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.

Councillor Porter agreed to Chair the meeting, welcomed those present and introduced members and officers present.

In relation to Item 4 ‘Elton John Concert – Parking and Highways Update’  Councillor Porter declared an Other Disclosable Interest as he had objected to the planning application lodged by Leicestershire Cricket Club to install floodlights, though it was acknowledged that this did not form part of the item.

Apologies for absence were received from PC Paul Archer.

The Action Log for the last meeting held on 25 February 2016 is attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log from the meeting on 26 February 2016 was received and noted. 

By way of update in relation to the Franklyn Fields development, the following was noted:

(i)            The City Council were in discussion with the developer in relation to new access provision onto Lutterworth Road, and that this would require the preparation of a new set of plans and a new proposal would be brought forward, on which residents would be consulted.

(ii)          It was not presently clear how many residential units would be developed at Franklyn Fields.  

(iii)         The City Mayor would be writing to all residents within the vicinity of the site to set out the latest position with the development. 

A further meeting with residents would be held prior to the submission of a new planning application, and that the City Mayor would be invited to attend.  The Aylestone Baptist Church was favoured as the preferred venue for such a meeting.   

Representatives of Leicestershire Cricket Club and City Council Highways officers will be at the meeting to advise residents of arrangements and for the forthcoming Elton John concert at the Cricket Club.

Representatives from Leicestershire County Cricket Club were in attendance to speak to residents about the forthcoming Elton John music concert and to address concerns that this would have on neighbouring residents. 

The following was noted:

(i)            A zoned parking area had been established and all residents within the zone had been informed via writing and around 800 residents had applied to obtain permits to enable parking during the event. 

(ii)          The designated parking zones for those attending the concert will be clearly signed well in advance of the event, and those who have purchased tickets have been notified of where to park.

(iii)         In addition to many of it’s own staff, the Cricket Club had appointed staff to clear and sort waste and rubbish in the vicinity of the stadium and to marshal customer car parking.  Buses would also be provided to transport people quickly to and from the concert. 

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

The following was noted:

(i)            An operation to curb problems with speeding motorists in Eyres Monsell had recently launched, and it was acknowledged that residents in Aylestone had complained of similar problems. 

(ii)          A present crime priority was to deal with the anti-social use of motorcycles, which was particular prominent on Franklyn Fields.

(iii)         Vehicle crime and vandalism had been fairly prevalent within the Ward, and Peugeot vehicles had in particular been targeted.   Motorists were encouraged to obtain crime prevention stickers from the Police. 

(iv)         Reports of generalised anti-social behaviour within the Gilmorton Estate had been largely resolved. 

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

The following was noted:

(i)            Harvey Roberts was introduced as a new City Warden for the Aylestone Ward.

(ii)          Harvey had undertaken several projects since commencing the role, including monitoring problems with bins left on the streets,  and big improvements in resident behaviour were evident particularly in Percy Road and Leeson Street

(iii)         Dog fouling was a significant problem in Aylestone, and patrols, including some in plain clothes, were to continue throughout the summer.

(iv)         A number of fines have been imposed to those who have dropped litter. 

(v)          The wardens had limited authority to control waste and rubbish left on private land, but it was easier to take action if a particular property stood out from others.

(vi)         Should residents wish to report incidents to the City Wardens team, they were encouraged to ring the direct line on 0116 4543110.

Following reports, the City Wardens agreed to investigate apparent fly tipping at the top of Marsden Lane. 

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.

Two applications for grants of over £500 have been received as follows:

a)     Spirit of Aylestone

£4,000 requested to fund a Community Fun Day, linked to the European Cup and the Rio Olympics.

b)     Aylestone Baptist Church

£1,150 requested to fund a “Holiday at Home” 3-day event.

(i)            Community Fun Day – linked to the European Cup and the Rio Olympics – grant of £4,000 to Spirit of Aylestone supported.

(ii)          Holiday at Home 3-day event – grant of £1,500 to Aylestone Baptist Church supported.

Traffic Issues in Aylestone

Officers from the City Council were present to discuss highways and transportation issues within the Aylestone Ward:

-       A petition had been lodged regarding motorists using Marsden Lane as a rat-run.  Traffic surveys had been performed and it was evident that there was a degree of rat-running along this road. Solutions were being considered, which included installing bollards or restricting road entry.

-       The City Council had performed a full scale piece of work assessing the impact of traffic in Aylestone.  There was to be a full consultation in the whole area before any decision was to be taken. The initial approach was to assess the impact and look at addressing issues caused by traffic on sporting match-days.  

-       Residents reported problems of rat running along Aylestone Drive and Milligan Road, and that large vehicles, including HGV trucks, often used these roads for this purpose.  It was confirmed that traffic surveys would be carried out along this route. 

-       Reports were cited of motorists exceeding the 20mph limit along Middleton Street, and officers agreed to investigate this.

-       Parking was excessive at the top of Marsden Lane, outside Enterprise Car Rental.  It was noted that officers were to meet with the business to discuss such problems. 

-       Reports were cited of Centrebus drivers refusing to pick up passengers outside Graham Goode motors on Aylestone Road.  Councillor Porter felt that this matter should be taken up with the bus company. 

The meeting closed at 8:30pm.