Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the September meeting of the West (Outer) Area Committee held in Farnley Park Hall, Hall Lane, Leeds 12.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor A Carter and Councillor J Marjoram.

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 D Blackburn in his capacity as a member of a governing body for West Leeds Country Park (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 27 refers), and as a Governor of Lower Wortley Primary School (Agenda Item 15)(Minute 33 refers)

·  Councillor A Blackburn in her capacity as a Director of Groundwork Leeds (Agenda Items 9 and 15)(Minutes 27 and 33 refer), and as a Director of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 11)(Minute 29 refers)

·  Councillor M Coulson in his capacity as a member of Pudsey in Bloom (Agenda Item 9)(Minute 27 refers)

·  Reverend Kingsley Dowling in his capacity as Vice-Chair of Governors of Lower Wortley Primary School (Agenda Item 15)(Minute 33 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

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.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the last meeting held on held on 10^th July 2009 and to consider any matters arising.

RESOLVED – That, subject to the following amendments, the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th July 2009 be confirmed as a correct record:-

·  to the deletion of Councillor R Lewis from the attendance list

·  Local Authority Appointments to Outside Bodies (Minute 8 refers) – ALMO West Inner Area Panel should have read ‘ALMO West Outer Area Panel’

a)  Community Safety Issues – Outer West Leeds (Minute 13 Refers)

Councillor F Robinson referred to the recent spate of hanging baskets being stolen from outside shop premises in the Calverley and Pudsey areas and enquired on the latest position.

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator responded and informed the meeting that there had not been any further developments in relation to this issue.  She stated that it was imperative for shopkeepers and for members of the public to report these thefts to the police.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Outer West Area Panel meeting held on 10^th June 2009 be noted.

To receive and consider a report by the Director of City Development which examines the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside services and the West Outer Area Committee.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which examined the opportunities to develop the relationship between the Parks and Countryside Services and the West Outer Area Committee.

Phil Staniforth, Senior Area Manager, City Development 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:-

·  the summary table outlined in 3.12 of the report in relation to community parks assessed in the West Outer Area Committee area, and the fact that Tyresal Park showed an out of date outcome as significant improvements had been made to the park since 2005 and the last assessment was undertaken in 2008.

(The Senior Area Manager responded and outlined the current consultation exercise for the playground renovation, which would involve discussions with Ward Members, prior to the commencement of the procurement exercise.  He agreed to come back to the meeting on the results for 2008 Leeds Quality Park Assessment for Tyresal Park in due course)

·  clarification was sought on where the funding was coming from in relation to the bid for development of the New Wortley Recreation Ground and whether Section 106 monies could be used for the refurbishment of the sports pitch changing rooms at New Wortley

·  the need to congratulate staff in Parks and Countryside in relation to the recent judging for Yorkshire in Bloom

·  advice sought on the arrangements regarding Farsley in Bloom to be held on 1^st October 2009, together with identifying a contact person from Parks and Countryside

(The Senior Area Manager responded and agreed to consult with his colleague, Richard Gill, in relation to this forthcoming event)

·  the need for officers to address the issue regarding the payment of grant monies to Yorkshire in Bloom groups with the aim of reducing VAT charges where applicable

(The Senior Area Manager responded and agreed to discuss this issue with the Chief Recreation Officer, with a report back to the Committee)

·  clarification of the actions in relation to supporting the provision of site based gardeners in Tyresal and Wortley

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report be noted.

b)  That Members of the Area Committee be encouraged to communicate their priorities for community green space improvements via the Outer West Area Management Officer.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment & Neighbourhoods introducing Inspector Richard Cawkwell from West Yorkshire Police who will provide the Area Committee with information on crime trends, partnership initiatives and future joint projects between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police in Outer West Leeds.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report introducing Inspector Richard Cawkwell from West Yorkshire Police who  provided the Area Committee with information on crime trends, partnership initiatives and future joint projects between Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police in Outer West Leeds.

