.00.

·         Art House (submitted by Sue Ryan) – £500 – the application was fast-tracked.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 1^st March 2016.

The meeting closed at 7.45pm.

Date of next meeting – 1^st March 2016.