The Stoneygate Ward Councillors will provide an update on the issues they have been dealing with in the Stoneygate Ward.
Minutes:
The Ward Councillors provided the following updates on their recent activities:
Councillor Chaplin.
· Residents in attendance to hear the discussion on the Stoughton Drive residents parking scheme and on the St Philips and St Johns developments were welcomed. It was noted that the item would be considered later in the agenda as part of the Highways Update.
· There had been an increase in complaints concerning anti-social activity in and around Prebend Gardens. A meeting had been held with local Police Officers where the issue and similar problems at Cedar Road Park had been reported. It was hoped that changes to the Police beat patrols would be established following site visits.
· The Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Commission had considered the NHS proposals and publication of the Strategic Transformational Plan (STP) for Leicester and Rutland. Meetings were ongoing particularly in regard to the rationalising of acute care from 3 to 2 sites. There would be a formal consultation exercise to comment on the plan although no dates had been announced by the NHS and the scope of the exercise seemed narrow. Residents were encouraged to join the debate and to contact Ward Councillors with their views at the appropriate time.
· The future of Adventure Playgrounds had received significant media attention, and a campaign to support their retention had been supported. Options to assist the future operation of the playgrounds were being considered in the New Year.
· Evington Road continued to attract planning applications for hot food takeaway use, together with other uses attracting litter and anti-social behaviour in the area. Representations on applications had been made at the Planning and Development Control Committee and liaison with the City Centre Director and Planning Department continued.
· The proposals to implement a ‘Channel Shift’ to encourage the use of the website had begun and feedback from residents was encouraged.
· The residents parking scheme at the western part of the Ward had been advertised and details would be reported in the Highways Update later in the agenda.
· An increase in housing option problems had been experienced. Particular concerns relating to homeless families had been reported and taken up with relevant partner agencies.
· The proposals for charging for bulk waste collections and for domestic refuse at recycling centres had caused concern, it being noted that the ward suffered from a high level of fly-tips. The Assistant Mayor had noted the concerns expressed at a recent Scrutiny Commission, as part of the formal consultation process.
· A London Road Cycle Lane scheme was being considered and Ward members had expressed their wish to be fully involved in the development of any plans.
· A planning application for student accommodation on Conduit Street had been received and representations were being made. It was considered that the development would not be unacceptable if it had a high quality design. Residents were encouraged to view the plans and submit comments to the Planning Department.
· The Dawn Centre was due to hold its Christmas celebration event and residents were encouraged to donate gifts to Councillor Chaplin who would deliver parcels to the residents.
· Councillor Chaplin had organised a cake sale at the meeting in support of the Lord Mayor’s charity. She also commented on the continued initiative to knit ‘Twiddlemuffs’ for the Royal Infirmary.
Councillor Thalukdar
· The debate concerning the future of the Fire Authority continued and it was noted that after an intensive campaign, the Central Fire Station had been saved from closure. Comments on the future of fire services in the County were welcomed. It was noted that a new fire station had been approved in the Harborough District.
· In respect of representation on the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission, the issues affecting people with autism had been highlighted. Councillor Thalukdar asked residents to note the seriousness of the situation and welcomed representations. He also advised that anyone over 60 or anyone caring for an elderly person could discuss issues at future surgeries.
Councillor Master
· The issues regarding fly-tipping as expressed above by Councillor Chaplin were reiterated and discussions were ongoing with Executive colleagues on the subject.
· The future of the Conduit Street area was being discussed arising from the recently submitted panning application for student flats, as noted earlier. It was felt that regeneration and appropriate redevelopment would enhance the wider area.
· The ‘Channel Shift’ initiative was promoted as an effective method of public interaction, showing a dramatic reduction in time taken to respond to enquiries for a greatly reduced cost.
· In terms of Evington Road, it was noted that the future provisions of the ‘Local Plan’ were being discussed and appropriate policies determining the use of land and buildings would be subject to review before adoption. The Nat West bank had also been identified for closure, subject to there being no sufficient demand for its retention. Councillors had agreed to oppose its closure if there was evidence of its need.
Councillor Master invited comments of residents.
A discussion was held concerning the channel shift proposals and the effect the initiative had on those members of the public that had no access to the necessary IT equipment. It was also reported by residents that interaction and contact with people was important, as persistent reporting of problems on the IT system did not always provide the required outcomes. The security of IT systems was also questioned, it being noted that the media had reported many recent instances of email account ‘hacking’.