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 Cutkelvin Chaired the meeting and welcomed those present.  Introductions were made.

An apology for absence was received from Leicestershire Police.  It was noted and accepted that officers could not attend due to their operational activities.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 18 October 2018 is attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log of the meeting held on 18 October 2018 was confirmed as a correct record.

Updates on Actions were noted  as follows:

‘Streetscene’ and Waste Management Funding

The City Warden confirmed that a Ward Community Budget application had been submitted in respect of the ‘streetscene’ initiative and related waste management costs.  The application for funds would be considered later in the agenda.

Abandoned Vehicles - Tick-Tock Park

Problems persisted with abandoned and burnt out vehicles in Tick-Tock Park, Aylestone Fields.  Ways in which the matter could be alleviated were being considered between Council departments and partner agencies.

Councillors will provide an update on ward information.

Councillors reported on the following:

·         The Saffron Drum and Brass (Brass on the Saff and Saffron Youth Brass) had held one of their weekly sessions at Marriott Primary School.  The event had been very successful attracting local media attention.

·         Concerns had been raised in respect of speeding vehicles in the Brookfield Rise area.  It was hoped that impending traffic calming measures and associated renewed signage would alleviate problems.

·         The Thirlmere Gardens park and play area was to be renovated and proposals and options for the improvements were currently being considered.

·         A press article involving the Lord Mayor had highlighted the use of facilities at the MS Therapy Centre in Freemen’s Common.

·         A successful consultation/drop-in event had been undertaken with  local Police officers at the Morrison’s store.

·         A new tree had recently been planted on Aylestone Road and the decontamination works at the National Grid site had been visited.

·         A meeting at the Athletics Stadium had been attended, where proposals to convert the facility to a multi-sports venue were discussed.  It was acknowledged that the existing use should not be compromised by the introduction of any other sports.

·         Additional traffic calming measures were to be introduced at Knighton Fields Road Primary School were being considered.  Details of the current consultation process were confirmed. 

·         The ‘Green Hut’ on Tic-Toc Park appeared to be under threat due to implications of the leasehold and a recent Health and Safety report.  The heritage value and importance of the Green Hut to the community had been expressed to Property Services, and a refurbishment had been encouraged.

A presentation on knife crime issues will be given.

Nicola Odom (Partnerships and Performance Officer, Childrens Social Care and Early Help) presented details on recent activities involving knife crime prevention.

It was reported that the issue of knife crime had recently become a national topic and awareness of problems and perceived problems had been heightened.  It was noted that an anecdotal rise in knife possession and knife crime had also been reported locally.

Councillors referred to the effect of funding decisions where support from central Government had led to a reduced Youth Service, with a connected inability to ensure adequate intervention.  The concerns that young people did not feel a sense of place, identity or belonging, which had resulted to increased gang activity had been emphasised recently, including reference in formal Questions submitted by Councillors at Council meetings.  Appreciation was shown to the considerable efforts of the Youth Service under the difficult funding situation currently experienced.

The enhanced partnership working and assistance of other relevant agencies was referred to and was recognised.  It was confirmed that some extra funding had been received from the Police and Crime Commissioner, specifically to fund knife crime awareness and intervention work with 13-19 year olds.  Details of the sessions being offered were submitted, including an information film being shown to schools and colleges.  The sharing of information and key messages on social media had also been enhanced.  It was confirmed that Data received from those sessions would be collated and compared to identify trends in behaviours.  It was expected that some 1:1 sessions with vulnerable youngsters would be undertaken.

In conclusion, links to drug activities and the types of knifes and weapons being discovered following recent arrests were noted.

Nicola was thanked for her presentation and was invited to attend any future meetings to provide updates.

A local housing officer will be present to provide an update on housing related issues in the Ward.

Ian Craig (Head of Service, Housing) provided an update on environmental works undertaken and the proposed budget for the next financial year.  Items reported as updates included the following:

·         Works previously identified to improve the refuse bin storage areas at various locations had been completed.

·         Various estate footpath repairs and renewals had been undertaken.

·         The proposal to use Ward Community Funding to paint fencing at The Fairway had been deemed too expensive, following a confirmed quotation for the full works being confirmed.

It was noted that any other ideas and options for future improvement schemes could be submitted, and although leverage within the budget was limited, any project which cold demonstrate high impact could be considered and taken forward.

Ian was thanked for his update and the position was noted.

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

Noel Cazley (City Warden) reported on recent environmental and enforcement activities in the Ward, including the following:

·         Heightened bins on streets enforcement activities had recently been undertaken at the St Andrews area of the ward, including Jarrom Street and the surrounding streets.  The increased bins on streets enforcement activity would now move to the area of Walnut Street, Filbert Street East, Hazel Street, Sawday Street, and Brazil Street.  It was confirmed that the enforcement activity was taken in response to complaints.  It was considered that the issue was exacerbated by the high turnover of principally student tenancies and the need for landlords to better educate their new tenants.

·         An associated problem involving a poorly maintained front garden had proceeded to a prosecution.  The difficulties in identifying and serving notice on the proper person were highlighted and recognised.  The close liaison with Housing, City Cleansing, and other partner agencies in this regard was noted and appreciated.

·         An increase in graffiti removal across the Ward had also been necessary recently.

Noel was thanked for his update.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on activities in the Ward.

The Police were unable to attend due to operational issues.

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

Laura Burt (Community Engagement Officer) provided an update on the Ward Community Budget.

It was reported that four applications had been approved since the previous meeting as follows:

·         Brass on the Saff

£5,000

·         Pink Lizard - Young Peoples point of reference

£1,000 (joint bid with Eyres Monsell Ward)

·         Green Hut Street Art Project

£2,000

·         Saffron Neighbourhood Management Board – Christmas Event

£500

It was clarified that an application from the City Warden for the ‘Streetscene’ initiative was being currently under consideration as reported earlier in the meeting, together with one further application.

A balance of £2,499.50 remained for the year.

(Leicester Adult Skills and Learning Service (LASALS)

Anna Parr (Learner Recruitment Officer) referred to the recently published 5 year plan, and circulated copies of the prospectus. 

Details of a launch event on Wednesday 13 March 2019 were also advertised and promoted.  It was hoped that the launch would raise the profile of the Service and the varied affordable and free courses on offer, including English, maths, and computer skills.  The availability of the free ESoL courses (English Speakers of other Languages) were explained.

The availability of various venues in the Ward was discussed, as the suitability and ease of access was considered a critical factor and often a barrier in the uptake of the courses offered.

Anna was thanked for the update.

The meeting closed at 7.20pm.