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 Chaplin, elected as Chair, welcomed everyone and led introductions.

Apologies were received from Councillor Kamal, Cynthia McKay, Helen Everett and Michael Davies.

No interests were declared.

The Action Log of the previous Stoneygate Community Meeting held on 2 October 2014 is attached at Appendix A and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record. Any update on actions taken since the last meeting will be reported at the meeting.

Action Log from the meeting held on 2 October 2014 was circulated and confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair, Councillor Chaplin provided feedback on the street drinking and public spaces order. This information is detailed in item 15 of these Action Notes.

Adrian Edge, Landscape Development Manager will give an update on the ongoing work taking place to develop Cedar and Onslow parks.

Adrian Edge, Landscape Development Manager gave an update on plans to develop Cedar Park and Onslow Park. Attendees were informed of the following:

• Aim was to redevelop the area as a community shared and owned space.

• Initial proposals to redevelop area included; a community garden and children’s play area.

• Attendees were asked to be involved in the consultation to discuss how best to develop/use the space. Further consultation would continue and targeted consultations would be held through a leaflet drop, working with local schools, linking with key community contacts and setting up a park friends’ group.

• It was anticipated that if the process was to commence in January 2015 with a finalised design in April. Works could take place throughout the summer holidays with a possible completion of the project by the end of summer.

The Chair requested Adrian Edge to attend the next Stoneygate Community Meeting in February 2015 with an update and also information as to where the funds would come from.

Councillors will give an update on Street Drinking and Public Spaces Protection Orders with feedback from the Full Council Meeting on 13 November 2014.

The Chair gave an update on the street drinking and public spaces protection order. It was reported that the new powers that the Council had wanted to implement for Police to remove alcoholic drinks from people in public causing antisocial behaviour or problems in the street were agreed at the Full Council Meeting on 13 November 2014.

Martin Fletcher, Head of Highways will be at the meeting to provide an update on the Traffic Island which is situated on Evington Road.

Councillors informed attendees of the works and activities they had been involved in regarding the pedestrian refuge on Evington Road. A visit to the site took place on a Saturday morning for over 1hour and 20 minutes at which some residents gave their opinions on the refuge and any issues with the refuge were identified;

• Approximately 22 people requested it not be removed; others suggested possible removal but required some sort of crossing.

• Concerns were expressed that it was not safe as drivers would drive around the pedestrian refuge to overtake the buses. The Chair expressed the importance that something needed to be done to improve the safety.

Martin Fletcher and Mark Govan from the Highways Department discussed potential proposals to resolve the Pedestrian Refuge issue on Evington Road. Stoneygate Ward Councillors had raised this issue for approximately two years and funding had now been allocated for the works.

Highways Officers discussed several options that had been looked at as a resolution:

1. Remove the pedestrian refuge completely. However, there would still be concerns regarding safety.
2. Relocate bus stop further east towards residential area. However, the new bus stop would be parallel to the bus stop on the opposite side of the road.
3. Move the refuge towards the co-operative supermarket therefore the buses would stop in between the existing signalised crossing and refuge.
4. Install pedestrian crossing facilities. It was said that this option would be costly and many additional factors would need to be taken into account.
5. Road markings could be looked at to re-enforce safety and implement targeted enforcement actions.

Highways Officers suggested that option three would probably be the most likely, but more consultation would be required.

• A resident who had also attended the site visit suggested another option (2a) to move the bus stop east by 3metres (10ft) down, which would allow cars to pass. Some other residents requested cameras which could monitor issues on the road/ street.

• The Chair informed attendees that after the site visit, the issue was re-raised with the Police. The Police expressed that the issue was serious but did not give further advice as to any actions they planned to implement.

• It was requested that the Stoneygate Community Engagement Officer contact the Police with a request from this meeting’s minutes for a camera to be installed. It was also requested that people called the Police when offences or incidents occurred on Evington Road in order for the Police to build known reports. Discussions took place of local groups/ organisations and residents formulating a petition to present to Police in support of the cameras.

• Attendees agreed that further consultation was required. Discussions of a possible street/ site visit were to take place during a weekday rush hour and a Saturday to get local residents’ opinions. Leaflets would also be placed in local shops for people to access. It was agreed by the Chair and Highways Officers that one street/ site visit with a stall giving information to the public could take place before Christmas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The City Warden will provide an overview on environmental and enforcement issues in the Stoneygate Ward.

