Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor Denise Atkinson.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor J Harper declared a personal interest in her capacity as a Member of West Leeds Gateway (Agenda Item 8 – West Inner Well-Being Budget Fund – Minute 70, Appendix 4(i) refers) and as Chair of the West Leeds Gateway Stakeholders’ Advisory Group (Agenda Item 9 – Area Manager’s Report  - Minute 69 refers)

Councillor T Hanley declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Director of Bramley Elderly Action (Agenda Item 8 – West Inner Well-Being Budget Fund – Minute 70, Appendix 4(i) refers) and Fairfields LAMP (Agenda Item 16 – Minute 76 refers).

Councillor N Taggart declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Panel Member of West North West  ALMO (Agenda Item 13 – Leeds Housing Strategy – Minute 73 refers) and (Agenda 16 – Fairfields LAMP – Minute 76 refers).

Councillor A Lowe declared a personal interest in her capacity as a Director of

West North West ALMO (Agenda Item 13 – Leeds Housing Strategy - Minute  refers) and (Agenda Item 16 – Fairfields LAMP – Minute 76  refers).

Councillor J McKenna declared a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as a Care Worker at Armley Helping Hands (Agenda Item 8 – Inner West Well-Being Budget (Appendix 4) – Minute 70 refers) and a personal interest in his capacity as a Care Worker at Armley Helping Hands (Agenda Item 8 – Inner West Well-Being Budget (Appendix 2) – Minute 70 refers)  The Councillor also declared a personal interest in his capacity as a Panel Member of West North West ALMO (Agenda Item 13 – Leeds Housing Strategy – Minute 73 refers) and (Agenda 16 – Fairfields LAMP – Minute 76 refers).

Morgan Pugh – Armley Forum Co-optee declared a personal and prejudicial interest in his capacity as Chair of Armley Helping Hands (Agenda Item 8 – Inner West Well-Being Budget (Appendix 4) – Minute 70 refers).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11th December 2008.

Minute 54 – Inner West Area Committee Well-Being Update

Referring to Resolution (b)(v) regarding the Summer Bands in the Park application, the Chair informed the meeting that she had a meeting with the officer and was now happy to release the money for funding this application. 

The Chair was pleased to announce that it had now been agreed with the officer to make this into a bigger event and it is intended to hold a dog show and to include rides for young children at this event.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th December 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

In accordance with Paragraphs 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.  No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

It is also intended to submit under this item for information/discussion purposes the minutes of the local community forum meetings.  The following sets of minutes are enclosed:

(a)  Armley Community Forum meeting – 16^th December 2008; and 

(b)  Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum – 27^th November 2008.

The Chair made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee to allow members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the remit of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no members of the public were present.

A copy of the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 16^th December 2008 and Bramley & Stanningley Forum meeting held on 27^th November 2008 were attached for Members information. 

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 16^th December 2008 and Bramley & Stanningley Forum meeting held on 27^th November 2008  be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods to update Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available via the Area Committee Well-Being Budget for wards in the Inner West area.  The report also seeks approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being fund available for   2008/09 is £6,412.15 and Capital Well-Being fund is £66,800 be noted.

(b)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of new projects   and requests for funding from the Well-Being Budget contained in   appendices attached and listed in Paragraph 3.1 of the submitted   report:

  Capital

(i)  Notice Boards for Bramley & Rodley – Approved £5,000.

  Members requested Officers provide them via email with a   photograph of the proposed black and gold trimmed notice   boards.

Revenue

(i)  ‘Spring Together’ Celebrating Diversity Event – Approved £2,700.

(ii)  Marketing & Events Budget for Town and District Centre – Approved £5,000.

(iii)  Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme – Approved £7,823 for one year only, subject to appropriate funds being available.  Members also requested that a six month update report be submitted on the request by Members that Armley Helping Hands work closely with Bramley Elderly Action on community transport provision.

(iv)  Planting of Henconner Lane Roundabout, Bramley – Approved £1,500 (2009/2010), subject to appropriate funds being available.

(c )  To note that to date £44,000 (Revenue) and £20,000 (Capital) had been allocated from the Well-Being Budget for the financial   year   2009/2010.

(d)  That the list of Small Grants made since the last meeting as set out   in   paragraph 3.3 of the report be noted.

