Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting which was being held at Armley Moor Health Centre.

Members of the Area Committee announced that they had found it difficult to find the venue for today’s meeting due to poor signage and they also felt that there were not enough car parking spaces available for such a large public building.

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that Members concerns will be passed on to the Health Centre Manager.

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of interest reported at this point in the meeting.  (Refer to Minute 41).

An apology for absence from the meeting was received on behalf of Councillors Atkinson and Taggart.

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.

Members were also asked to note the minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 20^th June 2006 and the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 27^th July 2006.

The agenda made reference to the provision contained in the Area Committee Procedure Rules for an Open Forum Session at each ordinary meeting of an Area Committee, for members of the public to ask questions or to make representations on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  On this occasion, no matters were raised under this item by those members of the public who were in attendance.

A copy of the Armley Community Forum minutes of the meeting held on 20^th June 2006 and the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum minutes of the 27^th July 2006 were submitted and noted.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 14^th September 2006.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th September 2006, be approved as a correct record.

(Note:  Mr Peter Green, Co-Optee for the Bramley Community Forum arrived at the meeting during consideration of the above item).

Urban Fusion (Minute 24 refers)

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager reported that Urban Fusion 2006 was a success and that both venues at the Interplay Theatre and Bramley Community Centre were well attended by a wide range of artistes and people with musical instruments.  The age range for those in attendance ranged from 13 year olds to people who were well into their late 50’s. 

Members reported that some youths had caused trouble at the Interplay Theatre event for Urban Fusion. The Police had been called and the incident was defused.

Leisure Centre PFI (Minutes 24 refers)

Carole Clark, Area Management Officer reported that five representatives from Armley Forum had been elected onto the newly established working group of local residents and Councillors to consider the new Leisure Centre proposals and that two of those local residents are Co-optees on this Area Committee.  The Chair announced that it was good to see the community taking an interest in the decision making process for the Armley Ward.

Application for funding from Moorside Residents Association (Minute 27 – Resolution (ii) and (iii) refers)

It was reported that Moorside Residents Association had not yet received the funding approved at the last meeting.

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that a funding agreement had to be reached with the applicant before any money can be  released.  Once this process had been completed, the applicant would be presented with a cheque.

RESOLVED -  That when considering applications for funding in future, it would be made clear through the information on the application form how long the process this would take.

Every Child Matters – West Area Project (Minute 26 refers)

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that there will be a report back to the 7^th December 2006 meeting from the Director of Social Services on involvement of Members in the Every Child Matters – West Area Project.

Operation Apollo (Minute 31 refers)

Inspector Steve Thomas gave an extensive update on recent Apollo operations for the West Inner area. 

In brief, the following issues were discussed:-

·  Members expressed their concern at the increase in burglaries on the Broadlea, Raynville and Ganner/Moorside estates which are already well known hotspot areas.  Inspector Thomas also pointed out that there will likely be a further increase in burglaries in these areas leading up to Christmas.

·  The ongoing problems with youths on motorcycles causing a disturbance to local residents.  Inspector Thomas informed the meeting that he had applied for additional highway patrol resources to cover the bottom end of Bramley to try and resolve this problem.

·  Youth congregating outside local shops, often drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance to local residents and shopkeepers.  It was suggested that a local Forum meeting be set up inviting local residents and shopkeepers try and resolve/support the residents and shopkeepers.

·  The problem with cars being broken into and laptops stolen in the visitors car park at Armley Prison.

·  It was agreed that Members of the Area Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To note a report introducing the West Leeds Family Learning Centre Manager who will provide an update to the Area Committee on the current position of the centre, its current activities and future plans.

(Council Function)

 The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report introducing Alison Shaffner, Centre Manager of the West Leeds Family Learning Centre (WLFLC), to  provide the Area Committee with an update on the current position of the centre, its current activities and future plans.

Alison Shaffner, Centre Manager addressed the meeting and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A long discussion ensued and, in brief, the main issues raised were:-

·  The Government’s reduction in the number of training opportunities for unemployed people and the diversion of that training to people on Incapacity Benefit.

·  The loss of funding from the Department of Jobs and Skills, and WLFLC’s commitment to the communities in West Leeds.

·  The support from WLFLC’s to the Every Child Matters agenda and the continuous support to provide training and employment opportunities to workless parents and carers.

·  The WLFLC’s close work with the Hollybush Centre and Hollybush Primary School.  It was noted that out 74 recent enrolments for training at Hollybush only 18 are on the waiting list for child care places.

·  The proposals submitted under the Local Economic Growth Initiative bid to use part of the WLFLC building as a ‘Catalyst Centre’ to support the development of small businesses.

·  The WLFLC’s continues close work with two major local employers in the West Leeds area, Elite Forwarders and Farnells to ensure that local people are employed.  It was reported that 22 people from the LS12 and LS13 areas have been employed by Elite Forwarders in the last month.

·  Whether the Learning Centre encourages people to enter into voluntary work as this often leads to a permanent position, especially for those in adult education.

The Chair thanked Alison Shaffner for her presentation and for her attendance at the meeting.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  To support the information on the current position and activities of the   West Leeds Family Learning Centre.

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Managaer informing the Area Committee on the latest update on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme and how this relates to West Leeds specifically highlighting that the submission of outline planning applications for Phase 2 projects have recently been made.

(Council Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report to notify and inform that Area Committee on the latest update on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme and how this relates to West Leeds. 

