Agenda and minutes

Councillor Clarke will Chair the meeting.

Councillor Clarke announced that he would be Chair for the meeting and he welcomed everyone to the meeting.

No apologies were received.

The first main item on the agenda is Declarations of Interest where Councillors have to say if there is anything on the agenda they have a personal interest in. For example if a meeting was due to discuss a budget application put forward by a community group and one of the Councillors was a member of that group, they would not be able to take part in the decision on that budget application.

Councillors are asked to declare any interest they may have in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Councillors were asked to declare any interest they might have in the business on the agenda, and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillor Clarke declared an Other Disclosable Interest in community budget items as he had been involved in discussions on the grant applications and he had also previously been involved in discussions on the A426 Bus Corridor and the proposed 20 mph Zone.

Councillor Porter declared an Other Disclosable Interest in community budget items as he had been involved in discussions on the grant applications and he had also previously campaigned for improvements to the A426 Bus Corridor.

In accordance with the Council’s new Code of Conduct these interest were not considered so significant that they were likely to prejudice Members’ judgement of the public interest.  The Members were not, therefore, required to withdraw from the meeting during discussion on these items.

The minutes of the previous Aylestone Community Meeting, held on Monday 30 July 2012, are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

Councillors were asked to agree the minutes of the Aylestone Community Meeting, held on Monday 30 July 2012.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Aylestone Community Meeting, held on Monday 30 July 2012, be agreed as a correct record.

To receive a presentation from Mark Wills (Traffic Strategy) on the proposed 20 mph zones for Aylestone and the proposals for the Aylestone Bus Lane/Corridor resulting from the joint Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council bid to improve traffic flows along the arterial route into the City from Blaby ((A426).    

AYLESTONE VILLAGE - PROPOSED 20 MPH ZONE

Mark Wills, Head of Transport Strategy, Leicester City Council gave a presentation on the proposed 20 mph Zone for Aylestone Village.

The proposal for 20mph Zones originated from the City Mayor’s 100 Days Pledges following his election.  Pledge 30 was to begin consultative work with councillors and residents on the introduction of 20mph zones near schools, community facilities and in residential areas.  There was a programme of 9 such schemes for 2012/2013/2014 and initial consultation had started on the Aylestone Village proposal.  20mph Zones were different to 20mph limits in that they were a specific defined area where the speed of vehicles was self-enforcing through traffic calming and repeater signs.

During the initial consultation three issues had arisen which the meeting was requested to comment upon.  These were:-

a)    Middleton Street

Including a section of Middleton Street was not in the original proposal.  A speed survey conducted at the Zebra Crossing on 22 August indicated that the average speed of vehicles was 28mph.  This level of speed would cause concerns if the street was included in the 20mph Zone without traffic calming measures.  If Middleton Street was to be included the 20 mph Zone, the zone would start a short way down Middleton Street to allow drivers to be aware that they were in the Zone and it would extend down to the junction with Riverside Drive.

Residents voted in favour of including Middleton Street in the proposal as it was often used as a ‘rat-run’. They also asked that forms of traffic calming such as road narrowing be considered but that the safety of cyclists should be considered when designing traffic calming.

b)    Old Church Street – No Right Turn at Junction

A survey had been carried out which identified that 56 vehicles turned left but 13 vehicle turned right into Middleton Street. Of the 56 vehicles that turned left 26 then turned right in Sanvey Lane and a further 18 did a ‘U’ Turn to go back down Middleton Street.  The Police stated that they had carried out enforcement at the junction in the summer and had issued 10 tickets to drivers turning right resulting in 5 drivers being fined.  They had also carried out speed enforcement on Wigston Lane and found 2 out of 54 cars travelling in excess of the speed limit.

Discussion took place on whether a mini-roundabout could be provided to allow vehicles to turn right or whether the road should be closed to through traffic with drop bollards being in place to allow access to the Church and Church Hall when services and functions were held.

Residents of Old Hall Street stated that they did not wish to see the right turn being reinstated as they had campaigned for years to get the current ban on rights turns.  The closure of the road did not receive support. 

c)    Disraeli Street

It had been suggested that there should be a contra-flow cycle lane to allow cyclists to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.

To receive an update from Darren Moore (Welfare Rights) on the proposed changes to the benefits system next year.

Darren Moore, Team Leader, Welfare Rights, gave a presentation on the proposed changes to the benefits system next year.

