Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the September meeting of the West (Inner) Area Committee held at the Stanningley Amateur Rugby Football Club, Coal Hill Drive, Leeds 13.  On behalf of the Area Committee, he welcomed back Councillor  D Atkinson following her recent illness.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

In accordance with his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair admitted to the agenda the following late items of business:-

·  Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum – minutes of a meeting held on 30^th July 2009 (Agenda Item 6(b))(Minute 22 refers)

·  Consultation on day services for older people (Minute 30 refers)

The items were late due to the fact that they were not received in time to allow the documents to be produced for the normal agenda release deadline.

In addition to the above late items of business, a copy of a document entitled ‘Operation Champion – 22^nd to 24^th July 2009 Pudsey Evaluation of Activities’ was circulated as supplementary information (Agenda Item 10)(Minute 27 refers)

In relation to the late item of business regarding the consultation on day services for older people, the Committee wished to place on record their strongest objections to this report being late.  The issue was discussed at the Executive Board meeting on 22^nd July 2009, which had allowed officers plenty of time to prepare a report for this meeting.  The reason for lateness also prevented proper consultation on this very important issue.

(Councillor D Atkinson joined the meeting at 5.10 pm during discussion of the above item)

There were no apologies reported at the meeting.

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 personal interests were declared:-

·  Councillor N Taggart in his capacity as Governor of Bramley Primary School, as a member of Stanningley Amateur Rugby Football Club, and as an Area Panel Member of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

·  Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of West North West Homes; as a member of Leeds Citizens’ Advice Bureau and as a member of Leeds Credit Union (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

·  Councillor D Atkinson in her capacity as a Trustee of Stanningley Amateur Rugby Football Club and as a member of Leeds Credit Union (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

·  Councillor T Hanley in his capacity as a Director of Bramley Elderly Action (Late Item)(Minute 30 refers)

·  Councillor J McKenna in his capacity as an Area Panel Member of West North West Homes; as a Governor of Christ the King Primary School and as part-time care worker at Strawberry Lane Community Centre for Armley Helping Hands (Agenda Item 9 and Late Item) (Minutes 26 and 30 refer)

·  Councillor J Harper in her capacity as Chair of the Leeds Gateway Stakeholders’ Advisory Group (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

·  Morgan Pugh in his capacity as an Area Panel Member of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

·  Stephen Langley in his capacity as an Area Panel Member of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 26 refers)

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 held on 21^st July 2009.

(b)  Bramley Community Forum (to follow).

The Chair gave notice that in accordance with the Area Committee Procedure Rules, there was provision for an Open Forum session of up to 10 minutes at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee in order to allow members of the public an opportunity to ask questions or to make representations on any matter which fell within the remit of the Area Committee.

On this occasion, no issues were raised.

A copy of the minutes of the following Forum meetings were submitted/ circulated for the information and comment of the meeting:-

a)  Armley Community Forum meeting held on 21^st July 2009

b)  Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 30^th July 2009

In relation to the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 21^st July 2009, Alison Pickering, West North West Area Management, informed the meeting that in relation to the Heather Halliwell/Youth Music Theatre UK project issue, the £300 agreed by the Forum to support this project would come from Ward Members’ MICE monies.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 23^rd June 2009 be noted.

b)  That the minutes of the Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 30^th July 2009 be noted.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd June 2009 be approved as a correct record.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the last meeting held on 23^rd June 2009 and to consider any matters arising from those minutes.

a)  Open Forum/Community Forums (Minute 5 refers)

At the request of the Chair, Mr Houseman of Horton Rise, Rodley, updated the meeting on the lack of progress since the last meeting regarding the poor state of the footways in Rodley which were now badly in need of refurbishment.

Following discussions, the Committee acknowledged the need for the footpath maintenance works to be included within the Highways work programme.  It was agreed to invite an officer from the Highways division to discuss this issue at the meeting in October 2009.

b)  Open Forum/Community Forums (Minute 5 refers)

Morgan Pugh, Armley Forum, raised the Hayley Fields Allotments issue and arising from discussions, the Committee noted that, apart from the wellbeing fund, other sources of funding were now available for the provision of toilets for allotments within the Armley and Bramley and Stanningley Wards.

c)  Open Forum/Community Forums (Minute 5 refers)

Alison Pickering, West North West Area Management, referred to the issue regarding the extensive work that was needed to be carried out on the blocked drains in the Rodley area.

