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

Apologies were received from Chrissie Field & Andy East (Housing Officers), Samira Admani (Highfield Rangers) and Thurnby Kick Start Academy representatives.

The Action Log of the last meeting held on 25 November 2014 is attached and Members are asked to confirm it as a correct record. Any update on actions taken since the last meeting will be reported at the meeting.

The Action Log from the meeting held on 25 November 2014 was circulated and confirmed as a correct record.

Lesley McCartney, the Neighbourhood Learning Co-ordinator for Leicester East, will provide information on Local Employment and Training Opportunities.

Lesley McCartney, the Neighbourhood Learning Co-ordinator for Leicester East presented information on Local Employment and Training Opportunities. The following was discussed:

·         Lesley McCartney who worked for Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service (LASALS), explained that there were a variety of adult learning, apprenticeship and training programmes offered across wards.

·         Within the Coleman Ward, it was said that St Barnabas Library had work clubs which invited people to develop skills for employment, job searches and other support. Family learning classes took place at St Barnabas School and collaborations were in place with Sure Start Children Centres/ cluster managers across the wards to encourage parents back into employment.

·         An attendee requested a course on ‘how to become a constituted organisation’. Lesley, the Learning Co-ordinator said this could be looked into.

·         A resident queried if any provision for transportation was provided to the courses. Lesley McCartney explained that there was not a specific transportation fund however, there existed a Learner Support Fund for people attending an accredited course who required support. The Learner Support Fund would take each individuals needs into account.

·         Please see attached presentation with further information on LASALS provisions in the ward.

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

Nicole Powell, City Warden gave an update on issues and activities taking place in the ward. It was noted that:

·         Nicole had been off work for some time and City Warden work in the ward was covered by her colleagues during this period.

·         Attendees were encouraged to use the Love Leicester app which gave users a fast and direct contact to the correct departments dealing with environmental issues, City Wardens were also available to assist people install the app.

·         In the Coleman Ward numerous private and Housing land hotspots for frequent fly tipping and graffiti issues were identified; Nottingham Road, Lancaster Street, Spalding Street, Leicester Street, Green Lane Road, East Park Road, Higgs Close and Champion close. City Wardens would be undertaking necessary procedures to inform the owners.

·         Crown Hills Avenue was reported to have concerns with ASB & drug paraphernalia, the Police had now been informed.

·         A resident requested a camera to be erected on Nottingham Road as a result of the continual environmental issues.

A local Housing Officer will give an update on Housing issues in the Coleman Ward.

There was no housing update as Housing Officers had sent their apologies for not being present at the meeting.

Officers from the Local Policing Unit will provide an update on issues in the Ward.

PC Claire Jackson gave an update on activities the Local Police had been involved in, in the Coleman Ward.

·         The Crime statistics reported for the last three months were; 29 Burglary dwellings of those 22 were forced entry dwellings and 7 were unlocked properties. There were 4 commercial burglaries from shops and thefts of vehicle registration plates.

·         The community could find out more information regarding crime statistics in specific areas via www.police.uk - select ‘crime map’ - enter postcode and the crime/ outcomes for that area would be displayed.

·         There had recently been an increase in Police Officers out on patrol and more community engagement.

·         Residents were asked to report any suspicious activity by calling 101 or Crimes stoppers on 0800 555 111.

·         Attendees were reminded about the website ‘Immobilise’ in order to register valuable items for free at: www.immobilise.com

·         Feedback on the Police service and people’s personal experience with the Leicestershire Police could be expressed at www.rateyourlocalservice.co.uk/leicspolice/

·         It was reported that shoplifting had increased on Uppingham Road and drug taking/ dealing on Gough Road.

·         Police had been informing people of the dangers of nitrous oxide canisters, due to the increase of users.

Attendees will have the opportunity to provide reports or updates on community activities and involvement.

Recipients of previously supported applications gave a presentation of their achievements as a result of receiving support from the Coleman Ward fund.

·         Shephelah Pringle-Bridges was the representative present from Lesta’s Got Raw Talent, an event which was generally held twice annually and showcased the talent of young people in Leicester. The event which was said to be a success encouraged community cohesion and involved many different ethnic groups. Funding was previously received from the Coleman and Spinney Hills wards. The next Lesta’s Got Talent was planned for May 2015 and further information could be found on Facebook.

·         Ziag Loga informed the meeting of the Green urban spaces project which was aspired to be Leicester’s first gardening school. Coleman Ward Councillors were invited to the opening of the Gardening school on 30 March at the allotments on Coleman Road/ Copdale Road no.91. It was noted that there were issues at the allotment which included the clearing of strips and brambles. The Chair, Councillor Sangster suggested that if allotment owners had contacted Ward Councillors regarding this, it could have been bought to the Councils attention.

·         Pamela Campbell-Morris from Akwaaba Ayeh apologised for her absence at the previous meeting. ‘Choosing Health for World Mental Health Day’, an event hosted with support from Coleman Ward was attracted by people with and without mental health experience/ knowledge. It was a very diverse, informative and successful event.

·         The Christmas meal grant for over 60’s in Rowlatts Hill was attended by Councillor Sangster, the Lord Mayor and his Consort plus others who were said to have enjoyed the event.

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 at the meeting on the Ward Community budget and any other applications received.

The following applications were considered at the meeting:

5065 – Pamela Campbell-Morris, Community Engagement Project – Requested £1,500 to support a six month programme of activities for the Jambo community Group drop in service.  Grant of £1,500 SUPPORTED IN FULL

5073 – Thurnby Kick Start Academy, Football Development Programme – Requested £600 for continued support to the Kick Start Academy Football development programme. Grant of £200 SUPPORT was approved.

1331 – David Parkin, Literary/ Language Performance – Requested £250 to produce and deliver a performance of a family show for children aged 4-11 years at St Barnabas Library on 11 April 2015. Grant of £100 SUPPORT was approved.

5075 – Highfield Rangers, Community Dominos Arts Festival – Requested £900 to organise and facilitate a series of weekly social, recreational and educational activities through domino sessions, aimed at working closely with the families and individuals of the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and isolated groups in Coleman and Belgrave. Grant of £300 was approved.

1339 – Rowlatts Hill 60+ Group, Visit to a place of interest – Requested £350 to put on a day trip/ visit to Stratford. Grant of £250 SUPPORT was approved.

1351 – Pupsy Brehan, Carib SSFC – Requested £300 to give youths an opportunity to build confidence, self-esteem and social skills and to develop their full potential through football. Grant of £150 SUPPORT was approved.

1356 – Lestas Got Raw Talent, LGRT – Requested £600 to produce and host an event to showcase the raw talent of Leicester’s young people in May 2015. Grant of £200 SUPPORT was approved.

1357 – Highfields Youth Action, The Arts of Mothering – Requested £1,500 towards the support of women and young mothers through the arts of massage, basic hand and head massage skills. Grant of £500 SUPPORT was approved.

It was noted that no further ward funding would be available in the Coleman Ward for this financial year 2014/15.

·         There would no longer be a ward called Coleman after the election period. The majority of the existing Coleman ward would become the North Evington Ward in conjunction with the new ward boundaries. Further information could be found on Leicester City Council website.

·         Councillor Sangster and Councillor Mayat would no longer be representing the new ward in this area.

·         The meeting thanked both Councillors for all their hard work in the Coleman Ward and support in the community.

The meeting closed at 7.40pm