Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to elect a Chair for the meeting.

Councillor Scuplak was elected as Chair for the meeting.

In view of the forthcoming elections, Councillor Scuplak read out the following statement:-

“Please be aware that the meeting is taking place within the Council’s pre-election period, which commenced on 25th March. 

There is no requirement to not hold meetings such as this during the pre-election period, but for those that do meet, under the Council’s Political Conventions, Councillors, officers and candidates are asked to take particular care to keep distance from party political matters, and officers should avoid the appearance of political bias.

We have always ensured that these are not political meetings, and it is important that officers and Councillors actively seek to uphold the political conventions during the pre-election period to avoid complaints and allegations of unfairness or impropriety.  As part of this, we ask that those present this evening do not express opinions or views that may be perceived as containing a party political dimension.  If such issues do arise, myself as Chair may have to ask you make no further comment on the issue.  We also ask those members of the public present to avoid asking questions or making statements of a political nature”.

Some concern was expressed that the new City Mayor could stop holding Community Meetings.  It was explained that the City Mayor would have a lot of powers not currently held by the Lord Mayor, but it was not known at this stage whether Community Meetings would continue in their current form.  However, the Council had included funding for Ward Community Meetings in its budget for 2011/12.

Apologies for absence were received from Kate Sharp (Digital TV Switchover) and Sue Holden (Alcohol Strategy Manager, Drug and Alcohol Action Team).

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 is due to discuss a budget application put forward by a community group and one of the Councillorsis a member of that group, they will 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 interests they may have in the business on the agenda and/or declare if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillor Scuplak declared a personal interest in the budget applications, as she was a member of the Community Association Management Committee.

Councillor Allen declared a personal interest in the budget applications, as he was Secretary of the Community Association Management Committee.

The minutes of the Thurncourt Community Meeting held on 17 January 2011 are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2011 were agreed as a correct record.

Highways officers will be present at the meeting to discuss highways issues in the Thurncourt Ward, with particular reference to issues in the Colchester Road area.

The Ward Members advised the meeting that they had received a number of concerns and complaints about a range of highways issues in and around Colchester Road, including speeding traffic, parking on grass verges, the use of certain roads as “rat runs” and the maintenance of shrubs in the centre of the road.  It also was noted that a request had been made for speed warning signs, to supplement the speed cameras, as these cameras did not operate all of the time.

The Chair reminded the meeting that a petition had been submitted by residents asking that action be taken about certain trees, as when they were in leaf they reduced visibility on the road.  One solution could be to remove these trees.  They had been planted to reduce noise experienced by residents, but many properties were now double-glazed and so did not need this noise reduction as much as they originally had done. 

Mike Pears, (Team Leader – Highway Asset Management with Leicester City Council), advised that the shrubs at the junction of Colchester Road and Elmcroft Avenue had been inspected today and there had only been a small amount of growth so far this year.  The Police had not identified these shrubs as a problem, but they should be maintained at a level that provided maximum visibility.

In reply to questions, it was noted that:-

·            The City Council had been asked not to substantially alter the shrubs at the junction of Colchester Road and Elmcroft Avenue until the inquest in to the fatal accident there had been held.  In the meantime, they were being maintained;

·            Having a physical obstacle such as trees could, to some degree, slow down traffic turning at the junction, as it needed to reduce its speed to see if anything else was coming; and

·            Investigations would be done to see what courses of action could be taken to improve the junction, (for example, if it would be feasible to put in road markings).

Steve Warrington, (Transport Development Officer with Leicester City Council), advised the meeting that approval to install vehicle activated speed reminder signs depended on the number of accidents there had been at a given location, as these signs were a remedial measure.  However, the suggested site in Colchester Road could be added to the list, to see how it compared to others. 

Members of the public reported that the access road to Croyland Green was being damaged by refuse collection vehicles.  The lorry often had to drive on the grass verge to avoid parked cars, which had damaged both the verge and the pavement.  Mike Pears undertook to look in to this to see what, if any, action could be taken to rectify the situation.

Some concern was expressed that current budget restraints could lead to a reduction in staffing levels amongst highways officers and a consequent reduction in service.  Mike Pears emphasised that the Council’s focus would remain on retaining front line services, such as winter gritting or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

Representatives of the Probation Service will be present to explain the Community Pay Back Scheme and consider how this could work in the Thurncourt Ward.

Lee Johnson, of the Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Service, introduced himself to the meeting. 

Community Payback previously had been known as Community Service.  People could be sentenced by the courts to between 40 and 300 hours of unpaid Community Payback work, to make reparation to the community for their crime through the loss of liberty during the hours worked.  It also had the advantage of promoting a work ethic for those involved and helping them to get into, or back into, a work routine.

Communities nominated the work to be done, which could be for any day of the week, including weekends.  Suggestions for further work could be passed to Lee Johnson directly, or via City Wardens or housing officers.  Placement staff then would make an assessment of the proposal, to see if it was suitable.  The meeting suggested that Community Payback workers could be asked to do some cleaning work at the Thurnby Lodge Youth and Community Centre.

