Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair informed the meeting that Councillor Denise Atkinson is once again in hospital after having had further surgery and she that she was in good spirit.  The Chair requested West Area Management Office to send Councillor Atkinson this Area Committee’s good wishes.  She also referred to the useful meeting held with members of the Children’s Service Partnership about the current plans and priorities for the Inner West area.

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 on to the agenda an additional  Area Committee Well-Being Budget Small Grant application for funding for an event linked to ‘Inside Justice Week’ commencing on 16^th October 2008.  As the event will take place before the next meeting of this Area Committee the

Chair accepted this item on to the agenda (Minute 26 (d)(i) refers).

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor D Atkinson and

Councillor J McKenna.  The Chair also informed the meeting that Councillor Taggart would be arriving late to 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 interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor A Lowe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in her capacity as Chair of Governors at Intake High School (Agenda Item No.10 Minute  refers) and as a Director of West North West Homes (Agenda Item No. 12 (Appendix 1) 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.

The receive and consider the attached minutes of Community Forum meetings as follows:

(a)  Armley Community Forum – 17^th June 2008.

(b)  Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum – 29^th May 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 occasions, no members of the public were present.

RESOLVED -

(a)   That the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 17^th   June 2008 were also submitted for information and noted. 

(b)  That the minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum   meeting held on 29^th May 2008 were also submitted for information and   noted.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on

26^th June 2008 and to consider any matters arising from those minutes.

RESOLVED -  That the minute of the meeting held on 26^th June 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair reminded the meeting of the Area Committee’s request for further information regarding how much each company paid for the use of those lamp posts. 

RESOLVED –  That the West/North West Area Manager be requested to investigate this matter and report back to the next meeting of this Area Committee.

To consider a report by the West North West Area Manager introducing

NPT Inspector Anwar Mohammed from West Yorkshire Police Authority who will give an update on the Community Safety Issues in Inner West Leeds in the past six weeks.

(Executive Function)       (15 Mins)

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police be received and noted.

Acting NPT Inspector Jon Glennon for West Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team updated Members regarding community safety issues in the Committee’s Area.

The Acting NPT Inspector informed the meeting that NPT Inspector Anwar Mohammed had now moved on to pastures new and was now on public orders training.  There will be a replacement within two to three weeks.

In brief, the following information was given at the meeting:

·  That burglary offence were down on this period last year which is due to the hard work put in by Officers and PCSO’s in the area.

·  The main area for concern at the moment is burglary and vehicle crime.  Certain areas such as Little Scotland are on the receiving end of property crime, vehicle crime and burglary crime.

·  Anti-Social Behaviour  in Inner West has dropped significantly.  Reports to the Police have dropped.  It is an area where the Police are keen to get out and about in the area to engage with people to try and resolve the issue of anti-social behaviour.

·  Operation Abacus – the Inspector informed the meeting that this was now running for another month to six weeks. 

·  There has been a rise in diesel thefts in the area due to the rising fuel prices.  The Police have fitted cameras to catch the thieves.

·  The Inspector informed the meeting of the Pudsey Police Station Public Open Day to be held on Saturday, 27^th September 2008 from 11.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. and everyone is invited – 500 local residents have been invited.  The Police are trying to raise awareness and engage with the community.  A leaflet of the event was tabled for Members information.

·  Hazel Boutle, Armley Forum Co-optee informed the meeting that there had been six burglaries in the last three weeks on the Little Scotlandarea.  The Inspector informed the meeting that the Police are aware of the situation and assured her that there will be ‘Catch a Cars’ strategically placed in the area.  The Inspector went on to explain that  ‘Catch a Cars’ were under cover Police vehicles with cameras in them.

·  Councillor Lowe informed the meeting that there had been quite a few public events in the New Wortley area and there had been problems with bikes. 

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police be received and noted.

To note a report by the Chief Environmental Services Officer updating Members on various service related issues within the Area Committee boundary.

(Executive Function)  (10 Mins)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and the overview of the services provided by Environmental Services for the West Outer area, be noted.

(b)  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer, together with his   Enforcement Officers (in their new uniforms) for the West Inner Area be   invited to the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Community Forums.

(c )  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer be instructed to   liaise with   the Headteacher regarding the constant problems with litter being dropped in and around the area by pupils attending Intake High School.  

(d)  That Enforcement Officers be instructed to patrol the area in and around   Intake High School and the shops on Summerfield Drive, who should be instructed to clear up the areas outside their properties and surrounding   areas.   

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Chief Environmental Services Officer who gave a brief update on various service related issues within the Area Committee’s boundary and the recent implementation of the newly established Environmental Action Teams (EAT) to provide a greater focus on area based working, including enforcement.

