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 Fonseca as Chair welcomed those present.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Osman, Highways Officers, and the City Warden.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

The Action Log of the North Evington Community Meeting held on 31 July 2017 is attached for information and discussion.

The Action Log from the previous meeting held on 31 July 2017 was agreed and noted.

The North Evington Ward Councillors will provide an update on Universal Credit and any issues they have been dealing with in the ward.

Councillor Khote:

Councillor Khote gave an update on recent case work and made reference to increased housing need, the shortage of affordable homes and the diminished social housing stock.

Councillor Khote also reported on increased reports of anti-social behaviour and it was noted that a report would be provided later in the meeting.

Councillor Fonseca:

Councillor Fonseca referred to similar issues in his recent case work, involving housing need and anti-social behaviour.

He also added that concerns arising from the planned introduction of Universal Credit had been raised and commented that this was a particular concern to residents in the Ward where English was not their first language.

It was noted that support had been arranged, including sessions with translators at St Barnabus Library, to assist residents that were experiencing difficulties with the process.

There will be an update on Transforming Neighbourhood Services in relation to buildings in the North Evington Ward.

The Community Engagement Officer provided an update in respect of the future operation of Northfields Neighbourhood Centre and St Barnabus Library to ensure that they were cost effective

It was reported that initiatives to provide community asset transfers were being considered to support he facilities. 

Councillors referred to the significant public engagement and support for the project that would see the continued community use of St Barnabus Library.

There will be an update on anti-social behaviour issues within the North Evington Ward.

Shobhna Patel, Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Officer, provided an update on Anti-social behaviour (ASB) issues in the ward.

Shobhna updated the meeting in relation to ongoing work undertaken jointly with the Police and explained the areas covered that were aligned to the local Police ‘beats’.

The principal areas being investigated related to noise nuisance, drug abuse, and the congregation of youths.

It was reported that significant multi agency work involving housing officers and representatives of the ASRA housing association had assisted in dealing with issues.  The ongoing work involved patch-walks of reported problem areas, and initiatives to prevent further problems were reported and noted. 

It was confirmed that ‘tenancy warnings’ could be issued and a suggestion that new tenants be informed of expected behaviours was being considered.  It was confirmed that if new tenants failed to commit to expected behaviours their tenancies could be revoked

Residents meetings had recently been held in the Ward to address specific issues and action plans arising from those meetings had been drafted.

In regard to specific schemes underway to address asb, it was noted that works to clear and improve the Hastings Road play area were noted.  Similar work at Sparrow Park was being considered.

In respect of the issues at the Charnwood Estate, it was suggested that improved lighting would help to alleviate the problems of asb in that area.  Officers undertook to consider the issues further and report back to a future meeting.

A report was also expected in relation to the agreed works at Larch Street, following a recent site meeting.  The need to progress the works was highlighted.

In response to questions, it was noted that problems continued with drivers using one way streets to ‘rat-run’, particularly at Nottingham Street.  It was also noted that cars parking in bus lanes had caused several collisions. 

Shobhna asked the meeting to note that Highways officers were not able to attend the meeting, but that the reports would be forwarded to the relevant department for action.

An update will be provided on highways and transportation issues within the North Evington Ward.

In the absence of Highways Officers, it was reported that problems continued with school parking, and the issues arising from inconsiderate parking by parents at Brambling Road and at Shenton Primary were particularly highlighted.  It was noted that officers had confirmed that a site visits could be held with a view to increased enforcement activities.

It was reported that plans were being considered to provide traffic calming measures in Mere Road to reduce traffic speeds.

There will be an update on any housing matters within the North Evington Ward,

Councillors expressed their dissatisfaction that no officers were present from the department to provide an update. 

It was confirmed that no apology for absence had been submitted.

The City Warden will be present to talk about any environmental issues within the North Evington Ward.

In the absence of the City Warden, a written update on environmental and enforcement activities was circulated.

There will be an update on any local policing matters within the North Evington Ward,

It was noted that the Police activities had been discussed at Item 5 above.

Councillors are reminded that under the Council’s Code of Conduct they should declare any interest they may have in the budget applications.

An update on the Community Meeting ward Budget will be provided at the meeting.

The Community Engagement Officer reported that two recent applications for funding had been approved, with one pending.  A significant balance of funding remained and residents and community groups were therefore encouraged to apply for funding to support any activities that would assist the Ward.

It was noted that projects concerning the reduction of asb in accordance with item 5 above would be particularly welcomed.

Glenfield Hospital

Residents requested that their appreciation and thanks to everyone concerned with the campaign concerning Glenfield Hospital be recorded, following the recent news that it was to remain open.

The Chair declared the meeting closed at 7.00 pm.