(e)  To note that out of the £10,000 Small Grant budget approved for   2008/2009 there was a balance of £3,948.68 remaining and that out of   the £2,500 Skips Budget approved for 2008/2009 there was a balance   of  £320.00 remaining.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report providing an update on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available for the 2008/2009 financial year.

Rebecca Boon, Project Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

During consideration of the Marketing & Events Budget for Town and District Centre application, Councillor Hanley, in his role of Enterprise and Economy Champion for West Inner, felt this was an excellent idea and was only too happy to be of assistance.  He informed the meeting that funds may be obtained for this project through Business Link Week. 

Dawn Newsome, Armley Helping Hands presented the application for funding the Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme (Appendix 4 – Resolution (b)(iii) refers) and left the room with Councillor McKenna and Morgan Pugh (see note below), while Area Committee Members made a decision on this application. 

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that

this would be Rebecca Boon’s last meeting for West Inner as both her and Gavin Forster would in future be working on projects relating to the Outer West Area Committee.

On behalf of the West Inner Area Committee, the Chair thanked Rebecca and Gavin for all their hard work for West Inner over the last few years.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current amount of Revenue Well-Being fund available for   2008/09 is £6,412.15 and Capital Well-Being fund is £66,800 be noted.

(b)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of new projects   and requests for funding from the Well-Being Budget contained in appendices attached and listed in Paragraph 3.1 of the submitted   report:

  Capital

(i)  Notice Boards for Bramley & Rodley – Approved £5,000.

  Members requested Officers provide them via email with a photograph of the proposed black and gold trimmed notice boards.

Revenue

(i)  ‘Spring Together’ Celebrating Diversity Event – Approved £2,700.

(ii)  Marketing & Events Budget for Town and District Centre –   Approved £5,000.

(iii)  Armley Helping Hands Community Transport Scheme – Approved   £7,823 (2009/2010) for one year only, subject to appropriate funds   being available.  Members also requested that a six month update   report be submitted on the request by Members that Armley Helping   Hands work closely with Bramley Elderly Action on community   transport provision.

(iv)  Planting of Henconner Lane Roundabout, Bramley – Approved £1,500 (2009/2010), subject to appropriate funds being available.

(c )  To note that to date £44,000 (Revenue) and £20,000 (Capital)   had been   allocated from the Well-Being Budget for the financial year   2009/2010.

(d)  That the list of Small Grants made since the last meeting as set out in   paragraph 3.3 of the report be noted.

(e)  To note that out of the £10,000 Small Grant budget approved for   2008/2009 there was a balance of £3,948.68 remaining and that out of   the £2,500 Skips Budget approved for 2008/2009 there was a balance   of  £320.00 remaining.

Note:  Due to their personal and prejudicial interests in (b)(iii) above, both Councillor J McKenna and Morgan Pugh – Co-optee Armley Forum left  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress on a number of projects in Inner West Leeds.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED - That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report  and the comments now made be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report to inform Members of the progress made on a number of projects in Inner West as determined by the Area Delivery Plan 2008/2011 governed by the Area Committee’s functions and roles as agreed by Executive Board at its meeting held in July 2008.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager highlighted the point that following a review with Members of the outcomes and performance to date of the themed meetings it had been decided that the Health and Wellbeing Open Forum would be presented at both the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Community forum meetings in order to encourage community engagement.

The Area Manager also informed the meeting that a detailed report on the Council’s procurement approach to the Leeds Waste Strategy would be submitted to the next Area Committee meeting.  Members sought clarification  that the Strategy included plans for the proposed requirement for alternative methods for the disposal of food waste from household bins as by 2010 it would be illegal for the disposal of food waste on landfill sites as it causes methane emissions. 

Members expressed their concern that in future there may be no centrally funded Neighbourhood Wardens for the Inner West area.  In response, Steve Crocker informed the meeting that the Area Management Team are pursuing other avenues for the temporary funding of these posts and that he will submit an update report at a future meeting.

With regard to the Conservation Area Review, the Area Manager informed the meeting that an update report on the new conservation area in Armley and

Bramley area will be submitted to a future meeting of this Area Committee.

Members congratulated the Headteacher at St Bartholomew’s Primary School for all her hard work and dedication, especially the recent work on the Field of Dreams project at the school. 