Andrew Mason, Chief Environmental Services Officer introduced himself and gave a brief overview of Environmental Services responsibilities for a range of streetscene services including, refuse collection and recycling, street cleansing, bulky waste collection, fly tipping removal. Environmental enforcement, household waste sorting sites and parking related enforcement.  As well as other main stream services for environmental health such as food inspections, work place conditions, private sector housing conditions, pest control and dog wardens.

Ruth Lees, West/North West Environmental Action Team Manager gave a brief outline of the newly established Environmental Action Team for the West/North West area and gave an update on what her Team intend to deal with in the West Inner area at the moment.  It was report that the bin yards on the Cedars are getting really untidy again and unless this is cleared up by the residents, EAT will be serving quite a few fixed penalty notices.  Armley Town Street also has a problem with cigarette butts outside shops, banks and public houses and the EAT team intend to work with these businesses before serving enforcement notices on them to clean the area outside their premises.

Andrew Mason, Chief Environmental Services Officer and Ruth Lees, West/North West Environmental Action Team Manager responded to Members questions and comments relating to fixed penalty notices and educating children in schools regarding litter.

In brief, the main areas of discussion were:-

·  proposals to change the uniform worn by Enforcement Officers.

·  concern was expressed as to whether EAT are able to deal with the

2,500 requests per week for the whole of West North West.

·  the constant problems with litter being dropped in and around the residential area at Intake High School.

·  fixed penalty notices for dropping litter and the increasing problem in and around the area by pupils attending Intake High School.

·  that the age limit for serving fixed penalty notices is 14.  Members suggested that the children under the age of 14 committing offences of dropping litter in the area should be given some kind of community service and be made to clean the area up themselves.  This time should be served within the children’s quality time during the weekend period.

The Chair thanked officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and the overview of the services provided by Environmental Services for the West Outer area, be noted.

(b)  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer, together with his   Enforcement Officers (in their new uniforms) for the West Inner Area be   invited to the Armley and Bramley & Stanningley Community Forums.

(c )  That the Chief Environmental Services Officer be instructed to   liaise with   the Headteacher of Intake High School regarding the constant problems   with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager to draw Members attention to the consultation on future secondary school provision at Intake High School.

(Executive Function)       (10 Mins)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and consultation document, which includes the   proposed timetable for consultation and meetings, be received and   noted.

(b)  That the Strategic Manager, Education Leeds submit an updated

   Appendix in relation to table 4: GCSE Achievements (5 A*-C GCSE grades).

(c)  That the Strategic Manager, Education Leeds be requested to provide fortnightly updates to Area Committee Members

The Chief Executive, Education Leeds submitted a detailed report on the public consultation document on the proposals for future Secondary School provision at Intake High School.

Appended to the report was a copy of the Public Consultation document on Future Secondary School Provision proposals for Intake High School – 8^th September to 17^th October 2008.

The Chair welcomed the following Officers to the meeting who responded to Members’ questions and comments:-

·  Pat Toner – Strategic Manager, Education Leeds

·  George Turnbull – Education Leeds

·  Ian Comfort – Edutrust Acadamies

·  Fred Groom – Edustruct Acadamies

Pat Toner, Strategic Manager, Education Leeds presented the report  and brought Members’ attention to the timetable of consultation meetings as outlined in the appendices.  Members were asked how frequently they wished to be briefed on this consultation.  It was suggested that fortnightly briefing sessions should take place.  Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services also requested to be included in the briefing sessions.

In brief, specific reference was made on the following issues:-

·  concern about the relationship between the trade unions and the new Board.

·  clarification of why officers feel that the proposed new Academy will make a difference and how do they measure success.

·  concern that the statistics for the David Young Academy and South Leeds High School have not seen much improvement to date. 

·  concern with regard to the GCSE Achievement (5 A*- C GCSE grades) 2007 and what proposals are being made to increase on these averages.

·  the need for a guarantee that this Academy will deliver as Members felt that the children of Leeds need to develop their talents to maximise their abilities.

·  the need to know more about Edutrust Acadamies.

·  the composition of the proposed Board of Governors for the new Academy.

At this point in the meeting Ian Comfort, Edutrust Acadamies introduced himself and gave a brief explanation on Edutrust Acadamies.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and consultation document, which includes the   proposed timetable for consultation and meetings, be received and   noted.

(b)  That the Strategic Manager, Education Leeds submit an updated

   Appendix in relation to table 4: GCSE Achievements (5 A*-C GCSE grades).

(c)  That the Strategic Manager, Education Leeds be requested to provide fortnightly updates to Area Committee Members and the West/North West Area Manager.