She sought specific details of house numbers from Mr Houseman and it was agreed that they both would discuss this issue at the conclusion of the meeting.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & 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.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget both capital and revenue as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes that as a result of £20,000 capital funding  being returned from the Moorside Community Centre Sports Project, a revised total of £83,480 remained within the Well-being Capital budget.

c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the   applications for funding from the:-

Capital Budget

(i)  Bramley Festive Lights – Approved £1,957, subject to Ward Members being supplied with specific details of the scheme prior to the next meeting of the Area Committee

d)  That this Committee notes that MICE monies would be used to fund festive lights for 2009 within the Armley and Bramley and Stanningley wards and that the West North West Area Manager be requested to forward a copy of the protocol relating to the funding of festive lights to the Chair for his attention.

e )  That the budget and the list of Small Grants since the last meeting as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report be noted.

f)  That the update on previous Well-Being Funded applications relating to the Moorside Community Association as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the submitted report be noted.

Referring to Minute 9 of the meeting held on 23^rd June 2009, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report 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 sought approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by West North West Area Management.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Breakdown of Revenue Spend by Theme 2009/10 (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Breakdown of Capital Spend – Capital Spend by Theme 2009/10 (Appendix 2 refers)

·  Area Committee Wellbeing Fund – Project Proposal Inner West Area Committee - Bramley Festive Lights (Appendix 3 refers)

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

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for officers to process and complete capital expenditure schemes as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays i.e. toilets at Hayleys Field

·  the need for officers to support Moorside Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) Community Centre to address the Japanese Knotweed problem at the rear of the building

RESOLVED –

a)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget, both capital and revenue, as outlined in Appendices 1 and 2 of the submitted report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes that as a result of £20,000 capital funding  being returned from the Moorside Community Centre Sports Project, a revised total of £83,480 remained within the Wellbeing Capital budget.

c)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the   applications for funding from the:-

Capital Budget

(i)  Bramley Festive Lights – Approved £1,957, subject to Ward Members being supplied with specific details of the scheme prior to the next meeting of the Area Committee

d)  That this Committee notes that MICE monies would be used to fund festive lights for 2009 within the Armley and Bramley and Stanningley wards and that the West North West Area Manager be requested to forward a copy of the protocol relating to the funding of festive lights to the Chair for his attention.

e )  That the budget and the list of Small Grants since the last meeting as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the submitted report be noted.

f)  That the update on previous Well-Being Funded applications relating to the Moorside Community Association as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the submitted report be   noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods informing Members of the progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Inner West Area Delivery Plan.

RESOLVED - 

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be received and noted.

b)  That arrangements be made for a presentation to be made by Diana Holmes, West Leeds Enterprise Centre on the specific work of the centre to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

c)  That the West North West Area Manger be requested to arrange a briefing for the Armley Ward Members in relation to the acquisition of 2 Branch Road, within the West Leeds Gateway Regeneration Programme.

d)  That this Committee notes that a report on Neighbourhood Wardens and the new protocol in relation to Community Centres would be submitted to the October Area Committee meeting for consideration.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report informing Members of the progress against the Leeds Strategic Plan and the Inner West Area Delivery Plan.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussions ensued on the content of the report.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  to note and welcome that the rate of increase in respect of unemployment was slowing down in Inner West Leeds

·  the need for Armley Ward Members to receive a briefing in relation to the acquisition of 2 Branch Road, within West Leeds Gateways Regeneration Programme

·  the need for a presentation to be made by Diana Holmes, West Leeds Enterprise Centre on the specific work of the centre to a future meeting of the Area Committee

·  to note and congratulate offices on the progress being made in relation to the pending planning application at Fairfields, Bramley

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be received and noted.

b)  That arrangements be made for a presentation to be made by Diana Holmes, West Leeds Enterprise Centre on the specific work of the centre to a future meeting of the Area Committee.

c)  That the West North West Area Manger be requested to arrange a briefing for the Armley Ward Members in relation to the acquisition of 2 Branch Road, within the West Leeds Gateway Regeneration Programme.

d)  That this Committee notes that a report on Neighbourhood Wardens and the new protocol in relation to Community Centres would be submitted to the October Area Committee meeting for consideration.