It was highlighted that the submission of outline planning applications for Phase 2 projects in West Inner Leeds had recently been made, these projects included the new PFI build school following the amalgamation of Wortley High School and West Leeds High. 

Debra Penny, Project Co-ordinator, Education Leeds who is co-ordinating Phase 2 Schools project for West Leeds, presented the report and, together with Peter Barnett and Dan Devine, Development Department, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the main issues raised were:-

·  It was felt that it was not made clear on the outline planning application as to where exactly the new school will be built on the West Leeds High School site.

·  Whether local residents had taken part in the consultation process as it was felt that the properties adjacent and opposite the school may have concerns about the height of the school building and the access points to the school grounds.

Whether measure are to be put in place for two access points to gain entry to both West Leeds High School which will still be in use whilst the new school is being built on the same site.

·  Members expressed their concerns about the possible disturbance to pupils whilst the new school is being built.

·  The needs to consult West Leeds Gateway Board and other groups such as West Leeds Family Learning Centre as part of the consultation process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and comments made by Members of the West Inner Area   Committee be noted.

(b)  That a Working Group be established from Members of this Area Committee to   monitor the planning applications for Wortley High School and West Leeds High   School project prior to submission to the applications being submitted to Plans   Panel (West) for their determination.

(c)  That this report be referred to the West Leeds Gateway meeting to be held on   5^th December 2006.

(d)  That the report be referred to both the Armley Community Forum and Bramley &   Stanningley Community Forum meetings for their comments. 

(Councillor Harper declared a personal interest in the above item as a School Governor of West Leeds High School).  

To consider a report of the West Leeds Area Manager seeking approval for new projects in the Inner West area.

(Executive Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report to update Members on the current amount of capital and revenue funding available for Wards in the Inner West area for the financial year 2006/07 and the commitments already approved.  The report and appendices also sought approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Committee.

Carole Clark, Area Management Officer presented the report and, together with the West Leeds Area Manager, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the amount of Well-Being Budget remaining for the Inner West   Area   Committee be noted.

(b)  That the following decision be taken in respect of new projects and   requests   for funding from the Well-Being Budget contained in appendices to the   submitted report:-

  REVENUE

  (i)  Domestic Violence Campaign – £6,750 - Approved

  (ii)  Budget for Community Skips – £1,800 - Approved

  (iii)  Youth Bank Application – Deferred for further information

  (iv)  Bramley Horse Trough – £14,218 - Approved

  (v)  Baseline perception studies – £4,000 - Approved

(c)  That the applications for Small Grants and Skips as outlined in paragraphs 3.2 of the report be approved.

(d)  That the West Area Manager be requested to supply a copy of the approved Halladale Development Scheme for Bramley Shopping Centre and a copy of   the baseline survey questionnaire already approved for the Fairfield/   Rossefield SSCF area,  to all Members of the West Inner Area Committee.

(After consideration of the above item, Mr Peter Green, Co-optee for the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum left the meeting at 10.30 a.m.)

To note a report by the West Area Manager providing an update on progress to date on actions contained in the Area Action Plan.

(Executive Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing an update on the progress made in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the 2006/07 municipal year.

Appended to the report was a table outlining progress to date against each action plan.

Carole Clark, Area Management Officer presented the report and, together with the West Area Manager, responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Detailed discussions ensued on the content of the report and appendices with specific reference to the Twilight Twirler group indicating that they are likely to cease using Wyther Community Centre from the end of December 2006. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report and Appendices outlining the progress to date on   actions

   contained within the Area Action Plan be noted.

(b)  That a meeting be arranged for members from each ward to go through

  the draft Area Delivery Plan for 2007/2008.

(c)  That  a meeting be arranged  for the Twilight Twirler Group,  Armley Ward

  Councillors, Area Management Officers and Hollybush representatives   to

  discuss how to assist the Twilight Twirler Group in relocating to

  Hollybush.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager on the Issues and Options paper for the regeneration of the West Leeds Gateway and to inform Members of the proposed consultation process.

(Council Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report on the ‘Issues and Options’ paper for the regeneration of the West Leeds Gateway Area Action Plan and to inform Members of the consultation process.

Appended to the report was a copy of the West Leeds Gateway Area Action Plan, together with a copy of a notice informing the public that there will be an exhibition on display at various locations throughout West Inner Leeds for six weeks during October and November 2006.

A leaflet on the Leeds Local Development Framework, together with a copy of the Issues and Options Comments Form were tabled at the meeting for Members’ information.

Carole Clark,  Area Management Officer presented the report and, together with the West Leeds Area Manager, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In summary, the main issues raised were:-

·  Members felt that in conjunction with the consultation process, there is a need to build people’s confidence as many local residents have a low self esteem and some even believe they are not worthy of living in a decent environment and, therefore, do not feel confident enough to make demands. 

·  The need to involve local businesses in the consultation process.

·  The need to address the issue of poor public transport in the West Inner Leeds Area.

·  The need to ensure that there is a widespread of advertising in the West Inner area in order to ensure people are made aware of the forthcoming exhibition on the West Leeds Gateway Area Action Plan. 

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the arrangement for the consultation of the West Leeds Gateway   Area Action Plan be noted.

Thursday, 7^th December 2006 at 9.00 a.m.  (venue to be arranged).

MAP OF TODAY’S VENUE

Attached is a location map for Armley Health Centre, Armley Town Street, Leeds 12.

Thursday, 7th December 2006 at 9.00 a.m. at Fairfield Community Centre,

Waterloo Lane, Leeds LS13 2BJ.