Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that Councillor Harper was at present in the Bradford Royal Infirmary having surgery and that, although individual Ward Members may have sent cards, she proposed that a letter and flowers be sent on behalf of this Area Committee on Councillor Harper’s  return home from hospital to wish her well.  The suggestion was unanimously agreed.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor J Harper and Inspector Steve Thomas.

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 personal interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor A Lowe in her capacity as a Director of West North West Homes

(Agenda Item 12, 29 Minute refers)

Councillor J McKenna in his capacity as a Panel Member of West North West Homes (Agenda Item 12, 29 Minute refers)

The following personal and prejudicial interests were declared at the meeting:

Councillor T Hanley in his capacity as a Director of Bramley Elderly Action

(Agenda Item 11, 28 Minute 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.

It is also intended to submit under this item for information/discussion purposes the minutes of the local community forum meetings.  The following sets of minutes are enclosed:

(a)  Bramley and Stanningley Community Forum  - 31^st May 2007.

(b)  Armley Forum - 17^th July 2007.

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.

The minutes of the Armley Community Forum meeting held on 17^th July 2007 were submitted for information and noted.

The minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting held on 31^st May 2007 were also submitted for information and noted.

Referring to the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum - Minute 3.01 relating to Litter Bins it was reported that Ward Members have had to purchase litter bins from their community MICE money and that there were a few areas in the Bramley & Stanningley Ward that still required litter bins.  Concern was expressed that children and families in this Ward were at risk as  the shortage of litter bins has created more litter to be thrown down on to the streets which is environmentally unsuitable. 

RESOLVED -  That West Leeds Area Management investigate and pursue  the lack of litter bins in the Bramley & Stanningley Ward.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 28^th June 2007 and to discuss any matters arising.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th June 2007 be confirmed as a correct record.

Area Manager’s Report (Minute 15 refers)

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager informed the meeting that Officers were still working on the proposals for a Catalyst Centre for West Leeds and that he would report back to the next meeting.

It was also reported that there was a new round of European funding announced for Yorkshire and Humber region and that Officers would report back to the next meeting on the ideas on bids the Committee might make for that round of funding relating to Inner West Leeds.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager introducing Inspector Steve Thomas from the West Yorkshire Police Authority and Gill Hunter, Community Safety Officer who will give an update on the community safety issues in West Inner Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Executive Function)  (5 Mins)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report and Sergeant Jon Glennon, together with Gill Hunter, Community Safety Officer gave a brief update on community safety Issues in the West Leeds area.

Sergeant Glennon reported on the following areas over the last three months:

·  Criminal damage

·  Reduction in burglaries

·  Robberies

·  Theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles

·  23^rd/24^th July Operation Champion – various warrants, arrests and illegal Vehicles found on the roads in the Inner West area.

·  A decrease in the number of illegal motorbikes on the streets.

·  Extra Police and PCSOs working at peak times during the dark nights leading up to bonfire night and mischievous night.

In summary the main issues raised by Members were:

·  A request that Members and Co-optees receive a breakdown of the costs per Ward for providing each PCSO.

·  That regular update reports be submitted on the problem with youths

on motorbikes and the current proposals for the erection of signs for prohibiting this activity in local parks and hotspot areas in the Inner West area.

The Chair thanked Sergeant Glennon and Gill Hunter for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That  the Community Safety Officer for West Leeds and Sergeant John   Glennon inform Members and Co-optees of the funds received for the

  PCSOs and the costs per annum for each Ward.

(c )  That the Community Safety Officer submit  regular update reports on  

  the problem with youths on motorbikes and the current proposals  

  for the erection of signs for prohibiting this activity in local parks and  

  hotspot areas in the Inner West area.

Note:  Councillor McKenna and Mr P Green, Co-optee arrived at meeting at approximately 9.20 a.m. during the presentation of the above item.  Councillor Lowe temporarily left the meeting.

To consider a report by the Chief Community Safety Officer providing information on the West Yorkshire Police’s current community contact points and summarises good practice.  The Area Committee are asked to suggest further potential contact points and to support the use of Council premises identified in the report.

(Council Function)      (5 Mins)

The Chief Community Safety Officer submitted a report providing information on West Yorkshire Police’s current community contact points and a summary of good practice.  The report also requested Members to suggest further potential contact points and to support the use of Council premises if these were so identified.  Attached at Appendix 3 was information for Members on the Neighbourhood Policing Teams by Ward.