During the presentation the following points and issues were mentioned:-

·         Council Tax Benefit would be replaced by Council Tax Support from April 2013 and local authorities would receive 10% less government grant for the scheme so recipients would pay more towards Council Tax.  It was estimated that this could be between £2 - £5 and could impact upon 40,000 people in the City.

·         There would be a Benefit cap of £500 per week for families and lone parents (£350 for singles) and would affect mainly families with 4 or more children.

·         Housing Benefit paid to people of working age would be changed to reduce the level of eligible rent by 14% for 1 extra bedroom that was unoccupied and by 25% if two or more bedrooms were unoccupied. The level of benefit would then be calculated on the lower amount of eligible rent. 

·         The Disability Living Allowance would be abolished in April 2013 and replaced with a new scheme that would cut out the lowest level of allowances.  Current recipients would be gradually re-assessed from the old system to the new points based system.   

·         The new system of Universal Credits would come into operation in April 2013 and was designed to simplify the current large number of means tested benefits into one payment. New claimants and existing claimants with change of circumstances would transfer to Universal Credits on 1 October 2013. Existing claimants, who could benefit from Universal Credits, would be transferred from April 2014 and everyone else would be transferred from the end of 2015 to the end of 2017.

·         Some of the existing premiums were being abolished, e.g. disability and carers.

·         It was envisaged that claimants would not be worse off at the point of change over; but there would be a gradual reduction in the level of benefits over a period of years.

·         The qualification rules for Pension Credits were also changing.  In future, Pension Credits would only be available when the youngest person in the partnership reaches pensionable age, rather than the oldest person as at present.

·         Future Payments will be made monthly and be paid direct to the claimant, subject to only one claimant per partnership.  It will then be the claimant’s responsibility to pay their rent and Council tax etc. 

·         Further help and assistance could be obtained from the Welfare Right Helpline number - 0116 2568211 or the Revenues and Benefits Service – 0116 2527006.

·         The Community Legal Advice Service on Charles Street could also provide advice.

Mr Moore was thanked for his presentation.

To receive an overview and update from Stephanie McBurney (Domestic Violence Co-ordinator) on the services provided by the Domestic Violence Awareness Team.

Stephanie McBurney, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, Leicester City Council and Meena Kumari, Manager, Safe Project attended the meeting to give  presentation on Changing Domestic Violence Service in Leicester.

During the presentation the following points were made:-

·         The service worked with both heterosexual and single sex partnerships.

·         Issues could include psychological, sexual, physical, financial and emotional abuse.

·         Approximately 1in 6 men were affected and 1 in 3-4 women.

·         The service dealt with 700-800 cases per month, which was approximately 50/55% of the cases in Leicestershire.

·         There were two homicides each year in Leicester that resulted from domestic violence.

·         The majority of people suffering from domestic violence did not tell anyone, but those that do usually confide in friends and family.

·         There had been 2,785 cases in the Aylestone Ward for 20100/11, which represented 3% of all the cases for Leicester. The highest Ward in the City had 8% of cases.

·         Project work had been undertaken in local schools to promote an understanding of the issues involved.

·         There was a Special Domestic Violence Court and the Magistrates’ Court in Leicester.  The City was above the national average in relation to outcomes of ‘positive justice’ in cases heard by Magistrates.

·         An anonymous case study was also outlined to the meeting.

Ms McBurney and Ms Kumari were thanked for their presentation.

A copy of the presentation is attached at Appendix C.

To receive a short presentation from Glen Suttonn on the Service’s independent advice to parents and carers regarding all aspects of the secondary and primary schools admissions process for pupils.

Glen Suttonn, City Choice Advisor, attended the meeting to give a presentation on the Service’s independent advice to parents and carers regarding all aspects of the secondary and primary schools admissions processes for pupils.

The key points were:-

Secondary Schools – Applications to be submitted by 31 October 2012.

Year 6 pupils – application packs had been sent out in September and it was advisable to complete and submit the application form now.  It was advisable to fill in all the preferences.

Year 5/6 pupils – applications for pupils wishing to attend a County school should be submitted by 31 October 2012.

Children in Reception Classes – the application process had started for children starting school in September 2013.  Admission packs were being sent to home addresses and the deadline for the submission of applications was 15 January 2013.  There were sufficient school places overall for all new admissions.  However, there were limited places in some areas; so not everyone may get their first preference.  It was, therefore, advisable to submit applications as soon as possible to improve the chances of securing the first preference. 

Mr Suttonn was thanked for his presentation.

