Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chair for the 2008/2009 municipal year.

(Council Function)

 The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report outlining the arrangements for the annual selection of the Chair of the Area Committee.

In accordance with the agreed procedure, the Chief Democratic Services Officer reported that a nomination for the Chair had been received on behalf of Councillor Janet Harper and those Elected Members present at the West Inner Area Committee meeting were asked to take a formal vote.

RESOLVED -  That following an overall majority of votes cast by those Elected Members present at the meeting eligible to vote, Councillor J Harper be elected as Chair of the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2008/2009 municipal year.

(Councillor Janet Harper took the Chair) 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the West Inner Area Committee for the 2008/2009 municipal year and expressed sincere thanks to the former Chair, Councillor Denise Atkinson for doing such an excellent job even though she was not always in good health during her year as Chair.

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

Councillor T Hanley in his capacity as a Member of the Bramley Elderly Action Group, declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item and left the room

during consideration of this item (Agenda Item 14 – Minute 13 below 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)  Armley Community Forum meetings held on 18^th March and

  20^th May 2008.

(b)  Bramley Community Forum meeting held on 27^th March 2008.

 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. 

Mr Kerrigan of Nancroft Mount addressed the Area Committee regarding to his objections to the recent alleygating which he claims is on his private property.  He proclaimed that Section 129 of the Highways Act 1980 and Section 129d (Sub-section 96) he did not get the opportunity to object to the gating order as the tenants who were residing at his property did not notify him as their landlord of the alleygating proposals.

In response, Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator informed the meeting that all the local residents living on Nancroft Mount requested the gating order and that all the local residents were consulted.  The tenants who

resided in Mr Kerrigan’s property signed their approval to the gating order. 

The Area Committee were reminded that the gating had now been erected and that everyone has a key that requires a key.  Residents are delighted with the results as it tackles problems with anti-social behaviour, youths and nuisance in the area.  There have been no reports complaints since the gates were erected. 

Armley Councillors informed the meeting that long standing residents claim that it was a restoration of the gating rather than a new scheme.  Apparently the former railings were chopped down during the war effort and were not replaced. 

The Area Community Safety Co-ordinator reiterated that local residents were delighted with the gating and, Inspector Anwar Mohammed also informed the

meeting that the Police Authority had no objections as it was a step toward the prevention of crime in the area. 

The Chair thanked Mr Kerrigan for his attendance.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the West North West Leeds Area Manager be instructed to   investigate the comments made by Mr Kerrigan and to confirm the  department’s legal position on this matter.

(b)  The minutes of the Armley Community Forum meetings held on

  18^th March and 20^th May 2008 were submitted for information and   noted.

(c )  The minutes of the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting   held on 27^th March 2008 were also submitted for information and   noted.

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

3^rd April 2008 and any matters arising from those minutes.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd April 2008 be confirmed as a correct record.

(a)   Minute 93 – Update on Community Centre Issues in Inner West Leeds

The West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that a report on the issue of the Wyther Community Centre will be submitted to Scrutiny Board (Environment & Neighbourhoods) on 21^st July 2008 for consideration for a possible Inquiry. 

Armley Ward Councillors informed the meeting that they intended to be in attendance at this Scrutiny Board meeting. 

RESOLVED -  That the West North West Area Manager investigate and inform Members of this Area Committee of the financial loss incurred due to the delay in the final closure of Wyther Community Centre.

(b)  Minute 94 – Inner West Area Committee Well-Being Fund Update

Rebecca Boon, West Leeds Area Management informed the meeting that a representative from the Youth Service was unable to attend today’ s meeting but had been informed via email that there are no issues regarding young people and other user groups using Bramley Community Centre have been reported.

Members were pleased that the issues at the Community Centre had now been resolved that we all should have respect for elderly people.  It was also pointed out that the Community Centre are to carry on with the Luncheon Club.

(c )  Minute 97 – Dates, Times and Venues of Area Committee Meetings   2008/2009

The Chair informed the meeting that she had been approached by the New Wortley Community Centre who are delighted to hold a West Inner Area Committee meeting at the Community Centre but that it would have to be a morning meeting because the room will be required for an afternoon club.

To consider a report of the Chief Democratic Services Officer and to agree the appointments to those organisations that fall within the remit of this Area Committee.

(Council Function)

The Chief Democratic Services Officer submitted a report and appendices outlining the Committee’s role in relation to its Elected Member appointments to community and local engagement category appointments to outside bodies which had been delegated to the Area Committee to appoint.

It was reported that the West Inner Area Committee had responsibility for making appointments to the following organisations and Members were asked to make nominations:

• West Leeds ALMO Area Panel – annual appointment
• Bramley Sure Start – annual appointment

The Chair, Councillor Harper informed the meeting that, although she had enjoyed the last ten years as the Council’s representative, she now intends to  stand down as Chair of Sure Start in September 2008. 

Councillor Hanley informed the meeting that Bramley Ward Councillors would have no objections to a community representative being appointed to serve on Bramley Sure Start.  At this point Mr S McBarron agreed to be nominated to Bramley Sure Start.

Councillor Lowe informed the meeting that she was now a Member of Armley Common Rights Trust.

RESOLVED -  That the following appointments were made:

ALMO West Leeds Area Panel  -  Councillor J McKenna

  Councillor N Taggart

Bramley Sure Start  -  Councillor N Taggart

  Mr S McBarron

(Note:  Refer to footnote on Minute 9 below)

To consider a report on the appointment of Co-optees to the West Inner Area Committee.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -  That Morgan Pugh and Hazel Boutle (Armley Forum) and Stephen McBarron (Bramley & Stanningley Forum) be appointed as non-voting co-opted members on the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2008/2009 municipal year.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a report which sought approval for the annual appointment of co-opted Members to the West (Inner) Area Committee, in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution, which states that there is provision for the Area Committee to appoint up to five non-voting co-opted members to support the Area Committee.

