In accordance with Paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17 of the Community 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 Community 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.
Minutes:
In accordance with Paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17 of the Community 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 Community Committee. This time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair.
Road blockages around Dewsbury Road
A member of the public raised issues regarding the roadblocks installed on side streets off Dewsbury Road, particularly focusing on Trentham Street. These road access closures were outlined to have caused built up traffic and dangerous driving in residential areas, with children often playing out on the streets. Members of the Committee responded stating the blocks had been installed by the Council’s Highway department to resolve issues of serious car accidents caused by speeding and dangerous driving and was meant to act as a permeable drive through, however, it was noted some modifications would be needed to alleviate the reported issues. Attempts had been made to improve traffic flow by using the layby near a bus stop as additional bus parking but as there are utilities beneath the layby it would incur high costs to move them. Data had been gathered by Highways and only 1-2% of cars were noted to violate speed limits on these side streets. There is an ongoing conversation with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for funds to improve public safety on side streets with central reservations proposed to discourage dangerous, reactive turning.
Intimidating beggars outside shops
A member of the public raised concerns regarding aggressive beggars at local shops, with reports of public disturbance, shop lifting, and feelings of vulnerability posed, particularly when using cash machines. Tents had been erected within a local shopping centre which was deemed an inappropriate location. Members responded, outlining the issues complexity with disparity between retailers reporting issues to the Council and Police. The conversation with the Police was noted to be ongoing and a Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) was proposed to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour in the local area and once a PSPO is in place it provides the Police with a clearer approach to deal with the matter, responding to the sub-set of aggressive beggars.
Vagrant camping in Cross Flatts park
A member of the public raised issues regarding homeless people camping within a local park in Beeston. Ward Members noted they were aware of the issue and offered to be a point of contact as they are in liaison with the relevant Council departments and the Neighbourhood Police team, with support offered to the unhoused sleepers.
Sex workers and trap houses
A member of the public raised concerns regarding sex workers present on Tempest Road, particularly in the early morning, which was deemed inappropriate for local residents and children. Members responded, noting, a trap house had been shut down in the area, but unfortunately another had opened in close proximity and may boost such activity in the area. Police are aware of the issue and a phone number can be provided for enquiries, open from 11am to 11pm, dedicated for the sensitive issue of sex workers. It was also outlined that presence or sale of sex is not a crime within UK law, it is the act of soliciting that is illegal. Due to the vulnerability of women working on the street the approach should not be heavy handed and a Council, Police and Charity working partnership is in place to devise ways to offer help without penalising sex workers. Diverse cultural differences across the inner city were noted with integration and understanding being a bridge between groups. Low and imperfect quality of housing stock contributes to such issues.