Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting which was being held at Stanningley Rugby Club and announced that it was wonderful to see Councillor Denise Atkinson at full Council yesterday.  Members of the Area Committee applauded and wished Councillor Atkinson well and hoped she would have a speedy recovery.  It was also  requested  that a letter be sent to Councillor Atkinson on behalf of the Area Committee reiterating the Committee’s best wishes.

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 her powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair consented to the submission of a late item of business relating to the West (Inner) Well-Being Budget Report 2006/2007 (Agenda Item 13, Minute No. 27 refers).

The report was late in being submitted due to the late arrival of up-to-date  information which was needed in order for Members to determine the application. 

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

Councillors Harper and McKenna declared a personal interest in the Making Leeds Better Progress Report as both are non-Executive Directors of the West Leeds Primary Care Trust (Agenda Item 15 Minute 32 refers).

An apology for absence from the meeting was received on behalf of Councillor Atkinson.

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 Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum held on 25^th May 2006 and the Armley Community Forum held on 20^th June 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.

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager announced that David Mackey, West Leeds Area Management, who has done a great deal of work for local centres and the Bramley Forum was leaving the Council to return to Australia at the end of the month.  Members of the Area Committee wished David well for the future.

RESOLVED  -  That the minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 25^th May 2006 and Armley Community Forum meeting held on 20^th June 2006 be noted.

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

22^nd June 2006.

Minute 2 – Deputation from Prospects Residents Association

Following a request by Councillor Atkinson for an update on the problems with  the lack of doctor’s surgeries in Bramley, Councillor Hanley informed the meeting that there had recently been a major fire at the Moorside Surgery which only added to the problem.  He also informed the meeting that following the deputation submitted by the Prospects Residents Association at the last meeting, that the planning application for the Doctor’s Surgery on Town Street to build a car park for the surgery via Prospect View,

had been turned down by Plans Panel (West). 

Steve Crocker, Area Manager informed the meeting that West Leeds PCT had made arrangements for patients to be treated at Bramley Clinic.  The Moorside Clinic will be replaced within the next three months. 

The West Area Manager also gave a brief update on the position with regard to the unfilled units at Bramley Shopping Centre and announced that he will be reporting back to a future meeting on the negotiations to move City Council staff and services to Bramley.

Minute 5 – Introduction of Inspector Peter Oram, West Yorkshire Police

The Area Committee were informed that Inspector Peter Oram had been replaced by Inspector Steve Thomas who was due to attend later on this evening to speak on the Operation Apollo item on the agenda.

Minute 7 – Bramley Sure Start

The Chair announced that she was pleased that the Children’s Minister Beverley Hughes and John Battle MP had recently taken the time to officially open Bramley Children’s Centre on Fairfield Terrace.  The Chair informed the meeting that it was a really special event and on behalf of Bramley Sure Start thanked John Battle MP for organising it.

Minute 10 – Bramley FIREPLACE

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager gave an update and announced that there were colleagues present at the meeting from Interplay who had been working on the temporary designs for the front of the building.  Robert Davison from the West Yorkshire Fire Service who was leading on the project was consulting with the local community.  There was another meeting arranged for next week.

Minute 12 – Urban Fusion

It was announced that following approval of the application for funding for Urban Fusion 2006, there were two drop in sessions organised at the Interplay Theatre, Armley Ridge Road on Saturday, 30^th September 2006 between 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. and and at the Bramley Community Centre, Waterloo Lane on Wednesday, 4^th October 2006 between 6.30 p.m.  - 8.00 p.m.  for musicians and bands of all ages and from all communities in Inner West Leeds to create new music. 

Minute 17 – Leisure Centre PFI Programme

Carole Clark, West Leeds Area Management informed the meeting that there were proposals to set up a working group of local residents and Councillors on the new Leisure Centre proposals.  It was hoped to get some volunteers from the Armley Forum and also user groups from the centres. 

RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To consider the report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer which seeks to gain approval from Members to the annual appointment of Co-optees to the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2006/2007 municipal year.

(Executive Function)

The Chief Democratic Services Officer presented a report which sought approval for the annual appointment of co-opted Members to the West (Inner) Area Committee.

It was reported that the Area Committee could appoint up to 5 co-optees and that the following nominations had been received:

Armley Community Forum:  Hazel Boutle and Morgan Pugh

Bramley Community Forum:  Jean Bedford and Peter Green

The Chair welcomed Peter Green to his first meeting of the Area Committee. 

