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Agenda item

Agenda item

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY LIAISON

Representatives from De Montfort University and Leicester University will provide details of their community liaison activities

Minutes:

The Chair reported that despite efforts of the Community Engagement Officer to ensure attendance at the meeting by University representatives, apologies for non-attendance had been received.

 

Concern was expressed at the lack of attendance and the meeting was reassured that representatives had been asked to attend to discuss issues affecting the Ward in a positive and collaborative manner.

 

It was noted that some correspondence had been received that suggested that representatives of the Universities and the Students Unions could meet separately with the authorities and/or community groups.

 

In terms of the experiences of other groups and organisations, it was reported by members of the public present that similar responses had been received and the frustrations of those continuing problems of a lack of access to University representatives were explained and noted.  Similar experiences of the neighbouring Knighton Ward were also noted.

 

The matter was particularly disappointing given the previous good relationships that had been built up over time and that the problems had escalated since the Universities’ decisions to cut back on community liaison activities.

 

It was confirmed that literature was made available, including advice to victims, which included telephone numbers to call in respect of anti-social behaviour.

 

Inspector Simon Preston (Leics Police) commented that the night time economy and licensing laws had led to pressures being put on police resources, with more bars being opened in the city centre and fewer officers.  The problems arising from the changing culture of young people to go out later, and stay out later, were also noted.  Insp Preston also confirmed that he held meetings with the Universities to discuss the issues being raised by residents.

 

It was suggested by the Chair that due to the non-attendance of representatives, a list of significant issues be collated and referred to the Universities by the Community Engagement Officer.  The following list of issues was subsequently noted for referral:

 

   It was regretful that voluntary community projects had not been supported including Fire and Police projects.  Some 450 houses in the Ward had been visited but the support to the initiative had been withdrawn by the Universities’ community liaison officers. Welfare officers had indicated that they were unable to pick up this valuable community work.

 

   It was noted that a new President was expected in in April, and that pressure the Universities should be reminded of their responsibilities to help to reduce Anti-social noise and activities, and unacceptable behaviour.

 

   Incidents of anti-social and disrespectful behaviour were reported, including climbing on the Christmas crib situated at the Holy Cross Church in New Walk, urinating, and screaming and shouting in the New Walk area when leaving bars and making way back to accommodation.  Some liaison with the bar owners in the area had taken place and it was accepted that the problems were largely due to the late night licensing hours.  Former NUS initiatives to have stewards accompany students had been withdrawn.

 

   A scheme introduced at Loughborough University was cited as an example of good practice and it was suggested that reference to this scheme may make the Leicester Universities more aware of their social responsibilities.