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 of interest as required by the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Corrall, Chair for the meeting, welcomed everyone and led introductions.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no apologies for absence.

The Action Log for the last meeting, held on 26 July 2017, is attached for information and discussion

The action log of the meeting held on 26 July 2017 was agreed as an accurate record.

Ward Councillors will provide an update on local ward issues

Braunstone Park and Winstanley House - recent incident whereby a lady with visual impairment was forced off the pathway so the vehicle could use the path. Stuart Maxwell – City Transport Director (present at the meeting) would take this back to his team.

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

Sergeant Wayne Chapman was present at the meeting and provided the following information:

·         The current Problem Solving Plan (PSP) was Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on Mountcastle Road.

·         It was noted that motorbikes in Braunstone Park was still an issue – one arrest was made yesterday and the Police had a team dealing with this issue.

·         An incident was noted to have taken place on Bonfire night whereby firefighters were attacked on site whilst putting out a fire. Councillors urged any one with further information to ring Crime stoppers, 101, or report it online.

To receive an update on Braunstone Park

Stuart Maxwell gave the update regarding Braunstone Park. It was noted that Janet Setchfield Avenue - Automatic gates and 3 manual bollards had been installed.

·         A number of safety road markings were being agreed for teeth which would have gaps to enable the passage of pushchairs and wheelchairs to go through.

·         Speed bumps and possible speed tables may be installed.

Residents’ concerns:

·         It was queried as to the speed limit for Janet Setchfield Avenue and a request for speed limit signs.

·         The situation of having a road in the park was also queried by some residents and Councillor Corrall requested Highways to look into the planning aspect.

·         A resident requested more lighting near the restaurant at Winstanley House and also on the path leading up to Winstanley House.

·         ASB issues were reported to be taking place on several streets. Residents were advised to inform the Police when these ASB activities were taking place.

To receive an update on highways issues in the Ward

Stuart Maxwell – City Transport Director gave an update on the highway maintenance works.

·         The entire length of the following areas were noted as complete: Folville Rise, Bainbridge Road, Elmsthorpe Rise, Erdyngton Road, Camville Road, Aylmer Road, Burnell Road, Newcombe Road, Bewicke Road, Seagrave Road, Hand Avenue (both sides), Collingham Road (not including sett junction), Roundhay Road.

·         The following areas were also complete in part: Winchester Avenue, Nutfield Road, Wilmington Road, Chartley Road.

·         Gooding Avenue was still to be completed.

·         It was noted that three schemes had been moved to 2018/19 – Caldecote Road, Imperial Avenue and Meredith Road.

·         Councillor Corrall informed attendees that the Ward Councillors would soon be meeting with the City Mayor and therefore residents could provide feedback on any road concerns to Councillors after this meeting.

·         As part of the bus pinch point improvements programme, improvements to bus scheduling times on Narborough Road were being considered. This was to improve reliability of services and protect from congestion.

·         Residents had concerns that the No.19 bus route service was regularly late. Stuart would feedback this comment to the Bus User Panel.

·         Stuart was also trying to develop links with community transport facilities.

School Run Parking:

·         Queensmead Primary School - had been visited and an action plan was being prepared.

·         St Mary’s Fields – A meeting with a Council Officer would be taking place later this month with the head teacher regarding complaints on various issues. The school was further down the priority list.

·         Caldecote Primary School – A meeting took place with the head teacher to discuss issues around the school. A school crossing patrol had now been appointed at the school.  The school was further down the priority list however quotes were provided for pencil bollard installation.

Evesham Road link:

·         A resident queried if there was any further information on this. Stuart noted that this was a potential proposal in the local plan which was currently at consultation stage. Residents were encouraged to express their views on the local plan consultation.

LEW Bollards:

·         Three LEW bollards would be installed outside 256 Narborough Road to stop parking on the footway on the corner. These would be marked up this week.

Bikeability Cycle Training:

·         Would be provided to the following schools: Folville Junior School, Caldecote Primary School, Braunstone Community Primary School, Queensmead Primary Academy and St Mary’s Fields Primary School.

Pedestrian and Cycle counter:

·         In regards to the pedestrian and cycle counter installed in Braunstone Park, it was noted that this was vandalised within one hour. This was to be reinstalled and Stuart discussed possible digital camera technology to identify vandalism.