Sergeant Jon Glennon presented the report, along with the Area Manager who responded to Members’ queries and comments.

Members shared their views with the Sergeant on joint surgeries with the police and other partnership groups.  It was also suggested that Governors

of local schools in the area should relay a message back to their Governing Body that the Police are desperately trying to set up Police Community Contact Points in schools.

The Chair thanked Sergeant Glennon for his attendance.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That Members inform Sergeant Glennon of any suitable community contact points within their Wards for their relevant Neighbourhood Policing Team.

To note and comment on the results of a recent survey of priority neighbourhoods in West Leeds as outlined in the submitted report.

(Executive Function)   5 Mins

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a detailed report informing the Area Committee about the results of a recent survey of priority neighbourhoods in West Leeds and the analysis of how far we are succeeding in narrowing the gap between the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods and the rest.

The West Leeds Area Manager also gave an extensive presentation on the evidence from the recent survey, the actual data on service delivery in the West and the narrowing the gap evidence, which presented a mixed picture. 

The presentation opened up a lengthy debate and the main point raised was about the standard of educational attainment for children and the need for better educational facilities in Inner West area.  Members felt that as a result  there are many unskilled people who are unemployed in  the Inner West area which must have an impact on the crime statistics for this area.

In summary the other areas of concern were:

·  That issues of crime and grime had largely been tackled in the priority areas and that the next Inner West Area Delivery Plan should look at improving Educational Attainment and Worklessness as key objectives

·  That worklessness on the Fairfields, New Wortley, Wyther and Broadleas estates was on the increase.

·  That residents in the Bramley area believe that improvement works

  on the more rundown areas in Inner West will stop due to the ALMOs

  decreasing funds and that these repairs are very much needed to make   their quality of life better.

·  That the ALMO management structure groups including Area Panels have not yet been set up and that Members appointed as Panel Members to   West North West Homes have still not been contacted.

The Area Committee noted that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee was shortly to undertake an Inquiry into the Council’s relationship with ALMOs.

It was also noted that in August 2007, tenants who wanted to be appointed on to the ALMO Area Panels were interviewed and at present one person had been appointed, which was a Co-optee on this Area Committee, Jean Bedford – Bramley & Stanningley Forum.

Members thanked Steve Crocker for his very informative presentation.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Chief Executive, Education Leeds be invited to the next

  meeting of this Area Committee to respond to Members concerns

  around the standards of educational attainment of  pupils in the most

  deprived neighbourhoods of Inner West Leeds.

(c)  That the next Inner West Area Delivery Plan should look at improving

  Educational Attainment and Worklessness in priority neighbourhoods

  as key objectives.

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager 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 Inner West area and to seek approval for new and continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)     10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a detailed report providing details of the amount of Well-Being capital and revenue funding available for the 2007/08 financial year and the commitments already approved.

Rebecca Boon, West Leeds Area Management presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.

Detailed discussions on the report and appendices followed.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report and information appended to the report,  which included

  the available balance of the Area Committee’s revenue and capital  

  Well-being Budgets, be noted.

(b)  That the following decisions be made in relation to  revenue and capital projects   as detailed in the appendices attached to the submitted report:

  Revenue

  (i)  Headcam Monitors -  £7,200 (Revenue) – Approved.

(ii)  HipHopes Edutainment - £2,800 (Revenue) – Approved.

  Capital

(i)  Bell View Mount Railings - £1,263.13 (Capital) – Approved.

(ii)  SurestartBramley - £1,500 (Capital) – Approved.

(c)  That the update in relation to Bramley Elderly Action outlined in  

  Appendix 5 attached to the report be noted and that approval be given

  for the next instalment of  funding as agreed at the 8^th February 2007  

  Area Committee meeting.

(d)  That the Small Grants and Skips proposals outlined in paragraph 4.1  

  which have been approved since the last meeting be noted. 

(e)  That the West Leeds Area Manager arrange publicity for the approved  

  applications in order to raise awareness and to include local Ward  

  Members in the publicity.

Note:  Councillor T Hanley declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Bramley Elderly Action update and application and left the room when this matter was being considered (Minute 21 refers). 

To note a report by the Chief Environmental Health Officer providing information on the work of the West Leeds Environmental Health Team during the previous financial year.  The report also provides information on the priorities of that team within their service plan for the coming year 2007/2008.

(Executive Function)   10 Mins

The Chief Environmental Health Officer submitted a report providing detailed information on the work of the West Leeds Environmental Health Team during the previous financial year and the priorities of the team within their service plan for 2007/2008.

