Agenda and minutes

AGREED:

that Councillor Dempster be elected as Chair for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Meghani, Kim Thorrington, Michelle Gamble and Nick Langton.

Councillors were asked to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary or other interests they had in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillors Dempster and Westley both declared an interest, in that they both sat as members on the Ur Choice Project Board.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the interests were not considered so significant that it was likely to prejudice the Councillors’ judgement of public interest. They were not, therefore, required to withdraw from the meeting during the discussion of items of business on the agenda.

The minutes of the previous Beaumont Leys Community Meeting, held on 13^th March 2013, are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

AGREED:

that the minutes of the previous Beaumont Leys Community Meeting held on 13^th March 2013 be approved as a correct record.

The Community Meeting to receive an update on Local Policing.

PC Adam Woolman, Leicestershire Constabulary, introduced himself and provided the meeting with the latest crime statistics for Beaumont Leys Ward for the previous 97 days up to 14^th March 2013, the following 97 days to 18^th June 2013, and the same three month period for 2012:

·         Crime figures for the area were looking reasonably well compared to the same three month period in 2012.

·         A Problem Solving Plan (PSP) was in place to tackle the motorbikes on parks near Halley Close.

·         Residents were reminded they should be mindful of where they parked their cars, as there had been a spate of thefts from motor vehicles of catalytic converters, as shown in the figures above. Due to the hot weather, residents were also reminded to keep cars locked and windows closed, with valuable goods out of sight.

·         There had been a recent issue, as recorded in the Leicester Mercury, of a man indecently exposing himself in Beaumont Leys, though the offences had stopped. It was possible that the publicity had pushed him out of the area. Due to the offences there were plain clothes and high visibility patrols in the area. The police wished they had been able to catch the offender, and asked that people try and capture photos of the faces of the offenders if possible.

·         Problems in Halley Close, for example, anti-social behaviour had seen two people being charged with arson. Police were also conducting stop searches for drugs.

·         There were several Section 59 notices imposed on Castle Hill Country Park. The Police had powers to seize bikes, but it was useful members of the public could get photographic evidence to assist the Police in tracking down the offenders. To date there had been eight people identified, and the Police were in the process of putting a file together to prosecute. Many of the offenders were in the 14-16 age bracket. Angela Thompson, Area Youth Work Manager would contact PC Woolman to discuss the issue.

·         There was one address of a council tenant that had been caught growing cannabis in the property.

The Chair thanked PC Woolman for the update.

The Community Meeting to receive an update from the City Warden.

Matthew Davinson, City Warden, was present at the meeting, and reported the following:

·         Two complaints regarding dog fouling were received from One Clean Leicester for Portmore Close. Complaints through the Housing Office were received for Lime Grove Close which seemed to be a major problem, and City Wardens were concentrating their efforts in this area. There were still unresolved issues on Glovers Walk, and Martinshaw Close near the play area.

·         There were also problems with dog fouling in Castle Hill Country Park and Bennion Pools. A resident asked that signs be installed warning people of the offence and penalty if caught. Matthew said the more details residents could provide them on the offenders, the more chance they would have in catching and issuing FPNs.

·         In Billesdon Close and Balisfire Grove, bins had been removed, and the problems resolved.

·         Fly tipping of domestic waste had been reported by neighbours on Ipswich Close, Keepers Walk and Lomond Crescent, and had been removed. Overall there had been seven customer service complaints and two from the Housing Office.

·         On 29^th April 2013, there was a community clean-up. A bulk collection in the Dales area, which also included Aysgarth Road and some areas around Bishopdale Road was successful. The area had been leafleted beforehand, and five trucks were filled on the day. City Wardens had received good feedback from residents.

·         A clean-up was also organised with some of the children from Heatherbrook School on 25^th April 2013. 55 pupils took part, and 10 bags of litter were picked up in Astill Lodge Road, which was previously thought to be relatively clean. The children wanted to organise another clean-up day.

The Chair thanked Matthew for the update.

The Community Meeting to receive information on summer youth activities and services in Beaumont Leys Ward.

Angela Thompson, Area Youth Work Manager for the Youth Offending Service, informed the meeting of street based / detached youth work sessions that would take place over the summer period, which focussed on areas brought to the attention of the Service through the Beaumont Leys Joint Action Group, Beaumont Leys ward meeting and observations. Areas included:

·         Heatherbrook / Bluegates / Halley Close

·         Churchward / Hme Farm

·         Bishopdale / Aysgarth

·         Beaumont Walk / Dales area

Angela circulated a list of Barley Croft Youth Centre Summer Activities for 15^th July – 23^rd August 2013 (subject to change nearer to the date), and a contact list for the Youth Service. Activities included cooking and healthy eating sessions, and trips out. Kim Thorrington, Detached Youth Worker would be part of the Street Based Team, and would hold sessions, sometimes as late as 9.30pm.

The Chair thanked Angela for the update.

The Chair delivered a report back from Councillors for the Ward.

The Chair reported on the Heathley Park Residents Group patch walk that had taken place on 21^st June 2013 with Liz Kendall MP in attendance. A number of options were discussed in order to improve traffic safety and movement in the area including:

·         The removal of yellow lines on Heathley Park Drive near to the entrance of the Sunlight factory and Heathley Park Public House.

·         To cut back bushes and overhanging branches.

·         To remove the restricted give way sign on Duncombe Road.

·         To install double yellow lines outside the children’s play area on Heathley Park Drive.

·         To replace missing metal fencing at the children’s play area.

·         To enquire as to the ownership of land on Heathley Park Drive bend to improve road and pavement at this point.

·         Police and Civil Enforcement Officer to visit the area regularly to enforce traffic obstruction and parking regulations.