Residents and Councillors reported issues:

·         Residents reported that the Leicester City Council drains on Braunstone Lane were not in a good state. Stuart agreed to have this looked at.

·         A resident requested for signage to be placed somewhere between the corner of Narborough Road onto Braunstone Lane East to inform drivers to slow down as they approach towards Ellesmere College.

·         Councillor Corrall noted plans to install a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

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

Matthew (Matt) Davinson - City Warden for the Ward attended the meeting and provided an update on activities the City Warden had been involved in, in the Ward.

·         Matt encouraged residents to use the Love Leicester app to report any City Council issues.

·         It was noted that the City Warden had received 77 complaints since the previous Ward meeting.

·         Councillor Halford requested Matt to looked into the dog fouling issues at 19-21 Pilkington Road, spray stencils and  a dog fouling bin were requested. Matt noted that the stencils could be done but informed that they tend not to last long on tarmac and he would also look into installing a bin.

·         Councillor Corrall noted that he would support the bins being funded if necessary.

·         Matt noted that a complaint had been received regarding dog fouling on Gunthorpe Road of which he would be looking into.

·         Councillor Halford queried if the City Warden could educate in schools on the correct disposal of dog fouling. Matt requested Councillor Halford to email the City Wardens Team Manager with this request and with permission he would try this approach in schools, he also noted that free stubbies could be given out.

Residents’ concerns:

·         A resident reported that the land between Sandyhurst and Hockley Farm surgery was derelict and required work. Matt noted that this was the responsibility of the Parks Team/ Property Services.

·         Highway Spinney – was reported to not be in a good state. Councillor Halford informed the meeting that she had emailed the relevant Housing Officer and would find out when the works would be taking place.

·         Hallam Crescent Scrambler site – had a broken down vehicle.

·         House opposite Co-op supermarket had long parked vehicles. Councillor Corrall noted that this may need to be approached via the Planning Team.

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

Punum Patel – Ward Community Engagment Officer (WCEO) presented the following to the meeting on the Ward Community Budget.

Since the last meeting 8 applications have been received and decisions have been made as followed:

Applications

Applicant: Rancliffe Allotments

Project Name/ Summary: Kitchen fund

Decision: Application supported with grant of £2,250

Applicant: Vista City Social Groups         

Project Name/ Summary: Vista Thursday social group

Decision: Application deferred pending further information

Applicant: Braunstone Foundation T/a B-inspired

Project Name/ Summary: Small talk afternoon tea

Decision: Application supported with grant of £400

Applicant: Braunstone Foundation T/a B-inspired

Project Name/ Summary: Braunstone Awards – A night of Celebrations

Decision: Application supported with grant of £460

Applicant: Rowley Fields Community Association

Project Name/ Summary: Community Noticeboard

Decision: Application supported with grant of £1,100

Applicant: Mr Twisters Amazing Juggling and Circus Skills Academy

Project Name/ Summary: Mr Twisters Amazing Juggling and Circus Skills Academy

Decision: Application not supported

Applicant: Kainé Management

Project Name/ Summary: ‘Still got it’ Seniors performing arts project

Decision: Application supported with grant of £310

Applicant: Ivory Coast National Day

Project Name/ Summary: Ivory Coast National Day

Decision: Application supported with grant of £70

Some of these applications were in the final stages of sign off and applicants would be informed formally within a couple of weeks.

The balance remaining was £12,560.

Punum noted that all applications must be made online and support was available if required. The Ward Community Engagement Team number was noted as 0116 454 1450.

A resident had concerns regarding speeding on Evesham Road between Narborough Road and Faircharm Estate. The Police were looking into putting up a discreet camera.

Punum Patel read out feedback received from Rowley Fields Community Association:

·         It was noted that the “Foods of the World” event in July was a great success. Despite poor weather residents turned out in large numbers to sample the various foods being cooked and bought things from a variety of stalls.

·         The Association was now firmly established in the life of the community, it had a constitution and elected committee. The ward grants received had been a great help in the development of the Association.

Councillor Halford noted that transport issues concerning Braunstone North parking would soon be put forward to the City Mayor.

The Chair declared the meeting closed at 7.00pm.