Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Ellen Watts, Area Manager, Housing.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the previous Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Community Meeting, held on 14 February 2012 and from the special meeting held on 20 March 2012, are attached and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The minutes from the last meeting were agreed as a correct record.

It was noted that the Bus Users Panel meeting would take place on 25^th April and it was announced that Pauline Hurd would be the representative on the Panel from the Community Meeting.

Penny Brown, Parks Officer, provided information about the Leicester in Bloom initiative. Penny explained on the activities of 12 volunteers in Leicester who had wanted to improve areas in the city and had been busy in a variety of ways.

The Community Meeting was informed about the Royal Horticultural Society ‘It’s your Neighbourhood Initiative’ which supports groups to help improve their area. The Chair stated that it would be useful to arrange a meeting to possibly discuss the planting of flower beds in the area and if there was anything which could be done to the area, then suggestions were welcome. Previous suggestions had included planting in Westcotes Farm. It was also suggested that a meeting could be arranged with representatives from the Highway Spinney to improve the Spinney.

Information will be provided on the new recycling service for flats and residents will have an opportunity to raise general queries relating to recycling.

Jenny Loran, Waste Development Manager was present to discuss recycling for flats and recycling in general.

Jenny explained that six months ago, the recycling scheme had been rolled out which had an effect on around 300 tonnes of recycling. It was explained that the current participation rate in recycling was 70%.

The Community Meeting was informed that since January 2012, the new recycling scheme had been rolled out to the 28,000 flats in Leicester on an individual basis. Anyone living in a flat would now be able to recycle the same as anyone residing in a house. It was noted that the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Ward had been completed however residents were asked to get in touch if they knew of anyone who had been missed.

Jenny explained that surveys were being conducted along with door knocking exercises to get a view of the new recycling arrangements six months after they were introduced. It was noted that there was also a web survey available at www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling.

A query was raised concerning the new material used for the recycling bag. Jenny explained that the bag was made of 98% recycled plastic and not much had changed in terms of durability from the previous bag.

A resident queried whether grass could be placed in the bags. Jenny explained that grass along with other waste such as food could not be placed in the recycling bags however grass could be picked up through bulk collections.

In response to a query concerning contaminated bags, residents were encouraged to phone the depot to state where the bag was located and the bag would be collected within 24 hours.

The Chair requested a further update be brought following the completion of the surveys.

A representative from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue will be in attendance to present an overview of the work done by the Prince’s Trust and will provide guidance on how local young people can become involved with the trust.

Mat Jesson and Mark Scott were present to provide information on some of the work done by the Prince’s Trust and more specifically on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

It was explained that the programme was for young people who were aged 16 – 25 and had been in care or who had recently left care. Residents were encouraged to let anyone know who may wish to get involved.

Mat explained some of the benefits for young people who participated, these included:

·         Increase self-confidence and self-esteem.

·         Gaining a variety of qualifications including basic first aid, fire safety awareness and team building.

·         Practical experience.

The week by week activities taking place across the 12 weeks were explained, some of the activities included:

·         A team building residential.

·         Fundraising and finding materials for a community project that was chosen.

·         Individual work placements.

·         CV writing, interview techniques and mock interviews.

At the end of the process, there was a certificate awarded to the participants and there were also development awards which participants could use for assistance on issues such as buying equipment or materials or covering fees for paying for travel costs for work.

Mat explained that to find out more information, residents could phone 07966 111210 or visit www.lfrs-team.org. The Community Meeting was also informed of an on open day on 9 May at Leicester City Football Club and it was agreed more information on this would be sought and passed onto the Councillors.

Information will be provided on the Choice Advice Service which offers support, advice and information to parents and carers when they are applying for a school place for their child.

Glenn Sutton, Choice Advisor was present to provide information about the Choice Advice Service. Glenn explained that his post was independently funded by Leicester City Council and the role helped parents and carers with aspects of the school admissions process. Glenn explained that his role involved helping parents with appeals and involved duties such as going along with parents to speak on their behalf. Residents were informed to visit the Voluntary Action Leicester site for more information and were also made aware that there was a Facebook page as well.

In response to a query, Glenn explained that there had been a population growth in Leicester which had led to less school places being available. It was noted that there had recently been a catchment area review and it had been decided that primary school catchment areas would change however there would be further consultation with regard to secondary schools. In response to a further query concerning school places, it was explained that some schools in the city were more popular than others.

The Chair agreed to accept this extra item.

Roz Birch, Citizens Advice Bureau was present to provide information about the Citizens Advice Bureau. Roz explained that a project had been set up with b-inspired in an estate in September which had allowed people who lived further out to access services. It was also explained that funding had been acquired for a befriending scheme and the next challenge was to find money to keep the project going.

Olympics

It was explained that Friday 20 April would be the test for the torch with July 2 being the actual date which the torch arrived in the city. The Community Meeting was informed that there was an event on July 2 organised by youngsters by Fullhurst Community College and Dame Tanni Grey Thompson would be attending. It was also noted that Tommy Godwin who won two medals at 1948 Olympics would also be coming. Additionally it was also noted the Braunstone Carnival would take place on 30 June. 

Health Strategy

Councillor Cooke explained that there would be a Health Strategy set up for Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields and there would be engagement with local people and groups on this strategy.

Riverside School

The land of Rivserside School was still destined for Ellesmere School however there were still some disagreements in the process.

Braunstone Hall

It was explained that there may be some progress with this as there was possibly being one interested developer.

Spring Clean / Litter Pick

It was explained that there would be a spring clean taking place in Holy Apostles with cleaning taking place of Westcotes Park. It was also noted that there was a litter pick and planting in Highways Spinney this weekend.

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.

There will be an update on the Community Meeting budget.

The Chair presented the Community Meeting budget.

The Chair stated that a list of what was funded by the Community Meeting in the last financial year would be published.

The following applications were submitted for consideration.

·         Costs of services for a Consultant for the launch event of the Health Strategy in Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields. Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Ward Councillors, - £2,050.

It was explained that the application was to fund a Consulttant to help with the launch event of the Health Strategy for the Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields Ward.

RESOLVED:

that the application be supported and £2,050 be allocated subject to final approval from the relevant Cabinet Lead.

Meeting dates for 2012/13 are set out below:

·         Tuesday 12 June 2012, 5:30pm

·         Tuesday 14 August 2012, 5.30pm

·         Tuesday 16 October 2012, 5.00pm

·         Tuesday 18 December 2012, 5.00pm

·         Tuesday 19 February 2013, 5.00pm

·         Tuesday 16 April 2013, 5.30pm

The following dates of meetings for 2012/13 were noted:

·         Tuesday 12 June 2012, 5:30pm

·         Tuesday 14 August 2012, 5:30pm

·         Tuesday 16 October 2012, 5:00pm

·         Tuesday 18 December 2012, 5:00pm

·         Tuesday 19 February 2013, 5:00pm

·         Tuesday 16 April 2013, 5:00pm.

A resident raised concern that the front of the Council yard on Bendbow rise was overgrown. It was agreed that the local Housing Office would look into this.

Councillor Naylor informed residents of his virtual surgery. He stated that the web address would be sent out with the minutes.

The meeting closed at 7:25pm.