Mr A Brown, Project and Development Officer, Parks and Green Spaces Services, Leicester City Council, attended the meeting to provide feedback on the recent consultation regarding improvements to the Park and Spinney.

Although the majority of respondents were in favour of site improvements, a number of objections and concerns had been raised in relation to anti-social behaviour on the open space.  The Parks Services team were aware of these problems and had worked with the Police to reduce them.  This would continue in the future.

The proposed works had been prioritised and would be phased over a period of time subject to funding.  These were:-

1.    Refurbishments of existing older children’s play facilities on the main open space. 

2.    Improved pedestrian access to the open space through the spinney by the provision of steps on the embankment, handrail to the steps and an all-weather narrow gravel path to prevent vehicle use. 

3.    New welcome and interpretation boards about the Spinney flora and fauna.

4.    New dual litter/dog bins at Matts Close entrance and main open space.

5.    New anti-vandal seats in the main open space away from houses to prevent disturbance to residents at night.

6.    Promote volunteer opportunities to improve the habitat and biodiversity of the Spinney to include:-

a.    Control of self-setting trees and plant additional oak trees to create a more diverse age structure in the Spinney.

b.    Plant under-storey trees to diversify the woodland habitat to encourage nesting birds.

c.    Create log piles to create additional habitats.

d.    Clear self-set trees and dominant ruderal vegetation from marsh.

7.    Improve access to Matts Close by removing tree trunk barrier and replace with post and rail fence.

8.    New gravel path to link Matts Close to the proposed steps at the Spinney.

9.    Circular gravel path around the main open space.

Mr Brown stated that the first volunteer session would be held on 13 November 2012.  A further two sessions may be organised and these would be advertised on posters in the local area.

Mr Brown was thanked for his presentation.

To receive an update on policing issues in the area.

PC Kevin Butler, Local Beat Officer, Leicestershire Constabulary, attended the meeting to give a policing update for the Aylestone Ward.  Sgt Leon Gamble and CSO Diane Stewart were also in attendance.

PC Butler gave the following crime figures for the ward in the preceding 90 day period:-

·         12 burglaries from domestic properties – all but one of these were opportunist ‘walk-ins’ through doors and windows being left open.  They had occurred both during the day and the night.

·         17 burglaries from commercial properties resulting in three convictions.

·         17 thefts from motor vehicles.  One involved the theft of a satellite navigation system and all the others were the theft of number plates that were later used in filling station fuel thefts.  The Police had a supply of security fixing screws for car number plates which were available free of charge.  Anyone wishing to have these should e-mail the Police with details of the make and model of their car. 

PC Butler reported that he would become the ward Beacon Officer from 7 January 2013.  Sgt Gamble would oversee the beat team for the ward.  Sgt Gamble reported that 3 warrants had been issued; two of which had resulted in convictions for drug related incidents.  Sgt Gamble requested that anyone seeing any suspicious behaviour or having any intelligence on crimes; to report it to the Police on the 101 number.  He also indicated that Operation Dynamo would be taking place shortly involving a team of 8 plain clothed officers and they may be operating in the ward.

There were free posters available at the meeting for households to display if they did not wish ‘Trick or Treaters’ to knock on their doors on Halloween.   

The meeting congratulated PC Butler on his recent award from Chief Superintendent Nixon in relation to work he had undertaken on a Fraud Inquiry.

The meeting will receive an update on street scene enforcement issues.

Roy Smith, City Warden, gave an update on issues that had been dealt with in the Ward since the last meeting.  He reported upon the following:-

·         The work on the Business Waste Management campaign had concluded and there had been only 2 incidents of complaints.

·         Following the issue that was raised at the last meeting concerning the powers of the Riverside Rangers: it was reported that the Rangers had powers to enforce 61 Byelaws to keep the Aylestone Meadows open.  Details of these could be found on the City Council’s web-site.

·         Issues of bins being left out in Gilmorton Close and Lilly Marriott House had now been resolved.

·         There had also been an issue of fly-tipping at Lilly Marriott House and discussions had been held to try and resolve the matter.

·         The number of littering tickets had been reduced, as there was now a pro-active approach to littering.  For example, rather than waiting to observe smokers discarding their cigarette butts and then issuing a ticket; smokers were now approached whilst still smoking their cigarettes and were offered a ‘stubby’ to dispose of their cigarette butt.

·         Littering from vehicles had also reduced and only 3 tickets had been issued.

