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.

Apologies for absence will be noted.

Councillor Dr Moore as Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and all present introduced themselves.

No declarations of interest were made.

Apologies for absence were received from the Police, Knighton Green, Friends of Knighton Park and from City Warden Harvey Roberts.

The Action Log for the last meeting, held on 26 February 2019, is attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log of the previous meeting held 26 February 2019 was agreed as a correct record.

Item 32

Councillor Dr Moore noted that the Tree Strategy had been made available and had been distributed at the meeting.

Item 34

Councillor Dr Moore reported that ward funding had enabled speed cameras to be fitted throughout the ward.  It was intended that the cameras would be moved around the ward to increase their effectiveness.

Ward Councillors will provide an update on local ward issues

Councillor Whittle reported that:

·         A bench on Washbrook Nature Reserve had been unlawfully removed.  Councillor Whittle had made arrangements through the Parks and Open Spaces Department to get it replaced.

·         Parks and Open Spaces had also mown overgrown verges and overgrown areas on Chiltern Green.

·         A lot of litter had been left in the area around the racecourse following Ladies’ Day.  Action: Councillor Whittle to monitor litter in the area.

·         Councillor Whittle had been approached by residents of Welford Court regarding an area that was overgrown and littered.  Action: Councillor Whittle to consider options.

Councillor March reported that:

·         Tree Preservation Orders were being worked on to ensure that ancient trees were preserved.

·         Councillor March had spoken at Planning and Development Control Committee on behalf of residents who were concerned about the ecological impact of developments.

·         Councillor March was considering options to tackle littering in the ward.

Councillor Dr Moore reported that:

·         Work was ongoing on trying to get the ground next to the Scout Hut converted into an adventure playground, however funding was an issue.

·         Outdoor activities for young people were being explored in order to mitigate anti-social behaviour.

·         Following a meeting on the issue of speeding cars on Shanklin Drive, islands were being installed in order to slow traffic.  A consultation would be held following the pilot scheme to assess its effectiveness.

·         A meeting would take place in September with the City Mayor and Highways Officers to discuss speeding issues.

Concern was raised that one of the islands was planned to be installed near the bus stop.  Action: Councillor Dr Moore to email Martin Fletcher.

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

Apologies were received from Leicestershire Police.

Concern was raised about a series of break-ins in the Overdale Road area and a request for greater police presence and visibility was heard.  Action: Councillor March to arrange a meeting with Police at a community venue to discuss with local residents how to increase police presence and visibility.

Councillor Dr Moore further recommended that local residents start a Neighbourhood Watch group to improve security in the area, and suggested that the Police can often provide resources to such groups.

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

Apologies were received form the City Warden.

Highways officers will give an update on highways issues in the Ward.

Robert Bateman provided an update on highways which included the following:

·         Seven traffic islands would be installed on Shanklin Drive on 14^th and 15^th August.  A road closure would be in place while they were installed.  Notice would be given for the closure.

·         Surface dressing and patching had been taking place throughout the ward.

·         Two vehicle-activated speed signs had been installed on Carisbrooke Road.

·         Speeding on Asquith Boulevard was being investigated.

·         Officers had been working with Schools on the School Run Parking Initiative to discuss ideas for physical features in roads to discourage parents using cars and to encourage walking.

An enquiry was made as to whether there were any plans for road improvements given that it was a busy road with a school, and major junctions.  There was particular concern over fading road-markings.  Action: Robert Bateman to feed information back to the Highways Department.

Councillor March informed that there would be a meeting between councillors in September to identify issues and to ascertain what actions can be afforded.  Action: Councillor March to raise issue of Overdale Road at the meeting.

A representative of the forum will deliver an update.

Andrew Oldershaw of Knighton Neighbourhood Forum read out a written update (attached).

Councillor Dr Moore thanked the forum for their work.

An update will be given on the Knighton Green Group.

Apologies were received from Knighton Green.  A written update was distributed (attached).

Councillor Dr Moore encouraged those present to visit Knighton Green and attend their activity morning on 24^th August.

Feedback on events will be provided by the group.

Apologies were received from Friends of Knighton Park.  A copy of an email from a representative from the group was circulated (attached).

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

An update will be given on the Ward Community budget.

From an opening balance of £18,000 at the beginning of the municipal year, the following bids had been supported:

·         Leicester Progressive Jewish Congregation for restoration of main hall flooring- £350

·         Leicester Civil Service Holiday Play Scheme for play equipment- £500

·         Knighton Park Gardening Club for a visual board- £2000

·         Knighton Christmas Tree Festival Group for the Christmas Tree Festival- £700

·         Stoneygate Baptist Church for heating improvements- £500

·         Knighton Ward Councillors for litter bins- £400

There was a remaining balance of £13,550.

Thanks were received for funding for the sensory garden in Knighton Park which had paid for an information board with a QR code and an audio recording to be heard at listening-posts around the garden.

Thanks were also received for funding received by a representative of St Mary’s Church for the Christmas Tree Festival who reported that the festival would involve trees being decorated by local schools, charities and businesses.  Proceeds from the festival would go towards the church spire and a charity to be decided on 21^st August.

A representative of Stoneygate Baptist Church for the heating improvements also expressed thanks for the funding received for heating improvements and expressed hope that with these improvements would allow the church to take part in the Winter Night Shelter scheme.

Anna Parr of Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service made those present aware of courses offered including Digital Skills and Employment Skills as well as various Level 1 and 2 courses which were free for those on a low income (under £16,000 p/a) or benefit claimants on low incomes.

She also informed those present of an Open Day that would be held at Pork Pie library on 6^th September.  She informed that people could sign up to courses either online, at the Open Day, or at their main site on Wellington Street.

A resident raised concern that dog-waste bins had been removed around Overdale Road and the hygiene, recycling and space issues associated with it.  Action: Councillors to consider options.

Councillor Dr Moore distributed posters about the Councillors’ Surgeries and informed that other posters would be on display around the ward. 

The next Knighton Ward Community Meeting would be on 12 November 2019 at Neve Shalom Synagogue on Avenue Road.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.45pm