Agenda item

To receive a report of the South East Area Leader which brings to Members’ attention, a summary of key work which the Communities Team are engaged in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee, that are not covered elsewhere on this agenda. It provides opportunities for further questioning or the opportunity to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

The South East Area Leader submitted a report to bring to Members’ attention, a summary of key work which the Communities Team are engaged in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee, that are not covered elsewhere on this agenda. It provided opportunity for further questioning or the opportunity to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

Led by Community Committee Champions, Members discussed the following:

Children & Families Sub Group

The Committee were informed that approximately £60,000 had now been spent on Children’s Activities in the Inner South Area.

Employment Skills & Welfare

The Committee were informed about the on-going work with retail developments both in the City centre and at the White Rose Shopping Centre. Recently a course run by the Council took place to help people take advantage of the employment opportunities in the City both in terms of construction work and retail work.

It was noted that unemployment figures across the inner south area of the city had recently fallen.

Members also welcomed news that ASDA had employed many people from Remploy who have learning difficulties.

A number of information days for the ALDI recruitment were held in Inner South. Councillor Groves informed the Committee that these were well attended but no information with regards to jobs has yet been received from the new ALDI currently under construction.

Environment & Community Safety

The Committee were informed that street cleaning will become a more localised service with the intention that the local community will develop a productive relationship with cleansing staff.

It was noted that “Operation Flame”, a multi-agency co-ordinated operation to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental Issues in the run up to mischief night and the bonfire period had been a success. This was confirmed by representatives of West Yorkshire Police who were present at the meeting.

The Committee discussed problems with litter on the pitches used by Hunslet Warriors. This is associated with the takeaways that are around the area. Members confirmed they would raise this up with Environmental Services and the local takeaways and the appropriate action would be taken.

In discussion with members of the public with regards to dog fouling Councillor Groves informed the Committee that there has been discussion in other areas in Leeds around the introduction of a By-Law to deal with dog fouling. The Councillors confirmed that they would give consideration to the introduction of a local by law to help reduce this problem.

Health & Well Being

Councillor Truswell spoke about the good work of “Making Space” who provide mental health services and help people who have been through various crises and the importance of people in need of help being referred.

In discussing “Health Trainer” who addressed the health and wellbeing needs of local people Councillor Truswell stressed the importance of using this service to help ensure it continues to receive funding by Leeds City Council.

Social prescribing was also discussed which has the aim of sign posting people to sources of support and help other than GPs.

Adult Social Care

The Committee noted the £8,000 that had been allocated to help pay for Winter Warmth Packs will be awarded to local organisations working on tackling Social Isolation in the area.

Neighbourhood Improvement Boards

The Committee went on to discuss the recent meetings and work of the Neighbourhood Improvement Boards of the Inner South Area as detailed in the submitted report.

Localism

The Committee were informed about the recent improvement to Dewsbury Road which has included the placement of banners. Improvement to footpaths will take place at the same time as the road safety scheme works to ensure minimum disruption.

Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum

The Committee were informed that the Neighbourhood Plan is near to be being completed. The Draft Plan will be out for consultation before it is formally submitted.

Inner South Housing Advisory Panel

It was noted by the Committee that 24 community and environmental related projects had been completed so far this year. Members commented that they would welcome any ideas for future projects.

Middleton Community Centre

The Committee noted that the Centre was now owned by the Council and that work was on-going to re- develop the centre half of which will be let to Middleton Elderly Aid.

RESOLVED – The Committee resolved:

(a)   To note the contents of the report;

(b)  To contact Environmental Services about the problems relating to litter dropped on the pitches used by Hunslet Warriors; and

(c)  To give consideration to the introduction of a local by law to help reduce the problem of dog fouling.