Paul Spandler, Environmental Health Services presented the report and together with Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In summary, the main issues raised were:

·  Members had received countless complaints that some local residents

  and tradesmen have been chopping down trees during the day and   lighting bonfires creating black smoke.  

·  That Environmental Health Officer be requested to submit a presentation to a future meeting of both the Armley Community Forum and theBramley & Stanningley Community Forum and to prepare literature on the rules and regulations for lighting domestic fires.

·  Members expressed their concern at the amount of noise and drinking outside various public houses in Inner West, especially those public houses with temporary shelter for smokers, although some public houses and social clubs are allowing smokers to use an entrance hall to smoke. 

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the Chief Environmental Health Officer be requested to submit a  

  presentation to a future meeting of both the Armley Community Forum  

  and the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum and to prepare  

  literature on the rules and regulations for lighting domestic fires.

(c )  That the West Leeds Area Manager refer this Area Committee’s

  concerns to the Community Safety Partnership regarding noise  

  nuisance and drinking outside various public houses in the West Inner  

  Leeds area.

To consider a report submitted by the Director of City Development and the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods providing information on Conservation Areas and recommends an approach to Conservation Area review.

(Executive Function)     5 Mins

The Director of City Development and the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a joint report providing information on Conservation Areas.

Phil Ward, City Development Department presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager, responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A discussion ensued and it was established that the conservations areas listed at Hough Lane and at Bramley Town Street (south side) are both conservation areas that are in the Armley Ward.

Bramley & Stanningley Members felt that Rodley should be part of the review but were informed by the West Area Manager that the Outer West Area Committee Members would also have to commit some of their money to this

Area as well.  A short discussion ensued regarding boundaries and it was felt that these boundaries should be investigated and that a  further meeting be arranged with the Bramley & Stanningley Ward Members to discuss which Bramley Conservation Area to include as part of the Conservation Area Review proposals.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That a further meeting be arranged with the Bramley & Stanningley   Ward   Members to discuss which Bramley Conservation Area to   include as part of the Conservation Area Review proposals.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods detailing the progress and success of the Youth Development Worker’s post in Inner West Leeds over the past 12 months in addressing the gap in youth service provision for those aged 9-13 years and in engaging with the voluntary and community sector.

(Executive Function)   5 Mins

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a detailed report on the progress and success of the Youth Development Worker’s post in  Inner West Leeds over the last twelve months in addressing the gap in youth service provision for those aged 9-13 years and in engaging with the voluntary and community sector.

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

The Area Committee congratulated Mark Metcalf, Youth Development Worker for all the hard work he has done in the Inner West area and for his honesty in his recommendation to this Committee that his post should cease at the end of its present contract.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That the funding of the Youth Development Worker post should cease  

  after the 12 month contract.

(c )  That this money be spent on the future funding of under 13’s voluntary  

  and community youth groups, either directly or through the West Leeds Youth Work   Partnership, on a case by case basis, in accordance with

  the Area Delivery Plan and only to those organisations that are not  

  already in receipt of Leeds City Council funding.

Note:  Councillor A Lowe returned to the meeting at approximately 10.45 a.m.

at the conclusion of the above item.

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Manager to update Members on the actions and works undertaken by Groundwork Leeds in Inner West Leeds. 

(Executive Function)   10 Mins

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report updating Members on the actions and works undertaken by Groundwork Leeds in the Inner West Leeds.

John Cummins and Paul Monaghan Groundwork Leeds, presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker,  West Leeds Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A discussion ensued and Members queried why other areas in West Inner, some the size of football fields, had not been cleaned up.  It was also felt that

areas of land on the outskirts of the Inner West area were being neglected.

Groundwork Leeds Officers informed the meeting that these areas might be able to be included in the next work programme and that suggestions from Members be submitted to West Leeds Area Management.

Members congratulated Groundwork Leeds for the community development  work they have already completed in the Inner West area.

RESOLVED –

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

(b)  That  Members of the Area Committee liaise with the West Leeds Area  

  Manager to suggest other areas for community development and  

  environmental schemes within the Inner West  area. 

Thursday, 25^th October 2007 at 5.00 p.m. in the Stanningley Rugby Club.

MAP OF VENUE attached – Fairfield Community Centre

Thursday, 25^th October 2007 at 5.00 p.m. at Stanningley Amateur Rugby Football Club, Coal Hill Lane, Leeds 13.