RESOLVED –

That the following be formally appointed as Co-optees to the West (Inner) Area Committee:

Hazel Boutle – Armley Community Forum

Morgan Pugh – Armley Community Forum

Jean Bedford – Bramley Community Forum

Peter Green – Bramley Community Forum

To note a report of the Directors of Development and Children’s Services outlining details of a presentation on the current progress on delivering the change for children agenda in West Leeds, its links to the developments in the Director of Children’s Services Unit and the review of the local partnership arrangements for children’s services under the auspices of Children Leeds.

(Executive Function)

The Chief Officer (Development), Children’s Services Unit, Mariana Pexton submitted a report and gave a presentation on the current progress on delivering the change for children agenda in West Leeds, its Children’s Services Unit and the work to review the local partnership arrangements for children’s services under the auspices of Children Leeds. 

Members were made aware that proposals for changes to children’s services are being progressed in the West Leeds area in advance of other areas to help inform city-wide change and the presentation outlined details of the West Leeds Project covering the following elements:

·  The scope of the project

·  The project team

·  The project board

·  Timescales

·  Achievements to date

·  The developments in the Director of Children’s Services Unit

·  Outcome of the review by Children Leeds and next steps

·  Links to Area Management

·  Links to Area Committees

·  Learning the lessons and City wide roll out

Area Committee Members pointed out that this project should be aimed particularly at Year 7 children, to get to know what their needs are for instance, pastoral support and the need to make it easier for them to improve their life choices.  In response, the Chief Officer (Development) informed the meeting that her aim for the West Leeds Project is to achieve better goals than before in order to help with improving children and young people’s lives.

The officer went on to inform the meeting that she would very much like to make sure that Councillors are involved in this project and to get their support.  It was suggested that as Councillors hold Ward surgeries, are often  governors of local schools and also regularly meet with families on issues relating to Council’s services, they are ideal advocates to promote the project and  make more of a difference to children and young people’s lives in the West Leeds area.

Councillor Harper asked what role the Area Committee would play  in Children’s Services -  would they have the delegated function for Children’s Services in West as they currently did for the Youth Services? The Chief Officer replied  that this issue will be considered in the future.

Steve Crocker, West Area Manager tabled a copy of the draft West Leeds Children and Young People’s Plan  and informed the meeting that West Leeds Area Management have worked closely with the Children’s Services Unit in developing the plans so that they fit in with the Area Delivery Plan.  There was also a need to make sure there was no duplication and, therefore, the Area Management Team needed to work very closely with Community Safety, the Youth Service and various other Council departments in the West Leeds Area on joint working arrangements.

Mariana Pexton informed the meeting that a report was to be submitted to the Executive Board on 20^th September 2006 outlining the next developments to enable the Council and its partners to fully deliver the requirements of the Children Act 2004.  One big emphasis was about local ownership but it has not been decided how that should happen.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To consider a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing 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 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 decisions be taken in respect of new projects and   requests for funding from the Well-Being Budget contained in   appendices to the submitted report:-

  CAPITAL

  (i)  (Late Item) - Community Caretaking Service – £10,000 approved   for 2006/2007 and, in principle, £10,000 for 2007/2008.

  (ii)  Moorside Residents Association (Capital) –  £2,000 Approved

  REVENUE

  (iii)  Moorside Residents Association (Revenue) - £2,000 Approved.

  (iv)  Youth Service Mobile Youth Provision - £15,000 Approved.

(v)  Litter Bins - £3,150 Approved.

(vi)  Litter Campaign – £7,500 Refused.

  (vi)  Children in Crisis - £800 Approved.

(c)  That the applications for Small Grants and Skips as outlined in   paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 of the report be noted.

(d)  That the contents of the end of year report from Groundwork Leeds   which details the range of projects delivered over the past year in   partnership with several agencies be noted.

(e)  That the I Love West Leeds 2006 Round-up update be noted.

(Note:  Councillor Hanley left the meeting at approximately 6.00 p.m. after consideration of the above item.)

To consider a report of the Youth Service which provides an opportunity for the Area Committee to explore in depth the objectives, delivery and effectiveness of Youth Service provision in the area.

(Executive Function) 

Consideration was given to a joint report from the Youth Service and BARCA which provided the Area Committee with an opportunity to explore in depth the objectives, delivery and effectiveness of Youth Service provision in the area.

The Chair welcomed Kevin Donnelly, Senior Area Youth Worker, Andrew Jordan(LAZER user), Daniel Parry, Senior Youth Worker, and Mark Law, BARCA Leeds, to the meeting.