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

In addition to the above report, a copy of a document entitled ‘West Yorkshire Police – North West Leeds Division – Serious Acquisitive Crime Summary West Outer’ was submitted for the information/comment of the meeting.

In summary, Inspector Cawkwell  updated the meeting on the following specific issues within Outer West Leeds:-

·  Priority crime, covering vehicle crime and theft from vehicles

·  Robbery, with reference to minor street robbery

·  Burglary, with reference to ‘breaking and entering’ and stealing motor vehicles

·  Anti-social behaviour issues

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator informed the meeting that she had emailed Members of the Area Committee inviting them to a ‘Crime and Grime’ conference in Nottingham on 24^th/25^th September 2009.

In concluding, Inspector Cawkwell outlined satisfaction survey statistics in relation to members of public interviewed within the Outer West Area on the joint work undertaken by the Council and the Police around anti-social behaviour issues.

The Committee also noted that the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator had received a very positive response to the DPPO on Farsley Town Street and that it was anticipated that the Licensing Committee would be considering a report on the implementation of the DPPO in early October.

Councillor R Lewis referred to the summary document circulated by the Police and sought clarification as to why the figures for Swinnow had not been included.

Inspector Cawkwell responded and agreed to look into this issue with a view to circulating the missing information to the Area Committee.

The Chair thanked Inspector Cawkwell and Gill Hunter for their attendance and contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the content of the report and supporting documents, together with the update provided by the West Yorkshire Police, be noted.

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 Members of the Area Committee be requested to inform the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, on regular basis, of the deployment of mobile CCTV to areas of concern within Outer West.

(c )  That further update reports on CCTV in the West Outer area be   submitted on a six monthly basis.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a 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 and 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 Outer West Area Committee (Appendix 1 refers)

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

Derek Whitehouse, CCTV Co-ordinator 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:-

·  clarification of the CCTV camera angles/range and on the prosecution evidence

·  the need for this Area Committee to record its appreciation of the excellent work being undertaken within this area

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That Members of the Area Committee be requested to inform the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, on a regular basis, of the deployment of mobile CCTV to areas of concern within Outer West.

c)  That further update reports on CCTV in the West Outer area be submitted on a six-monthly basis.

To note a report 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.

The Head of Waste Management submitted a report 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.

Andrew Lingham, Senior Project Manager (Waste Strategy) presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

In addition to the above report, a copy of a leaflet entitled ‘The City’s Waste Solution – Your Questions Answered’ was circulated for the information/comment of the meeting.

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

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

·  a view expressed that officers had taken on board the comments and improvements raised by Elected Members at previous Group meetings

·  the need for the leaflet to be made more user friendly with larger print

(The Senior Project Manager (Waste Strategy) responded and agreed to look into this issue)

·  clarification of the protocol around the collection of ash and the disposal arrangements relating to landfill

·  clarification of the consultation process undertaken with members of the public and the need for the department to look at displaying models of the strategy within public open buildings e.g. Leeds Art Gallery etc

(The Senior Project Manager (Waste Strategy) responded and agreed to look into this issue)

RESOLVED –

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

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

To consider a report by the Director of Development to update Members on the current progress of the reviews of the Pudsey and Calverley conservation areas and to establish where the reviews of Farsley and Woodhall Hills will fit within the conversation area review programme for 2009/2010.

The Director of Development submitted a report updating Members on the current progress of the reviews of the Pudsey and Calverley conservation areas and to establish where the reviews of Farsley and Woodhall Hills would fit within the conversation area review programme for 2009/2010.

Matthew Bentley, Community Conservation Officer 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 welcome the fact that the conservation area reviews were having a positive impact towards the appearance of a number of take-away establishments within the Outer West area

·  the need for more information to be supplied to ward members, for future reference, in relation to an area identified within Farnley and Wortley that was currently going the process of getting a village design statement

RESOLVED –

a)  That the content of the report be noted.

b)  That this Committee notes the project and its targets, as outlined in the report.

c)  That this Committee supports the recommendation to possibly assist in providing information on groups and meeting rooms of the area when they are required.

d)  That a vote of thanks be conveyed to Mr Bentley for his attendance and contribution to the meeting.