(During discussion of this item Councillor J Harper and Councillor N Taggart indicated that they were Members of Plans Panel (West) and could possibly be considering matters on the Fairfields item at a later date in that capacity.  They both stated that they would remain in the meeting to listen to and take part in the discussion of this issue.  In order to avoid any perception of pre-determination, both Councillors Harper and Taggart agreed that they would not be bound by any discussion taken at the meeting when issues from this matter came before Plans Panel (West) for determination, but would consider all representations and viewpoints presented at the planning meeting before reaching a conclusion based on the merits of the case)

To consider the attached report of the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods and to receive an update from NPT Inspector Mark Bownass regarding community safety issues within the Inner West Leeds area.

The West North West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report which updated the meeting on Community Safety issues in Inner West Leeds since the last meeting.

Police Inspector Bownass presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

• Operation Alness – this was an operation working in partnership with the prison service to disrupt drugs and mobile phones being smuggled into Armley prison.  Officers from the NPT, roads policing, off road bikes, mounted and the Yorkshire and Humber roads policing teams were involved working with the prison staff and the prison’s dog section

• Operation Alphamstone  –this was a city wide operation which was two fold.  The first was involving designated NPT staff who were to patrol the hot spot areas seizing alcohol off children/youths between 5.00 pm and midnight on a Friday and Saturday.  The names of the youths were then forwarded to Youth services for intervention by health teams and also to ASB officers.  The second phase of the operation was to target those selling the alcohol

• Operation Abbreviate – this was an operation held in New Wortley to target prostitution and drugs.  The operation was to be extended into a secondary operation within City and Holbeck to tackle prostitution on both sides

• Operation Alport – this was an operation to target rising burglaries across the West Inner and West Outer areas.  NPT officers, mounted officers, CID and roads policing were working in hot spot areas targeting known offenders.  Officers were working until 4.00 am from the late-turn teams and officers from the early turn would commence duty at 4am, thereby providing a 24/7 cover for a week

• Operation Adjacent – this was an operation to target offenders in the DPPO areas of West Inner and Outer.  Dedicated patrols would be involved from 9.00 pm until 2.00 am

In addition to the above presentation, Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator circulated a copy of a document entitled ‘Operation Champion – 22^nd to 24^th July 2009 Pudsey Evaluation of Activities’ for the information/comment of the meeting.

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report, presentation and supporting information in relation to ‘Operation Champion’.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for further funding to be made available in relation to Alert Boxes and to promote this issue as widely as possible within Inner West

·  the concerns expressed about drinking by Romanian and Polish people on Armley Town Street which was leading to shoplifting and for the police to look at engaging interpreters in this regard with a view to tackling this problem

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report and supporting information on ‘Operation Champion’, together with the update provided by the West Yorkshire Police be noted.

b)  That the West North West Area Manager be requested to include a request for funding for Alert Boxes within the Wellbeing Report for consideration at the next meeting in October  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

To consider an annual report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods highlighting the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by both mobile and fixed CCTV cameras.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be received and noted.

(b)  That a further report on additional data for CCTV in the West Inner area around quality images, legal proceedings etc be submitted to a future meeting with a view to assisting the Area Committee in identifying crime hot spots that would benefit from additional CCTV cameras being installed within Armley and Bramley and Stanningley wards.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted an annual report highlighting the services provided by Leeds City Council Community Safety CCTV to demonstrate the effectiveness of the service in reducing the fear of crime and facilitating the apprehension and detection of offenders in areas covered by both mobile an fixed CCTV cameras.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Financial breakdown of CCTV cameras for Inner West Area Committee (Appendix 1 refers)

·  Legal implications regarding public space surveillance CCTV (Appendix 2 refers)

Jason Singh, West North West Area Management presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report and appendices.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  the need for officers to address a number of globes that were missing from cameras located on the Armley Town Street/Branch Road/Tiger Lane

·  the need for a further report on additional data for CCTV in the  West Inner area around quality images, legal proceedings etc to be submitted to a future meeting with a view to assisting the Area Committee in identifying crime hot-spots that would benefit from additional CCTV cameras being installed within Armley and Bramley and Stanningley Wards

·  clarification of the equality considerations in relation to access to members of the public into the CCTV control room, which was not allowed for security reasons, and the need for the Area Committee to undertake a site visit in this regard

·  clarification of the Community Cohesion Action Plan.