RESOLVED  - That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report and the comments now made be noted.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager introducing Inspector Bownass from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on Community Safety Issues in Inner West Leeds over the past eight weeks.  The report also requests endorsement of an application to the Courts for a Dispersal Order to be served in the Armley Ward.

(Council Function)

The Committee considered a report and update on Community Safety issues in the Inner West Leeds area over the past eight weeks.  Inspector Jon Glennon from the West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team, together with Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator (West Leeds) gave an extensive update in relation to the following:

·  The success of the four day burglary and vehicle crime initiative in  Armley and Bramley which was funded by the Area Committee.  It was reported that a DVD had been made while undertaking this initiative and

  Members requested that a copy of the DVD be emailed to each Ward Member.

·  The planned reassurance mapping for the Wyther estate in Armley.

·  The launch of the police pledge focusing on local priorities within neighbourhoods in Inner West (this included going out and speaking to people in the local community to ask what they felt were the priorities in the area).  As usual these were generally burglary, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime.

  Members requested that they be informed of any future dates, times and venues the Police and partnerships intend to give update reports on this initiative in order that Ward Councillors be given the opportunity to attend. 

·  The proposals for a Dispersal Order for the Cedars estate in Armley.

  Inspector Glennon outlined the continuing problems of anti-social behaviour within the Tong Road, Carr Crofts, Armley Town Street and Wesley Road, Leeds 12  and the need for a Dispersal Order.  It was also intended that news of the Dispersal Order be published through the local media.

  Ward Members were in agreement that this action needed to be taken and also expressed their concern that excessive drinkers were still spilling out on to the Armley Town Street area as early as 10.00 a.m. and were concerned that shopper, especially the elderly were being harassed.

  Gill Hunter informed the meeting that this matter would be raised at the next Inner West Multi-Agency meeting. 

·  The success of the police initiatives in the Inner West Leeds area over the Christmas and New Year period.

  The Chair thanked Inspector Glennon and Gill Hunter for their attendance and congratulated them on the success of their recent initiative undertaken within the Inner West Leeds area, especially over the Christmas period.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and the comments now made be noted.

(b)  That this Area Committee supports the proposal for a Dispersal Order to   assist the police in tackling Anti-social Behaviour and associated crime   on the Cedars estate in Armley.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

outlining proposals for changes that will allow Area Committees to have more influence over the localised delivery of Health and Environmental Action Service, including the Environmental Action Teams.

(Council Function)

Further to a decision of the Executive Board in November 2007 to extend and enhance the roles of Area Committees in terms of the operation of certain services in their areas, including Environmental Action Teams (EATs), the Committee received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods regarding how the Area Committee can help to influence the work carried out by EATs  in their areas.

The following Officers were in attendance and responded to Members’ questions and comments:-

Helen Freeman – Chief Officer - Health and Environmental Action Services

Keith Gibson – Head of Service - Health and Environmental Action Services

Detailed discussions ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In brief, the main areas of concern were:

·  That the West North West wedge of the city was an extremely large area to be covered by only one Environmental Action Team.

·  That the inner city areas have many different priorities to the outer Wards and it was felt that there was a need to retain the post of Neighbourhood Wardens, especially in the inner city areas. 

·  Referring to Appendix 6 – Summarised Service for each Area Committee. Members agreed with the “high impact high priority” issues were the correct ones for Inner West.  Members expressed a particular concern at the need to prioritise noise levels (492) and Rodents (36).

The Chair thanked Officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report be received and noted.

(b)  Members agreed with the “high impact high priority” issues were the   correct ones for Inner West.

(c)  That regular monthly meetings be arranged with at least one Member   from each Ward being in attendance.

(d )  That the Area Committee receive six monthly update reports on the   EATs work undertaken within the West Inner Leeds area.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods outlining proposals for changes that will allow Area Committees to have more influence over the localised delivery of Streetscene Services.

(Council Function)

Further to a decision of the Executive Board in November 2007 to extend and enhance the roles of Area Committees in terms of the operation of certain services in their areas, including Streetscene, the Committee received a report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods regarding how this might work.

The following Officers were in attendance and responded to Members’ questions and comments:-

Graham Hollings – Streetscene Manager – Refuse Collection Service

Roger Foyle -  Area Development Manager – Environmental Services

Detailed discussions ensued on the contents of the report and appendices.

In brief, the main issues raised were:

·  Members of the Area Committee expressed their concern that there would be a budget cut in the Streetscene service.