When on site, all groups had a trained supervisor, who was responsible for 6 – 8 offenders.  Each offender was risk-assessed.  The standard of work expected was that of “good DIY”, so the work required could not be too sophisticated, or have significant health and safety requirements.  Feedback on the work done was always requested.  If the community was dissatisfied, the team would return and rectify the situation.

Various types of work could be done, such as street clean ups, ground clearance, building maintenance, cleaning/tidying of community buildings, painting and decorating.  Work also could be done in partnership with community initiatives.  An important criterion was that the organisation for which the work was being done had to be non-profit making.

The Ward Councillors reported that they had been very pleased with the work done to date and thanked all concerned.  Lee Johnson thanked the Ward Members for this, but explained that, although high visibility vests were worn, the teams were not visible enough at times, so did not always get sufficient credit for the work they did.

In reply to questions, Lee Johnson explained that:-

·            Private residents could ask for work such as gardening tasks to be done, but a commitment could not be given for how regularly this could be done;

·            If work was being done on Council sites, the workers were covered by the Council’s insurance; and

·            Community Payback had its own scaffolding and trained users.

Officers from Leicestershire Constabulary will provide an update on police issues in Thurncourt Ward.

Sergeant Shane O’Neill, Spinney Hill Park LPU Commander, introduced himself to the meeting, advising that he was present to talk about the situation regarding the murder committed in the area during the previous week.

He explained that it was very rare for someone to be killed in the community and the family concerned did not have strong links with the estate.  The incident had been dealt with very quickly, both by the local Police team and by the Major Investigation Team.  Three people were arrested within an hour, two of whom had been charged.  The last Police presence had been removed from Flamborough Road today and there was no cause for concern to the public.  Police officers had been visiting local schools to reassure pupils and give updates on what was happening.

Sergeant O’Neill explained that this was the first opportunity there had been to test the communication system set up to ensure that as many people as possible in the community knew what was happening as soon as possible.  However, some present at the meeting felt that communication with people living in the immediate area could have been better.  Cases also were identified when members of the Key Individual Network did not receive the expected telephone call about the incident.

Sergeant O’Neill recognised that there were gaps in the communication process, but explained that it had been decided not to release any information initially, as the Police were limited in what they could say and limited information could cause more concern than none.  He also asked any Key Individuals who had not received a call to speak to the Police to ensure that all contact details were correct.

The Chair reminded the meeting that it had been agreed at the last Community Meeting that the Ward Councillors would send a letter to the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Constabulary to say how valued neighbourhood policing was in communities.  This had been done and a copy of the letter had been sent to Chief Superintendant Rob Nixon.  The Chair read out the letter, a copy of which is attached at the end of these minutes for information.

The Police then gave an update on issues in Thurncourt Ward, drawing particular attention to the following matters:-

·            Despite an overall reduction in crime, there had been an increase in thefts of copper piping and lead (for example, roof flashings).  Of the 17 thefts reported, 15 were metal thefts.  Two people had been arrested and released on bail;

·            There had only been three burglaries in dwellings reported, but it was unclear if they were all burglaries, or whether they related to domestic incidents; and

·            The Police were aware of new people moving on to the estate.

Members of the public raised concerns that no action could be taken over cars that appeared to have been abandoned on residential roads until the tax expired.  The Police explained that they had no power to take any action if the vehicles were taxed and insured and were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

The City Warden will be present at the meeting to give an update on issues in Thurncourt Ward, including the One Clean Leicester initiative.

Barbara Whitcombe, (Leicester City Council’s City Wardens Team Manager), advised that a One Clean Leicester campaign had been running for the past month.  This drew attention to a new, free application for iphones or Blackberries to help report environmental problems to the City Council.  Barbara Whitcombe gave a short presentation on this, a copy of which is attached at the end of these minutes for information.

It was noted that environmental problems could still be reported via the Council’s website or by text.  In both cases, it was useful if a photograph of the location could be included.  In all cases, people reporting problems remained anonymous.

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.

a)      The Members Support Officer submits an update on the 2010/11 Community Meeting budget. 

b)      The following applications for grants are submitted for consideration:-

Application 1

Applicant:       Gulam Mohammed Lockhat

Proposal:       Outing for Young People who are part of As Salaam

Amount:          £300 for the hire of a single deck coach

(based on quote received from Confidence Coaches)

Summary:

This request is for funding to cover the cost of hiring a coach to a theme park or the seaside in the summer.

In the last few years there has been an increase in the number of Asian families, particularly Muslim families, moving into the area.  Approximately 90 such families have been identified in and around the area. 

As Salaam provides supplementary education for approximately 62 children, using facilities at Thurnby Lodge Community Centre.  The classes operate 5 days per week.  The cost of tutors and accommodation is met from donations and fees.

