Agenda and minutes

Councillors will elect a Chair for the meeting.

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.

Cllr Byrne as Chair led on introductions.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 25 November 2020 is attached and Members will be asked to confirm it as an accurate record.

The Action Log of the meeting of the Abbey Ward Meeting 25 November 2020 were confirmed as a correct record.

A Police Officer will be at the meeting to provide an update on local policing issues in the Ward.

An Officer from the local policing unit was in attendance and provided an update.

It was noted that:

·         Current issues ranged from theft from motors, theft of push bikes and theft of number plates and that theft related offences had doubled from the previous year

·         There had been a number of arrests in relation to Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

·         There had been a rise in violence in June but there had been no specific reasons behind this

·         Drug offence warrants had been undertaken and three people had been charged

The officer welcomed residents to raise any concerns they would like to on a one to one basis following the meeting.

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

Kelly James, the local City Warden was in attendance and provided an update. It was noted that:

·         Reports of dog fouling issues were being addressed with regular patrols and additional signage

·         Reports of untidy gardens were being investigated

·         Fly tipping was a major concern on the ward and residents were requested to provide evidence using the LoveLeicester app.

As part of the discussions with residents, it was noted that:

·         Bins provided for dog fouling were always full and needed regular emptying

·         Residents shared their concerns with littering issues on Abbey Rise.

The City Warden noted the information provided and confirmed that the Cleansing Team would be notified.

A Housing Officer will provide an update on current issues in the Ward.

Marie Murray the District Housing Manager was in attendance and provided an update. It was noted that:

·         There were current staff shortages at Mowmacre Housing Office

·         Works had been undertaken to extend parking spaces

·         Additional works were underway to locate areas where electrical charging points could potentially be installed depending on funding

·         Maisonettes on Thurcaston Road would have the stairwells painted during this financial year

·         There were 40 voids in the Abbey Ward

The District Housing Manager confirmed that council tenants had the option to swap homes through the House Swap Scheme.

Officers from the Transport Division will provide an update on Highways issues in the Ward.

Robert Bateman the Highways Officer was in attendance and provided an update. It was noted that:

·         Actions raised at the previous meeting had been covered

·         20mph schemes would be considered for parts of the ward as aprt of future plans

·         Any speed enforcement issues could be taken back to the Highways Team

As part of the discussions with the residents it was noted that:

·         Residents requested that the Highways Team provided additional information for any proposals of cycle lanes and walkways on Beaumont Leys Lane

·         Ward Members also noted that they be informed on any future proposals

·         Parking issues were reported on Hazlebank Close and Brancaster Close

·         Request for resurfacing of Marwood Road were suggested as the current surface had deteriorated.

Representatives of organisations receiving ward community funding will be asked to provide updates on their activities.

Representatives from the local parent and toddler group were in attendance and provided feedback on projects carried out supported by the Ward Funding. It was noted that the group had been active on the ward and providing their services for 29 years and the ward funding that supported their projects was invaluable.

The bus trip that had recently been supported was a success and very beneficial for parents and children. A future Christmas event had been planned for local children and the elderly.

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.

Since April 2022 Abbey Ward Councillors had supported 14 local projects or activities, totalling £10,874.00, with a further two joint applications to be considered after 30^th September.

The remaining balance was £8,047.00, which is to be spent in full during this financial year as there would be no option to carry over 10% into the following year as this year was an election year.

There being no other items of urgent business, the meeting closed at 6:27pm