Darren Evans, Stoneygate City Warden gave an update on the following issues and activities in regards to the City Warden Service:

• As a result of Legislation, City Wardens had stopped addressing ‘bins on the street’ but were now re-addressing this issue.

• Attendees were encouraged to use the Love Leicester app.

• City Wardens now had powers to dispose of rubbish on front gardens.

• Clearing fly-tips on Mere Road had been a success. Still a few reports but generally clear.

An update will be given on Police issues and activity in the Stoneygate Ward.

In the absence of the Police, who had sent their apologies, the Chair gave an update based on information which had been provided by the Police.

Tiger Territories:

Areas of high demand based on 3 years of research. In the Stoneygate Ward these areas included; Devana Road, Evington Road, Beckingham Road, Glossop Street, Osmaston Road and Kingston Road. Patrols had continued within these areas. A two week operation took place from 27^th October to 9^th November 2014 where officers were deployed to the relevant area, on foot, with key static points to cover. It was reported that three crime reports were generated on the Tiger Territory between 4pm – 10pm for the two week operation.

Local Safer Neighbourhood Officers visits to Cedar Park and Onslow Park:

Results since July 2014 until 1 December 2014 showed ‘no issues’. Between these dates, one call had been made to Police regarding ASB on Cedar Park and three calls to the Police regarding ASB on Onslow Park.

Following the update, attendees felt many issues of ASB were not being reported. It was agreed that feedback would be given to the Police thanking them for the report, but also highlighting that attendees and residents did not feel that this was accurate or a full picture of what was really happening in the Ward.

Ian Jordan and Rob Foers will give a presentation on the New Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation.

Ian Jordan and Rob Foers from the Planning Team gave a brief overview of the New Local Plan Issues and Options consultation.

The New Local Plan was a statutory document which Leicester City Council had been currently producing to show where and how Leicester could be developed over the next 15 years and more. Some of these developments would include:

·         A growing City – economy, housing, city centre

·         People and Spaces – neighbourhoods, spaces, heritage, health

·         The Environment – transport, climate change, green space and sport

·         The Local Plan was currently at the stage of public consultation, whereby comments and suggestions were being encouraged from the public including Leicester residents’/ community, key stakeholders, neighbouring authorities and others who could have their say on the plan.

·         Attendees were asked to contact the team with comments or questions by: Email – planning.policy@leicester.gov.uk or filling in the online response form at www.leicester.gov.uk/issuesandoptions

·         It was noted that more students should be encouraged to the area.

·         The Planning Team were advised to liaise/ take leaflets & feedback forms to prime community groups such as South Highfields Neighbours and ERNA.

·         The Chair suggested that if information was provided, this could be forwarded to the Stoneygate Community through Ward Councillors’ surgeries. It was also requested for the CEO to send a link/ information to Stoneygate contacts regarding the consultation.

·         It was noted that there were very few open spaces and no council community centres or libraries in the Stoneygate Ward. It was requested for a community-wide facility with access for all to be considered within the plan.

·         The consultation deadline was said to be the end of January, however further discussions would take place. Following this stage, the team would return at some point with a draft policy plan.

Recipients of previously supported bids will provide a presentation or testimonial of achievement to the meeting.

Recipients of previously supported grants from the Ward Community Fund gave a testimonial of achievement to the meeting:

Pamela Campbell-Morris from the Akwaaba Ayeh organisation gave a presentation regarding the success of the Mental Health event which was hosted on 13 October 2014 at the African Caribbean Centre. Over 300 people attended in total, 30 organisations which included; the Police, Lorus, Parkinsons UK, Diabetes UK and other private/public organisations. Many members of the public attended and received health checks. The community funds received were used for the venue hire and therapeutic session tasters. There was a lot of positive feedback from people and organisations who attended the event.

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 following bids will be considered at the meeting:

Joint Bid: 5052

Applicant: East Midland Puntland Diaspora Forum (EMPDF)

Project Name: Launch of EMPDF

Amount Requested: £435.00

Joint Bid: 5060

Applicant: Leicester Caribbean Cricket Club

Project Name: Grass Root Cricket Development

Amount Requested: £1,000.00

Bid: 1233

Applicant: South Highfields Neighbours

Project Name: Stoneygate Youth Club

Amount Requested: £1,246.00

Bid: 1234

Applicant: South Highfields Neighbours

Project Name: Geranium Are Us

Amount Requested: £1,834.90

The following applications were previously deferred at the previous meeting and will be considered at this meeting:

Bid: 1103

Applicant: Evington Road Business Association

Project Name: Street Festival

Amount Requested: £5,000

(This application is likely to be deferred again at the meeting.)