·  It was felt that when the ALMO and Highways grassed areas, shrub beds and hedges contract be put out to tender, the contract should also  include litter picking.

·  Members thanked the Neighbourhood Wardens for the recent clean up work carried out on Armley Town Centre and that similar work was needed around Bramley Shopping Centre.

The Chair thanked Officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report be received and noted.

(b)  That regular quarterly meetings be arranged with at Ward Members.  

(c )  That the Area Committee receive six monthly update reports on the   Streetscene work undertaken within the West Inner Leeds area.

To consider a report of the Housing Strategy and Commissioning Section which provides Members’ with an overview of the emerging Leeds Housing Strategy and links to the Inner West area.

(Council Function)

Note:  In the absence of an officer from Housing Strategy and Commissioning   Section, consideration of this report was deferred.

To note and comment on a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, which updates Members on the New Wortley neighbourhood and its current position in the Indices of Deprivation (IoD) issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted an update report

On the New Wortley neighbourhood and its current position in the Indices of Deprivation (IoD) issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Alison Pickering, West Inner Area Management Officer gave an indepth presentation and reflected on the first draft of the LAMP over three years ago in response to the 2004 Indices of Deprivation, the work of the multi-agency officer group formed to deliver the plan and the reports to the West Leeds District Partnership and this Area Committee.

Local Ward Members felt they had made significant contributions to the community improvements over the years along, with the New Wortley Residents Association.

The Officer went on to progress and achievements and the challenges around education, health and employment and reminded Members that  funding would run out for the community centre by the end of March 2009.

In terms of Crime Community Action Day in evening of 13^th March 2009 it is expected that quite a lot of tenants would also be present.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

To note and comment on a report by the West North West Area Manager to brief Members on the progress, achievements and challenges currently impacting upon the Wythers estate and provide an overview of the partnership working approach driving these challenges and priorities.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

The West North West Area Manager submitted an annual review report briefing Members on the progress, achievements and challenges currently impacting upon the Wyther estate and to provide an overview of the partnership working approach driving challenges and priorities.

Alison Pickering, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Councillor Lowe, Chair of the Wyther LAMP went on to explain the work carried out following the re-opening of Community House, especially in conjunction with Leeds Health Living Network on healthy eating and the cheap vegetables on sale there. 

The Officer went on to explain the health schemes that are being looked at through the LAMP group area;  crime;  income deprivation effecting older people; education skills and training and community cohesion.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

To note and comment on a report by the West North West Area Manager  briefing Members on the progress, achievements and challenges currently facing the Fairfields estate and provides an overview of the partnership working approach that is currently in operation.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

The West North West Area Manager submitted an annual review report briefing Members on the progress, achievements and challenges currently facing the Fairfields estate and to provide an overview of the partnership working approach that is currently in operation.

Alison Pickering, Area Management Officer presented the report and went on to explain partnership structure; the successful projects carried out with the help of the close working relations with the multi-agency partners; education and the projects involving Bramley Primary School to encourage the children to appreciate and have pride in their local neighbourhood;  crime; health; housing and the usual problems surround the community centres.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods seeking Members approval for a timetable of events which will enable the Area Committee, with the support of the Area Management Team, to implement a calendar of wide-ranging communication and engagement activities throughout 2009.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -  That the calendar of communications and engagement activities for Inner West Leeds in 2009 as outlined in the submitted report be approved.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report seeking Members approval for a timetable of events which will enable the Area Committee, with the support of the Area Management Team, to implement a calendar of wide-ranging communication and engagement activities throughout 2009.

Alison Pickering, Area Management Officer presented the report and reminded Members of the ‘What’s the Big Idea’ engagement event to be held on 26^th March 2009 in the Bramley & Stanningley Ward and on 21^st April 2009

in the Armley Ward. 

RESOLVED -  That the calendar of communications and engagement activities for Inner West Leeds in 2009 as outlined in the submitted report be approved.

Thursday, 9^th April 2009 at 5.00 p.m. (Venue to be considered).

MAP TO THE VENUE ATTACHED FOR TODAY’S MEETING AT:

Fairfield Community Centre

Fairfield Terrace

Bramley

LEEDS

LS13 3DQ.

Thursday, 9^th April 2009 at 5.00 p.m. (Venue to be arranged)