Residents were also informed that regular Councillors’ Surgeries were held each month, the details of which could be found in Link magazine and on the City Council’s website at:

http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council-services/council-and-democracy/council-news/our-news-service-/leicester-link-magazine/

The Chair said Members received work via email from residents, which concerned mainly housing and maintenance issues.

The following information were also reported:

·         The Chair reported demolition of a burnt out building at Home Farm had commenced on 18^th June 2013. The land had been tidied and better fencing had been installed. It was noticeable that the building had occupied quite a sizeable piece of land.

·         The meeting was informed that a ceremony at Babington School was held on 19^th June 2013, to celebrate the start of new build at the school.

·         A planning application was submitted for 28 mixed houses and flats at Bradgate Heights. There were also existing parking issues regarding the hospital in the area.

·         There were issues of parking on both sides at Thurcaston Park / Redruth Road, and concerns were raised that installing double yellow lines on one side of the road would move the problem out to other streets. Following consultation it was agreed to install the lines,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Councillors are reminded that they will need to declare any interest they may have in budget applications, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

The Community Meeting to consider applications for funding received from the Community Meeting Budget (Opening Balance £18,000), and summarised below:

Applications supported at the last meeting but funded from 2013/14 Budget

i)          SOMINFOS – Multi Ward Bid                                                       £950

            Application received to run Money Advice sessions.

ii)         The Spark Arts for Children                                                        £150

            Application received from this to fund SHINY project

iii)        Checkpoint Advice and Support                                               £1,538.20

            Application received to run a financial healthcheck service.

Applications for consideration and received since the last meeting

iv)        Unity Boxing Club (deferred from the last meeting) £1,245

            Application received to provide equipment for boxing club.

v)         Beaumont Lodge Neighbourhood Association                    £1,251.62

Application received to provide a community vegetable garden that will enable local residents grow vegetables.

vi)        Heathley Park Residents Association                                      £400

Application received to help fund the 9^th Annual Heathley Park residents gathering 2013 to be held June/August 2013.

vii)       Cornerstone PCC                                                                          £500

Application received to part fund a Community Fun Day in the grounds of Alderman Richard Hallam School, Avebury Avenue, in conjunction with other churches in the area.

viii)      Zinthiya Trust                                                                                  £1,066

Application received to support the newly formed Lunch Club and Food Parcel Scheme operated from Barleycroft Community Centre.

ix)        SOMINFOS                                                                                       £1,424

Application received to part fund a project to empower Somali males and females.

x)         Residents of Milton House Sheltered Accommodation       £ 415

Application to organise a day trip for residents of Milton House to help bring communities together and support elderly vulnerable people.

xi)        Gandal Media                                                                                  £698

Application received to part fund a raising Drugs and Alcohol Awareness event.

xii)       Leicester City Ladies Juniors Football Club                          £1,750

Application received to part fund the continuation of the provision of girls and ladies football in the community.

The Chair reported that, following funding support at the last meeting, Checkpoint opened on Tuesday 11^th June 2013, and were providing a good service, with positive feedback from residents.

At the start of the financial year, the ward was allocated £18,000, from which three bids were funded, agreed at the last meeting, but funded from the 2013/14 budget.

Applications supported at the last meeting but funded from 2013/14 Budget

i)          SOMINFOS – Multi Ward Bid                                                       £950

            Application received to run Money Advice sessions.

ii)         The Spark Arts for Children                                                        £150

            Application received from this to fund SHINY project

iii)        Checkpoint Advice and Support                                               £1,538.20

            Application received to run a financial healthcheck service.

The balance remaining from the 2013/14 budget after funding the above three applications was £15,361.

Applications Considered at the Meeting

The Members Support Officer introduced the budget requests that had been submitted. There was then a short recess whilst the Ward Councillors reached their decision on each application.

Members stated they were minded to support applications for £500 and under in full, as they were community events. The Chair said that over £7,000 in applications had been received, and two others were pending, at the start of the financial year for 2013/14. Members were mindful the budget should be spread over the financial year, to enable other applicants to have the opportunity to apply for funding. With that in mind, they agreed that not all applications would be supported, or supported in full, at the meeting.

Application 1 – Unity Boxing Club (deferred from the last meeting) – to maintain ABA status

The application was for £1,245 to maintain ABA status.

The Members said they were aware of how good the boxing club was, and the work they did, but recognised there were significant youth issues around the ward. The Members also said that considerable funding had been given to the club in the past. Members were minded to partially support the application.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported in part and £750 be allocated.

Application 2 – Beaumont Lodge Neighbourhood Association – Beaumont Lodge Vegetable Garden

The application was for £1,251.62, to provide a community vegetable garden that will enable local residents grow vegetables.

Members said it was an important project that would develop skills, offer volunteering opportunities, and provide fresh produce for the community. They asked that the applicants work with officers to see if there were other ways a shed could be provided. Members were minded to partially support the application.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported in part and £800 be allocated.

Application 3 – Heathley Park Residents Association – Heathley Park 9^th Annual Gathering July / August 2013

The application was for £400 towards publicity for the event and food / drink disposable, and tombola prizes.

Members agreed to fund applications for £500 and under, as it was a community event. Members were minded to support the application in full.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported in full and £400  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

·         The Bus Panel was opposed to cuts to some of the bus services subsidised by the City Council. Residents asked if a decision had been made regarding the subsidy given to the bud company for the Number 55 bus operated. The Chair said no decision had been made to date, and that more information on passenger numbers was required. The Chair added that there was a clear rationale for the difficult decision to cut transport funding, due to further cuts in funding from Government. She added that it was not for Leicester City Council to advertise the timetables for bus companies even if the route was subsidised.

·         Members requested that Transport Officers and Highways Officers be invited to the next meeting to discuss bus subsidy cuts and parking issues respectively.

The meeting closed at 8.04pm.