(Note 1:  Councillor A Lowe declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item in her capacity as Chair of Governors at Intake High School.  The Councillor left the meeting and took no part in the discussions).

(Note 2:  During consideration of the above item Councillor Lowe was called away to another meeting and therefore, left the meeting at 11.30 a.m.).

To note a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods informing the Area Committee about the development of ‘Safety Central’ and to invite the continued involvement of Leeds Inner West Area Committee in the local development.

(Council Function)        (10 Mins)

RESOLVED -  That the contents of the report be noted.

The Chief Executive of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service submitted a report providing Members with information regarding the development of Safety Central and to invite the continued involvement of  Inner West Area Committee in the local development.  Safety Central is schedule to open in Autumn of 2009 and the old fire station premises on Stanningley Road are now being renovated.

Gayle Elvidge, Partnership Officer, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Safety Central is the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services centre of excellence for the development and safety awareness and education.  Upon its launch Safety Central will focus on working with partner organisations towards the eight workstreams outlined below:

·  Road Safety

·  Alcohol Abuse

·  Community Cohesion

·  Deliberate and Anti Social Fire Prevention

·  Working with Minority Ethnic and Migrant Communities to increase Safety in the Home.

·  Safety Awareness for Older People

·  Accident Prevention for Vulnerable Groups

·  Safety for Young People.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are looking to co-locate at the Centre. 

The Chair thanked Gayle Elvidge for her attendance. 

RESOLVED -  That the report be received and its contents 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 West Outer area.   The report also seeks approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)       (15 Mins)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current financial status of the Well-Being Budget, both capital and revenue, 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:

(i)  Community Development Worker – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting in order that an action plan on proposals for future funding of this post be submitted.

(ii)  Hip Hops Edutainment Programme for Armley – Deferred.

(iii)  Sikh Temple Refurbishment – Deferred.

(iv)  Grass Cutting at Holdforth Place, New Wortley – Deferred.

(v)  Town Centre Manager for Armley - confirmation of funding over two years - deferred until the next meeting.  

(c)  That the list of Small Grant made since the last meeting as set out in Paragraph 3.2 of the report, be noted.

(d)  That the following Small Grant application was considered as a late item and tabled at the meeting, due to the project being carried out before the next meeting: 

(i)  Inside Justice Week, West Yorkshire Police  - £250 –  Approved.

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

Rebecca Boon, Area Management Officer presented the report and reminded Members of the earlier discussion regarding the late item – small grant application for funding.  The Area Committee were also reminded that the Revenue Well-Being fund available for 2008/09 was £20,969.94 and Capital Well-Being fund is £92,400.    

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current financial status of the Well-Being Budget, both capital and revenue, 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:

(i)  Community Development Worker – That consideration of this item be deferred to the next meeting in order that an action plan on proposals for future funding of this post be submitted.

(ii)  Hip Hops Edutainment Programme for Armley – Deferred.

(iii)  Sikh Temple Refurbishment – Deferred.

(iv)  Grass Cutting at Holdforth Place, New Wortley – Deferred.

(v)  Town Centre Manager for Armley - confirmation of funding over two years - deferred until the next meeting.  

(c)  That the list of Small Grant made since the last meeting as set out in Paragraph 3.2 of the report, be noted.

(d)  That the following Small Grant application was considered as a late item and tabled at the meeting, due to the project being carried out before the next meeting: 

(i)  Inside Justice Week, West Yorkshire Police  - £250 –  Approved.

(Note:   During the course of this item Councillor N Taggart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Grass Cutting application for funding (Resolution (iv) above refers) his capacity as a Panel Member of  Inner West ALMO Panel, the Councillor left the room and took no part in the discussion or vote thereon.  Councillor Lowe declared a similar interest early but had already left the meeting prior to its consideration).

To consider a report and appendices by the West Leeds Area Manager informing Members of the outcome following the Area Committee request to  Scrutiny Board (Environment & Neighbourhoods) to consider an inquiry into the closure of Wyther Community Centre.

(Executive Function)       (10 Mins)

RESOLVED -  That the report and appendices be noted.

Referring to Minute 93 of the meeting held on the 3^rd April 2008 and Minute 6 of the 26^th June 2008, the West/North West Area Manager submitted a report on the outcome of this Area Committee’s referral to Scrutiny Board (Environment and Neighbourhoods) at its meeting held on 24^th July 2008 regarding the final costs for the disposal of the Wyther Community Centre.

Appended to the report was a copy of the report submitted by the Director of Environmental and Neighbourhoods to the Scrutiny Board, together with an extract of the minutes which relate the outcome of the investigation.