Jason Singh responded and agreed to consult with Derek Whitehouse, CCTV Co-ordinator on the specific issues raised, with a view to reporting back the specific detail to Members of the Area Committee.

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report and appendices be received and noted.

b)  That a further report on additional data for CCTV in the West Inner area around quality images, legal proceedings etc be submitted to a future meeting with a view to assisting the Area Committee in identifying crime hot spots that would benefit from additional CCTV cameras being installed within Armley and Bramley and Stanningley wards.

(Councillor D Atkinson left the room at 6.30 pm at the conclusion of the above item)

To note a report and presentation by the Head of Waste Management providing an update on the programme of communications activity supporting the Residual Waste Treatment PFI project and the opportunity to view the power point presentation and supporting materials to be distributed to the public.

Members of the Area Committee received a report and presentation by the Head of Waste Management providing an update on the programme of communications activity supporting the Residual Waste Treatment of PFI project and the opportunity to view the PowerPoint presentation and supporting materials to be distributed to the public.

The following officers were in attendance who responded to Members’ queries and comments:-

Susan Upton, Head of Waste Management

Andrew Lingham, Senior Project Manager (Waste Strategy)

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report and presentation.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of the sites chosen and the mechanism behind the bidding process

·  the history behind Kirkstall Forge

·  the difficulties encountered by the boundary problems and the optimistic target in achieving planning permission by 2011

·  clarification of the key facilities and the need to address transport issues with much work to be undertaken within this area

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report and presentation be received and noted.

b)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to Mrs Upton and Mr Lingham for their attendance and contribution to the meeting.

(Councillor A Lowe left the room at 7.00 pm at the conclusion of the above item)

To note and consider a report submitted by the Director of Adult Social Care Services as part of the consultation process agreed by the Executive Board on proposals for day services for older people.

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report on proposals for consultation on day services for older people.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Executive Board report entitled ‘From Day Centres to Day Services: Responding to the Needs and Preferences of Older People’ considered at the Executive Board meeting held on 22^nd July 2009 for the information/comment of the meeting.

In addition to the above documents, a copy of a PowerPoint presentation on ‘Day Services Consultation’ was circulated as supporting information.

Lynda Bowen, Adult Social Services presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

The purpose of the report was to:-

·  explain about the proposals and decision making process for day services;

·  listen to the views of the Area Committee;

·  record the Committee’s concerns as part of the consultation process;

·  offer the meeting more time, if needed, to further discuss their circumstances.

Detailed discussions ensued on the content of the report and supporting documents.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

·  clarification of the referral process and the reasons why referrals were reducing in numbers

·  clarification of the philosophy behind specialist dementia services being segregated

·  the reasons behind the downward trend of people attending day centres resulting from changes in political structure within the Council

·  clarification as to what messages employees at day centres had been given on communicating with Elected Members

·  reference to discussions undertaken at the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care) meeting held on 9^th September 2009 in relation to Members concerns that Social Workers were stopping day services referrals

·  clarification of the dates of the consultation process

·  clarification of the protocol of Elected Members’ visits

·  the views expressed that Neighbourhood Networks were not addressing the problem and that day centres were needed and important

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report and supporting documents be noted.

b)  That the above views be fed into the consultation process on day services for older people.

Wednesday, 21^st October 2009 at 5.00 p.m. at Armley One Stop Centre, Stocks Hill, Armley, Leeds LS12 1UQ

MAP TO STANNINGLEY AMATEUR RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB  ATTACHED.

Wednesday, 21^st October 2009 at 5.00 pm at Armley One Stop Centre, Stocks Hill, Armley, Leeds, LS12 1UQ

(The meeting concluded at 7.50 pm)