Agenda

The first part of the agenda covers formal items which the Councillors need to deal with to ensure that regulations on holding meetings are kept to

The minutes of the Thurncourt Community Meeting held on 19 March 2012 are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

This next part of the agenda covers items where input from you on issues that affect your community is welcomed

An update on the future use of the Scout Hut, Nursery Road will be given at the meeting.

Councillor Fonseca will give feedback on the Ward patch-walks.

Officers will be at the meeting to provide an update on highways issues in the Ward.

Chrissie Field, Area Manager, will be at the meeting to provide an update on housing issues in the Ward.

Officers will be at the meeting to discuss the current programme of youth services in the Ward, including summer activities.

The City Warden will be present at the meeting to give an update on issues in Thurncourt Ward.

a)    Sergeant Danny Graham had hoped to be at this meeting, but is unable to attend.  He therefore has passed on the following message:-

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Neighbourhood Police Sergeant for the Thurncourt Ward. The community made me feel very welcome and the positive mood around the area always impressed me. As an outsider looking in, I could instantly tell that this area had genuine community spirit.

It is always a gamble to name names in a 'thank you' speech such as this, because you risk inadvertently leaving someone out you should have mentioned!  However it would be remiss of me not to specifically thank for their support former Councillor John Allen, Councillor Luis Fonseca, Alan Gratix, Trevor Taylor, Moulana Mohammed Lockhat, Dennis Smith and finally an extra special thanks to Wendy Biddles.

I genuinely believe in Neighbourhood Policing and even during these austere times, we should never underestimate the positive impact that locally based & locally accountable Police Officers can have.  I never wanted to leave the Beat and I was only moved during a staffing review; however your new Neighbourhood Sergeant, Stu Wood, is a great guy with bags of drive and experience.

I am leaving you in good hands and on that final note I will wish you all the very best for the future.

Kindest Regards

Police Sergeant 173 Danny Graham"

b)    To receive an update on Police issues in Thurncourt Ward

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 will provide an update on the Ward Community budget for 2012/13; and

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

i)     Concrete Paths at Colchester Road Allotments

Applicant:  Rowlatts Hill Allotment Association

Amount Requested: 

Summary:

It is proposed to extend the laying of concrete paths in the Colchester Road site already approved by the Thurncoat Ward for the water extension to include the major pathways of the site.

The main pathways on the site are not paved in any way and in wet weather and in winter can be muddy and slippery. This is a danger and worry to plot holders.  The laying of concrete paving stones therefore will make the allotment site a much safer place and will make the carrying or barrowing of produce, equipment and manure much easier. Most of the plot holders are middle aged or elderly and this project, if approved, will be much appreciated by them.

ii)    Improvement of Ball Court

Applicant:  Thurnby Lodge Community Forum

Amount Requested:  £2,880

Summary:

It is intended to raise the height of the fencing around an existing ball court, to protect a nearby allotment plot and windows and minimise inconvenience to local residents and users of the community centre.

iii)   Dream Academy of Dancing Performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London

Applicant:  Lisa Plumb

Amount Requested:  £500 towards the cost of hiring of a coach for the return trip to London, (total cost £800)

Summary:

A group of children from the Dream Academy of Dancing will be taken to London on 21 October 2012 to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre.  This could be a once in a lifetime event for the children.

The Academy is mainly made up of children from the Thurnby Lodge estate.

Parents have had to fund tickets and costumes for the event, but many are on low incomes.  Assistance therefore has been requested in meeting the transport costs.

Places have been booked for the event and deposits paid.

iv)   Purchase of Medium Duty Meat Slicer

Applicant:  Thurnby Lodge Lunch Club

Amount Requested:  £300

Summary:

It is proposed to purchase a new meat slicer, as previous domestic versions have proved unable to cope with the demands of preparing meat for the numbers catered for at the lunch club.

c)    The following application has been approved under the Council’s fast-track procedure and is submitted for information:-

       Jubilee Lunch

Applicant:  Thurnby Ladies Circle

Amount Approved:

3 Course Lunch for approximately 30 ladies @ £7.00 per head    £210.00

Table coverings, napkins etc                                                                 £  25.00

Hire of Hall for 3 hours                                                                                       £  40.00  ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.