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

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the following decisions be taken in respect of the applications for   funding:-

  Capital

  (i)  20 mph traffic calming measures for Old Farnley (Whincovers &     Cobdens/Dragons areas – Approve the 50% split of both   schemes from the Capital funding previously agreed in April   2008

  (ii)  Outer West Leaf Blower – Approved £3,700 (Capital)

(b)  That Members of the Area Committee be requested to inform the Outer West Area Management Officer of any specific schemes in relation to the remaining capital balance of £15,000 set aside for each Outer ward.

(c)  That in relation to the request for implementing 20 mph zones for  Wellstone Avenue and Tyersal, the West North West Area Manager be requested to follow up this issue with a report back at the next meeting.

(d)  That the budget and list of Small Grants since the last meeting as set   out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted report be noted.

(e)  That the financial status of the Well-Being Budget both Capital and   revenue as outlined in paragraph 4.5 of the submitted report be noted.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report updating Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available via the Area Committee Well-being budget for wards in the Outer West area.  The report also sought approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

Clare Wiggins, Outer West Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report.

RESOLVED –

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

Capital

i)  20 mph traffic calming measures for Old Farnley (Whincovers and Cobdens/ Dragons areas) – Approve the 50% split of both schemes from the capital funding previously agreed in April 2008

ii)  Outer West Leaf Blower – Approved £3,700 (capital)

b)  That Members of the Area Committee be requested to inform the Outer West Area Management Officer of any specific schemes in relation to the remaining capital balance of £15,000 set aside for each Outer Ward.

c)  That in relation to the request for implementing 20 mph zones for Wellstone Avenue and Tyresal, the West North West Area Manager be requested to follow up this issue with a report back at the next meeting.

d)  That the budget and list of Small Grants since the last meeting, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted report, be noted.

e)  That the financial status of the Wellbeing budget, both capital and revenue, as outlined in paragraph 4.5 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 Outer West Area Delivery Plan.

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That this Committee notes, with sadness, the recent death of Dr Bill Pullen, the Headteacher at Farnley Park High School and wishes to place on record their sincere appreciation for his past services to the Area Committee and the Farnley area.

(c)  That in relation to the refurbishment programme of the public toilets in Pudsey, this Committee requests this issue to be given priority status and for health officials to be involved within the process.

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

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager, and Clare Wiggins, Outer West Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report.

RESOLVED –

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

b)  That this Committee notes, with sadness, the recent death of Dr Bill Pullen, the Head Teacher at Farnley Park High School, and wishes to place on record their sincere appreciation for his past services to the Area Committee and the Farnley area.

c)  That in relation to the refurbishment programme of the public toilets in Pudsey, this Committee requests this issue to be given priority status and for health officials to be involved within the process.

RESOLVED – That the Forward Plan of proposed items for the next meeting be received and noted.

Friday, 16^th October 2009

Venue:  To be considered

Friday, 18^th December 2009

Venue:    To be considered

Friday, 29^th January 2010

Venue:   To be considered

Friday, 26^th March 2010

Venue:  To be considered

(All meetings to commence at 2.00 p.m.)

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the following arrangements:-

Friday, 16^th October 2009

Venue:  To be considered

Friday, 18^th December 2009

Venue:  To be considered

Friday, 29^th January 2010

Venue:  To be considered

Friday, 26^th March 2010

Venue:  To be considered

(All meetings to commence at 2.00 p.m.)

b)  That in relation to the 29^th January 2010 meeting, this Committee welcomes the kind offer from Councillor M Coulson to investigate holding the meeting at Safety Central.

(The meeting concluded at 4.05 pm.)