Bid: 1143

Applicant: Checkpoint Advice and Support

Project Name: Financial Health Check Service

Amount Requested £1,421.71

Joint Bid: 5042

Applicant: For Families

Project Name: Children’s Activity Sessions

Amount Requested: £500.00

Bid: 1184

Applicant: Community Safety

Project Name: Myrtle Road Gates

Amount Requested: £850.00

Joint Bid: 5049

Applicant: Stoneygate Shops Retailer Forum

Project Name: Allandale Road/ Francis Street Community Market

Amount Requested: £500.00

Punum Patel, the Community Engagement Officer (CEO) presented an update on the Stoneygate Ward Community Budget.

The following applications were considered at the meeting:

1251: To deliver a pop up 20 minute performance featuring live music/ puppetry and practical workshops to children in schools within the Stoneygate Ward – exploring tales and stories that have survived generations.

Applicant: Mashi Theatre

Amount Requested: £500 - £750.00

Result: £500.00 SUPPORT

It was said that the project would involve Mayflower and Medway Primary Schools in the Stoneygate Ward.

1247: Refurbishment and addressing health and safety issues at the Children and Parents Centre.

Applicant: Children and Parents Alliance

Amount Requested: £476.15

Result: £476.15 SUPPORTED IN FULL

5052: To launch the East Midlands Puntland Diaspora Forum on 23 November 2014.

Applicant: East Midlands Puntland Diaspora Forum (EMPDF)

Amount Requested: £435.00

Result: NOT SUPPORTED

The event may have already taken place, no representatives from the organisation were in attendance at meeting and no responses were received from attempts to contact applicants.

5060: A programme to develop grass roots cricket within the local community, starting with an eight week programme for 8-13 year olds. The funds were said to cover the cost of venue and equipment. Presentation made by applicants.

Applicant: Leicester Caribbean Cricket Club

Amount Requested: £1,000.00

Result: £600.00 SUPPORT

1233: Funding requested for ongoing costs for Stoneygate Youth Club - room hire, staffing and film project. Applicants were in attendance and gave an overview of project.

Applicant: South Highfields Neighbours

Amount Requested: £1,246.00

Result: £1,246.00 SUPPORTED IN FULL

·         The Chair requested that once the film project was complete, that it be shown at a future Stoneygate Community Meeting.

·         The CEO was requested to refer Stoneygate Youth Club applicants to Adrian Edge, Landscape Development Manager for the consultation process.

·         A resident recommended Soft Touch Arts as potential further assistance for the applicants.

1234: To tidy up and plant/display flowers in two key ASB areas in the Stoneygate Ward. The group were in attendance and provided information in support of their application.

Applicant: South Highfields Neighbours

Amount Requested: £1,834.90                                      

Result: £750.00 SUPPORT

The Chair informed attendees of the ‘Grow your Own’ fund available to each ward. The CEO was requested to assist the applicants in looking into the funding application to grow vegetables in addition to their flower planting ideas.

1253: To organise and hold a street and food festival along Evington Road.

Applicant: Evington Road Business Association

Amount Requested: £15,000.00

Result: DEFERRED

More information would need to be provided including costs. The Chair and applicants would meet to discuss further in January 2015.

1255: A six week pilot project to provide advice and a health check service.

Applicant: Checkpoint Advice and Support

Amount Requested: £491.46

Result: DEFERRED

5062: A project to focus on the health and wellbeing of young people living in the Stoneygate and Spinney Hills Wards. The project would include a variety of weekly activities.

Applicant: Muslim Khatri Association

Amount Requested: £2,000.00

Result: DEFERRED

The following applications were deferred at the previous meeting:

5049:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Attendees were informed there would be an advice surgery on 20 December 2014, most likely taking place at Dashwood Road.

South Highfields Neighbours were to have a quiz on 6 December 2014 at St Peters Community Centre from 7pm.

To note that the next Stoneygate Community Meeting will be held on Thursday 19 February 2015 at 6pm – venue to be confirmed.

The next Stoneygate Ward Community Meeting would take place on 19 February 2015 at 6pm – venue to be confirmed.

The meeting closed at 8.40pm.