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 Westley, Chair, welcomed all those present including the new councillors to the ward Councillor Waddington and Councillor Rae Bhatia.

Apologies were received from Haldene Broomes, Youth Worker.

There were no declarations of interest in the business to be discussed.

The Action Log is attached for information and discussion.

The action log of 4^th March 2015 was circulated and confirmed as an accurate record.

Matters Arising:

Hetha Copland (NDM) confirmed that a meeting between Speedway and Young People’s council representatives was still to be followed up. Cllr Rae Bhatia suggested making it a joined up meeting for Speedway, Police, YP council representatives and ward councillors.

John Dowson, from Leicester City Council, Transport Strategy will provide an update on highways and transport issues.

John Dowson from the Leicester City Council Transport Strategy team gave an update on the Leicester Northwest highways and transport project between the county and city which aimed to improve road networks along the A50 corridor, towards the A47 and the A6 and roads around the western by-pass and outer ring road.

The first phase of works would commence on 13^th July and impact on the area around the Glenfield Hospital, New Parks Way and Groby Road. The first phase was expected to last 15 months and at times lead to lane restrictions. People were being asked to make alternative arrangements and find alternative routes to avoid disruption. Plans of the works were on display at the meeting and it was agreed to make these available to the Beaumont Leys Library for public display.

The Chair thanked John for attending the meeting and the public were invited to put any questions in writing to John Dowson, at 2^nd Floor, City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1FZ.

The meeting will receive an update on Transforming Neighbourhood Services

Hetha Copland, Neighbourhood Development Manager gave an update on the review that was looking at the facilities and services used by local people and explained the purpose was to protect the services important to local people despite cuts in resources.

A general discussion took place about services in the ward and buildings that had fallen into disuse. Concerns were expressed by some residents that parts of the ward felt “left out”.

Officers were asked to take note of buildings in the area that were not being used and whether they could be brought back into use. Hetha agreed to take this forward.

Councillors explained the political boundary of Beaumont Leys Ward and within that there were different estates, none of the areas were forgotten. It was agreed that Ward Maps would be brought to the next meeting to raise awareness.

There will be an update on local housing issues.

Ela Krychowska-Hall, Area Housing Manager provided an update on the following Housing related issues:

·         Housing Stock Profile

·         Tenants Profile

·         Improvement projects and Housing Repairs:

Bluegate – entrances improved, new bin areas, removal of overgrown shrubbery, new lawns

Butterwick Drive and Portmore Close

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

PC Woolman gave an update on local policing issues and reported crime statistics since the last meeting were noted.

·         In the last 120 days there had been 550 crimes reports, with an increase in burglaries and theft from vehicles. It was also noted that the area was being targeted by organised crime groups affecting businesses and local hotels.

·         There had been a large number of arrests, 100 of those had been charged then bailed or remanded for further action before the courts.

·         Robberies and theft of motor vehicles was down but drug related offences were up.

·         Beaumont Town – parking issues had been addressed.

·         Castle Hill Park/Pitchens Close – motor cycle issues were being addressed, entrances and escape routes were being looked at.

·         Home Farm – issues with some youths had been tackled and anti-social behaviour processes were being followed.

·         Local beat officers were trying to obtain a share of some local funding to buy mobile phones so they would be more contactable in the area.

Residents were reminded to ensure vehicles and properties (homes and sheds) were locked and items of value not left on display.

It was agreed to invite the Crime Prevention Officer to the next meeting and to have a presentation stand to raise awareness of crime prevention.

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

Matt Davinson, City Warder gave an update on matters affecting the Beaumont Leys Ward.

·         Fly Tipping – 53 fly tip reports had been investigated and then passed to relevant teams to clear.

·         52 one clean Leicester reports had been dealt with.

·         Untidy land – 13 reports had come through Area Environmental Health, the properties had been visited, photographed and letters sent to occupiers and landlords. Some were resolved but others ongoing.

·         Obstructions – 3 were reported and dealt with.

Residents were encouraged to continue reporting concerns with the Warden Service or their Councillor at the Councillor surgeries held in the ward or on the Love Leicester app.

The ward councillors will provide an update on patch walks in Beaumont Leys.

The following information was provided:

·         Recent patch walk had covered the Bluegates and Pitchens Close area and was very successful.

·         There would be more patch walks in the coming months moving up through the ward, residents were invited to attend or make suggestions as to where patch walks should be.

·         The recent patch walk had identified the need for kissing gates to prevent bikes on Castle Park and a playground for young people on the estate.

·         It was hoped future patch walks would look at and identify issues and solutions that could be put into an Action Plan.

·         There had been 3 clean up days with multi agency participation, and the Police and City Wardens service were thanked for their involvement.

·         Details of the next patch walk area, date and time would be available from the Community Engagements Officer Nabillah Patel.

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

An update will be given on the Ward Community Meeting budget.

The following two funding applications have been fast tracked for payment:

Cornerstone PCC: Community Fun Day. £500 requested and supported.

Police Community Support Officers: Public Services Day. £500 requested and supported.

Funding Application to be considered at the meeting

Ur Choice-Youth Action Core Group: Homefarm Festival:

 £1550 requested for a free summer family event which will be organised and delivered by young people.

Councillors were reminded that under the Council’s code of conduct, they should declare any interest they may have in the budget applications.

·         Applications Fast Tracked since the last meeting:

Cornerstone PCC (5080) A joint bid for a family fun day on the grounds of Alderman Richard Hallam school. Application for £500 – Grant of £500

Fast Tracked.

Police Community Support Officers (1404) A bid for a public services event at Beaumont Shopping Centre showcasing the roles and skills of the 999 emergency services, armed forces and partner agencies. Application for £500 – Grant of £500 Fast Tracked.

·         Applications considered at the meeting:

Ur Choice – Youth Action Group (1403) A bid for a summer event “Homefarm Festival” on 15^th August 2015, to be organised and delivered by young people. Application for £1550 – Grant of £1000 Supported.

African Catholic Chaplaincy Leicestershire (1429) A bid for organised trips to places of different religious and British cultural interest for young people. Application for £700 – Grant of £500 Supported, subject to proof of some people from the Beaumont Leys area attending.

Councillors announced that bids of up to £500 could be approved and fast tracked outside of the community meetings. Anyone submitting bids over £500 must produce all of the relevant information and paperwork e.g. audited accounts before the meeting as required in the funding guidance. Councillors also advised that they would require the same information for bids under £500 to enable a proper decision to be taken and for safeguarding purposes.

Councillors invited recipients of ward funding to provide feedback after their events to the next community meeting.

1.    Local Libraries in Leicester would be running a summer reading challenge with the theme Record Breakers, information leaflets were distributed to those present.

The meeting closed at 8.05pm.