·         There was a new initiative to collate information on graffiti to try and identify those responsible.  Residents were also being approached to help with removing graffiti with anti-graffiti kits.  It was intended to publicise this in the local papers with before and after photographs.  PC Butler suggested that the City Warden could liaise with the Police as they too held intelligence on graffiti. 

·         Work with local residents and the Police had taken place to try and reduce the illegal right turn into Middleton Street.

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 approved expenditure on Grants so far this year for the Ward is £4,415.30, which leaves a balance of £13,584.70 for future applications.

The following applications have been received and are to be considered at the meeting:

1)    Carols in the Park                                                                    £1,000

An application has been received from the Spirit of Aylestone Community Group to fund an event for the whole community to join in carol singing led by a brass band and nativity drama at Aylestone Hall Gardens including light refreshments, warm mince pies and coffee and tea.  The event will be held on Sunday 16 December 2012 in association with Leicester City Council and Aylestone Bowling Club. 

2)    Messy Church                                                                           £940

An application has been received to fund 12 monthly sessions of the ‘Messy Church on the last Sunday of each month in the community room on the Gilmorton Estate from 4.30pm to 6.00pm.  The programme is in partnership with the newly formed residents group and all the activities are open to all.  Each session has two or three craft activities, a puzzle activity, short story time and singing a couple of songs.

3)    Environmental Improvements to Shopping                      £500

Area Hopyard Close

An application has been received from the Gilmorton Development Group to improve the environment around the community centre, shops and surrounding area by planting a variety of shrubs, plants and trees.  All planting will be undertaken by volunteers.

The Chair presented the Community Meeting Budget and explained that a number of new funding applications had been received since the previous meeting.

The approved expenditure on grants so far this year for the Ward was £4,415.30 which left a balance of £13,584.70.

The following applications had been received and were considered by the meeting:-

Carols in the Park

Amount Requested £1,000

An application had been received from the Spirit of Aylestone Community Group to fund an event for the whole community to join in carol singing, led by a brass band, and a nativity drama at Aylestone Hall Gardens, including light refreshments, warm mince pies and coffee and tea.  The event would be held on Sunday 16 December 2012 in association with Leicester City Council and Aylestone Bowling Club.  A representative of the application group addressed the meeting to outline the bid.

RESOLVED:

That the application for £1,000 be supported and approved in full.

Messy Church

Amount Requested £940

An application had been received to fund 12 monthly sessions of the ‘Messy Church on the last Sunday of each month in the community room on the Gilmorton Estate from 4.30pm to 6.00pm.  The programme was in partnership with the newly formed residents group and all the activities were open to all.  Each session had two or three craft activities, a puzzle activity, short story time and singing a couple of songs. A representative of the application group addressed the meeting to outline the bid.

RESOLVED:

that the application for £940 be supported and approved in full

Environmental Improvements to Shopping Area Hopyard Close

Amount Requested £500

An application had been received from the Gilmorton Development Group to improve the environment around the community centre, shops and surrounding area by planting a variety of shrubs, plants and trees.  All planting would be undertaken by volunteers.

RESOLVED:

that the application for £500 be supported and approved in full.

Purchase of Tools for New Hedge Maintenance

Amount Requested £338.20

An application had been received from the Eyres Monsell Allotment and Gardening Society to purchase a range of equipment to help clear out unwanted growth and then maintain newly formed hedges.  The boundary hedge was being replanted with native trees and hedging plants and a lot of the existing hedge was being laid by professional hedge layers.

RESOLVED:

that the application for £388.20 be supported and approved in full.

To note that the next Community Meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 January 2013 at a venue to be confirmed.

It was noted that future Community Meetings would be held on Tuesday 22 January 2013  and Thursday 14 March at venues to be confirmed.

MEET THE MAYOR

Councillor Clarke reported that the City Mayor would be outside the Co-op on Aylestone Road from 11am to noon on Saturday 13 October to meet citizens as part of his approach to find out what people wanted to see improved in the City.

WARD SURGERY

Councillor Porter reported that he was holding a ward Surgery from 11am to noon on Saturday 13 October in the Lansdowne Community Centre.

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISIONER ELECTIONS

Councillor Clarke reminded the meeting that the election for the Police and Crime Commissioner was taking place on 15 November and he urged everyone to take part in the election.  The new Police and Crime Commissioner would work with the public, police and local partners to ensure there was robust policing throughout the city and county. The person would also be responsible for making sure the Chief Constable ran the police service efficiently and effectively.

The Chair declared the meeting closed at 8.50pm.