Andrew Jordan who regularly attends the Armley Lazer Centre informed the meeting that he had taken full advantage of what the Lazer Centre had to offer as he had had bad experiences at school. The Centre had been a lifeline for him and he outlined activities available.

Kevin Donnelly circulated a further table which listed youth work for the area during September 2006 and he also passed around photographs of a recent trip organised by Armley LAZER Centre for young people in the West Leeds area. 

The following issues were raised:

·  that although the youth service in Armley were meeting targets, the Armley area came out with a lower performance on the figures shown than did Bramley as illustrated in paragraph 4.4 of the report.

·  whether the budget figures outlined in Appendix A of the submitted report which relate to the number of children in families on benefits in Armley in 2005 are correct.

·  Members expressed their concern about youths congregating on a wall in front of the chip shop on Armley Ridge Road drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance especially on a Saturday evening.

·  Concern was also expressed regarding proposals to move the main base of the City Council Youth Service base to Bramley Community Centre. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the information contained in the report on Youth Service work, outcomes   and achievements in the West Inner Leeds area be noted.

(b)  That more up-to-date and accurate information on the Youth Service and BARCA figures be e-mailed to all Members of the West Inner Area Committee, and  a meeting to be arranged to discuss the development  of the Bramley   Community Centre Youth Work hub base.

To consider a report on the current state of the Neighbourhood and Housing portfolio of community centres to be transferred to West Leeds Area Management and the current state of their management.

(Executive Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report to brief Members on the current state of the Neighbourhood and Housing portfolio of community centres to be transferred to West Leeds Area Management and outlined the current state of their management committees.

Paul Dishman, Area Co-ordinator presented the report and together with Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  Consideration of a  lease application in relation to New Wortley CC is   currently under consideration. Depending upon the outcome this may   result in funds being made available to the Area Committee. Whilst   agreeing the principle of putting some of these funds towards the running   and maintenance costs of the building as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the   report it was agreed to defer this element of the report until the   outcome of the lease application was known.

To note a report of the West Leeds Area Manager providing a short update on the progress made in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the last three months June-August 2006 and linking these to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identifies progress being made through the support of partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership. 

(Executive Function)  

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing a short update on the progress made in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the last three months June to August 2006 and linking these to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identified progress being made through the support of partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership.  A formal invitation will be sent out to all West Leeds Councillors inviting them to the Annual General Meeting of the District Partnership to see what work they have achieved.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  To note the changes to West Leeds District Partnership “Strategies for Success” outlined in paragraph 3.39 and Appendix 1 of the submitted report. 

To note a report by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing providing Members with detailed information on the Apollo 17 operation, which includes information on activities undertaken, results and feedback from the partner agencies involved in the 3 day multi agency operation.

(Executive Function) 

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report to provide Members with detailed information on the Apollo 17 operation, which included information on activities undertaken, results and feedback from the partner agencies involved in the three day multi-agency operation.

The new Police Inspector, Steve Thomas introduced himself to the Area Committee and gave a brief history of his career with the Police Authority.  He also raised concerns that his unit are temporarily based in a portable building at Pudsey Police Station with no transport facilities and too far away from the West Inner area.

Steve Crocker informed the meeting that talks are still ongoing relating to potential use of available facilities in Bramley. It may be possible to locate Inspector Thomas’ community police team within that provision as at this stage there is potentially available space. 

Gill Hunter, Community Safety Co-ordinator and Inspector Thomas presented  the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The Area Committee were informed that Apollo operations include more positive actions now such as work in local schools to educate children on the implications of dropping litter and how their anti-social behaviour can impact on the community and on other people’s lives. Local activities where young people play cricket / football with local Police have also taken place. 

Inspector Thomas was invited to future meetings of the Armley Community Forum and Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum.

The Chair thanked officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED -  That the report and Members comments be noted.

(Note:  Councillor Taggart left the meeting at 7.00 p.m. during consideration of the above item.)

To consider a progress report of the Making Leeds Better Programme.

(Executive Function)

The Area Committee noted a report on the ‘Making Leeds Better Programme’ which gave an update on Making Leeds Better Vision for West Leeds - a strategy programme for improving health and social care in the City.

RESOLVED  -  That the report and the progress on Making Leeds Better be noted.

Thursday, 19^th October 2006 at 9.00 a.m. at the Armley One Stop Shop, Armley Town Street.

MAP OF TODAY’S VENUE

Stanningley Rugby Club, Coal Hill Drive, Leeds 13

Thursday, 19^th October 2006 at 9.00 a.m. at the Armley Health Centre.