It is proposed to take some of these children, many of whom are from families on low incomes and benefits, to a theme park or on a trip to the seaside.  The cost of entrance to the theme park or seaside attraction will be met through a small charge and from donations from the community.  Charges will be kept to a minimum, in order not to discourage attendance.

Application 2

Applicant:       Gulam Mohammed Lockhat

Proposal:       As Salaam Women’s Events

Amount:

Summary:

a)     Funding towards the cost of hiring the hall at Christ Church, Nursery Road to hold a monthly meeting and provide refreshments for Asian women living in Thurncourt Ward

In the last few years there has been an increase in the number of Asian families, particularly Muslim families, moving into the area.  Approximately 90 such families have been identified in and around the area.  Whilst men can meet up and network, there are limited opportunities for Asian women to do this.  As most have only just moved to the area and are dispersed, there is a degree of isolation.  With increasing unemployment, there is an even greater risk of isolation as incomes for families are reduced and the cost of maintaining contacts becomes more difficult.

To address this, As Salaam has begun a programme of meetings aimed at Asian women in the area.  These take place on the first Sunday of each month and refreshments are provided.  They enable mutual support networks, such as sharing child minding or school runs, to be established.

To date, a number of individuals have  ...  view the full agenda text for item 49.

Francis Connolly, (Members Support Officer with Leicester City Council), drew attention to the budget statement that had been circulated, advising that a grant of £500 had been approved to the Chit Chat Club, not £550 as shown.  This meant that the total remaining balance was £1,949.

The following applications for grants were then considered:-

a)       Gulam Mohammed Lockhat – Outing for Young People who are part of As Salaam

The Chair explained that insufficient funds remained in the budget to be able to support this application at this time.  

AGREED:

that consideration of this application be deferred to the next meeting.

b)      Gulam Mohammed Lockhat – As Salaam Women’s Events

The Chair explained that insufficient funds remained in the budget to be able to support it this application in full.

RECOMMENDED:

1)         that funding of £249 be supported to the As Salaam organisation towards the planned women’s events; and

2)         that consideration be given at the next meeting to whether the balance of the funds requested can be granted.

c)       Silver Threads Monday Club – Day Trip to a Place of Interest

The Chair explained that insufficient funds remained in the budget to be able to support this application at this time. 

AGREED:

that consideration of this application be deferred to the next meeting.

d)      Highways Maintenance in conjunction with Thurncourt Ward Councillors – Installation of Six Grit Bins

It was noted that this application had been made in accordance with the Community Meeting’s Action Plan priority to address the condition of highways.

Ward Councillors had worked with officers to identify six key locations at which grit bins could be installed.  The bins would cost £200 each and it was a condition of installing these bins that the City Council would adopt them for the purposes of maintaining and refilling them.

In reply to questions, it was noted that local residents would be responsible for spreading the grit.  The grit contained sand, to discourage inappropriate use, as it would stain surfaces.  The Council checked the bins and refilled them when needed.

RECOMMENDED:

1)         that funding of £1,200 be supported for the installation of six grit bins in the following locations:-

-          Wintersdale Road (two bins)

-          Tuskar Road

-          Drumcliffe Road

-          Dudley Close

-          Lodge Farm Road; and

2)         that signs be fixed to the bins showing that they had been provided through Community Meeting funding.

e)       Thurncourt Neighbourhood Police Team – Push Bike for Thurncourt Neighbourhood Beat Team

The meeting asked if it would be helpful for four bicycles to be purchased, but it was noted that only two bikes would be used at any one time.  The Police were not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

a)     Housing Allocations Policy

In response to a request from the meeting, it was

AGREED:

that Leicester City Council’s housing allocations policy would be reported to the next Community Meeting.

b)    East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, Glenfield Hospital

The meeting was reminded that the NHS recently had launched a major consultation on the way in which children’s congenital heart services should be provided in the future.  The outcome of this would determine the future of the EMCHC, which was based at Glenfield Hospital.  The meeting therefore was asked to support the retention of the Centre, which featured as Option A of the consultation, and to respond to the consultation to this effect.

It was noted that the Leicester Local Involvement Network was running three separate events, to encourage members of the public to support the retention of the Centre at Glenfield Hospital.  In addition, a formal consultation event would be held at the Walkers Stadium.

c)     Digital Switchover

Anyone needing help to switch to digital television could telephone 0800 408 5900 for advice and support.

The meeting noted that this was Councillor Allen’s last meeting before he retired from being a Councillor.

On behalf of the community, Allan Greatrix gave a vote of thanks to Councillor Allen, for the hard work he had put in to his role, and congratulating him on his exemplary record.

Councillor Allen thanked everyone for this.  He had been a Councillor since 1983 and it had been a great pleasure to do so.  He felt that the Thurnby Lodge estate had improved considerably in that time and he was pleased to see how the quality of life there had improved.  Councillor Allen noted that he could still attend Community Meetings if he remained on the Community Association.

The meeting closed at 8.46 pm