RESOLVED -  That the report and appendices be received and noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods relating to a report and appendices referred to all Area Committees after being considered at the Executive Board meeting on 16^th July 2008, detailing the area function schedules and roles in respect of service areas for 2008/2009, including further development of responsibilities from this year onwards.

(Executive Function)  (10 Mins)

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the West Area Manager correspond with the Director of   Environment and Neighbourhoods detailing Members views on the

  on the roles and responsibilities of the West Inner Area Committee and   its current budget. 

(c )  That the West Area Manager correspond with the Director of City   Development regarding the concerns expressed by this Area   Committee with regard to the lack of progress on reviewing   conservation areas in West Leeds.

.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report, which provided the Area Committee with details of the area function schedules and roles for 2008/09.

The following information was appended to the report:-

• Executive Board report – Area Committee Roles 2008/09;
• Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 – Area Functions; and
• Area Committee Roles for 2008/09 – Other Roles.

Steve Crocker, West/North West Area Manager, attended the meeting to update the Committee and respond to Members’ questions and comments.  The Area Manager referred to some of the area roles and functions such as Environmental Action Team (EAT), street cleansing, highways maintenance etc listed for 2008/09. 

From the point of the Leeds Strategic Plan, the Area Manager referred to the area themes and informed the meeting that the next theme to be submitted to the 7^th November 2008 meeting will be on ‘Community Engagement’. 

In brief, the main areas discussed were:-

·  more responsibility and power for Area Committee’s but to be supplied with the budget to go with that responsibility.

·  advertising on lamp posts – it will be the planning department who will decide on an Area Committee’s objections to inappropriate adverts.

·  the complaints Members receive every day regarding street cleansing and the cross-cutting powers to deal with maintenance of the area.

·  Members expressed their concern at the lack of progress on reviewing Conservation Areas in West Leeds.

It was suggested that the Chair of the committee correspond with the Executive Member for  Neighbourhoods and Housing detailing the views on the roles and responsibilities of the West Inner Area Committee and the lack of budgetary responsibility.  It was also suggested that the Area Committee’s concerns regarding the lack of progress on reviewing Conservation Areas in Bramley be addressed through correspondence with the Director of City Development. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Chair of the West Inner Area Committee correspond with the Executive Member - Neighbourhoods and Housing detailing Members   views on the roles   and responsibilities of the West Inner Area   Committee and its current   budget. 

(c )  That the West/North West Area Manager correspond with the Director   of City Development regarding the concerns expressed by this Area   Committee with regard to the lack of progress on reviewing   Conservation Areas in West Leeds.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager providing an update on a number of initiatives and projects within the Inner West Leeds Area Delivery Plan.

(Executive Function)       (10 Mins)

RESOLVED -  That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report  be noted and that it be confirmed Member of this Area Committee continues to support the projects.

Consideration was given to a report by the West/North West Area Manager providing an update on a number of initiatives and projects within the Inner West Leeds Area Delivery Plan.

The following projects were discussed:

·  Community Centre

·  Neighbourhood Wardens

·  Neighbourhood Management

·  Regeneration

The Area Manager informed the meeting that the Armley Town and District Centre funding report will be submitted to the Executive Board in November which means the scheme will start after Christmas.

RESOLVED -  That the progress of the various projects outlined in the report  be noted and that it be confirmed Member of this Area Committee continues to support the projects.

To note a report and appendices by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing an update on progress of the delivery of the Area Delivery Plan for quarters 3 and 4 of 2007/2008 – October 2007 to March 2008.

(Executive Function)   (10 Mins)

RESOLVED – That the progress to date on actions contained in the Area Delivery Plan be received and noted. 

The West/North West Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing Members with an update on progress in implementing the actions contained in delivering the Area Delivery Plan for quarters 3 and 4 of 2007/2008.

Appended to the report was an extensive list of the Leeds Local Area Agreement mandatory targets.

Steve Crocker and Carole Clark presented the report and responded to Members questions and comments.

In brief, the main areas of discussion were the Youth Service “Northern Ireland” project and the Strawberry Lane Community Centre.

RESOLVED – That the progress to date on actions contained in the Area Delivery Plan be received and noted. 

The Chair thanked Carole Clark, Area Management Officer for all the hard work she had carried out for the West Inner areas over the last four years and wished her well in all her endeavours.

The Chair also welcomed Alison Pickering who will be replacing Carole Clark.

Thursday, 23^rd October 2008 at 9.00 a.m. (Venue to be confirmed)

MAP OF  VENUE  - FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY CENTRE ATTACHED

Thursday, 23^rd October 2008 at 10.00 a.m. (Themed meeting on Community Safety Partnerships to commence at 9.00 a.m.) – Venue to the be arranged.