It was confirmed that Morgan Pugh and Hazel Boutle had been re-nominated to serve on this Area Committee by the   Armley Community Forum.  The Area Committee also welcomed Stephen McBarron to his first Area Committee meeting as he had been nominated by the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum.

The Chair thanked Morgan Pugh and Hazel Boutle for their continuous support and relentless dedication, especially Morgan Pugh who even turned up to a West Inner Area Committee meeting on his 70^th Birthday. 

RESOLVED -  That Morgan Pugh and Hazel Boutle (Armley Forum) and Stephen McBarron (Bramley & Stanningley Forum) be appointed as non-voting co-opted members on the West (Inner) Area Committee for the 2008/2009 municipal year.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods introducing Inspector Anwar Mohammed from the West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on the Community Safety issues in Leeds in the past six weeks.

(Council Function)

RESOLVED – That the update from West Yorkshire Police and the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator (West Leeds) be received and noted.

The West North West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report which updated the Committee on Community Safety issues in Inner West Leeds since the last meeting and provided an update on Operation Champion in New Wortley.

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator and Inspector Anwar Mohammed attended the meeting and responded to Members questions and comments.

Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), Inspector Anwar Mohammed informed the meeting that it had been a busy 4/5 month period, lots of initiatives and lots of changes regarding the Neighbourhood Policing Teams restricting how they work and their local accountability.  For example, Inspector Mohammed  will task daily for the Armley Ward and the Bramley & Stanningley Ward which will help to focus on daily issues.

In brief, the following issues were discussed and comments raised:

·  the significant improvements on the crime targets over the last three months.

·  the respond times to anti-social behaviour and the need for Police Officers to attend surgeries/community forums.

·  the NPT being more accountable and informing the general public of what they had already achieved locally.

·  an update on the use of headcams now being used by the PCSOs

(Police Community Support Officers) – feedback so far is very good as there have been a significant reduction of abuse from local youths in the area.

·  the need to look at the role of drugs in the community at a future meeting of this Area Committee.

Gill Hunter, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator gave a brief update on the proposals for a further Operation Champion to be held in the Wortley area some time during July 2008.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the update from West Yorkshire Police and the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator (West Leeds) be received and noted.

(b)  That the West North West Area Manager submitted a paper on drugs in the community to a future West Inner Area Committee meeting.

(Note:  Councillor Taggart joined the meeting at approximately 10.15 a.m. during consideration of the above item and it was at this point the Chair inquired if he wished to be appointed to  Bramley Sure Start.  Councillor Taggart was delighted to accept the appointment to Bramley Sure Start.  Members suggested that Mr S McBarron also be appointed to Bramley Sure Start as a representative of Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum).

To consider a report and presentation by the West Leeds Area Manager to

provide Members with a review of the West Leeds Gateway actions over the

last two years and to update Members on a number of key projects: Bramley

Pump, Participatory Budgeting on the Broadleas in Bramley, Leeds Bradford

corridor, the A2E programme and the LEGI catalyst centre bid.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -  That the progress of the following projects be noted and that it be confirmed that this Area Committee continues their support for those projects:

·  West Leeds Gateway – update of the work of the Regeneration

  Team

·  LEGI Catalyst Centre

·  Participatory Budgeting in Bramley

·  Bramley Pump

·  Leeds Bradford Corridor

·  A2E programme

The West North West Area Manager submitted a detailed to provide  Members with a review of the West Leeds Gateway actions over the last two years and to update Members on a number of key projects:  Bramley Pump, Participatory Budgeting on the Broadleas in Bramley, Leeds Bradford corridor, the A2E programme and the LEGI catalyst centre bid.

Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager informed the meeting that both Carole Clark, Regeneration Programme Manager and Jenny Fisher, Regeneration Project Officer had done an excellent job on the West Leeds Gateway, especially the work done to support and revitalise Armley Town Street and also for obtaining the many bids and grants for regeneration work.

On behalf of the Area Committee, the Chair thanked Carole Clark for doing such an excellent job.  The Chair also announced that there had recently been a restructure of the Regeneration Team and that Carole will shortly be moving to the North East Outer Area Management Team in her former role

as Area Management Officer. 

The Area Committee also watched a video of the meeting where the choice of the programmes was made by local people as part of the Participatory Budgeting pilot which is underway in the Broadleas Estate in Bramley.  A total of five proposals were supported, using all the £15,000 allocated by the Narrowing the Gap Board.  The West North West Area Manager felt that this meeting had been a great success at getting the local residents involved and that this type of meeting should be rolled out to a number of other areas.

Bramley & Stanningley Ward Members felt that they should have been invited to the meeting in order to make contributions.

RESOLVED -  That the progress of the following projects be noted and that it be confirmed that this Area Committee continues their support for those projects:

·  West Leeds Gateway – update of the work of the Regeneration Team

·  LEGI Catalyst Centre

·  Participatory Budgeting in Bramley

·  Bramley Pump

·  Leeds Bradford Corridor

·  A2E programme

To consider a report by the West Leeds Area Manager to inform Members of

the proposed content and format of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for

2008/9-2010/11.  The report provides an overview of how the ADP will

link with the Leeds Strategic Plan. 

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED -  That approval be given to the draft Area Delivery Plan.

The Area Committee considered a detailed report submitted by the West North West Area Manager on the proposed content and format of the Area Delivery Plan (ADP) for 2008/2009 – 2010/2011 and details of how the ADP will link with the Leeds Strategic Plan (LSP) as set out in Appendices A & B attached to the submitted report.

Rebecca Boon, Area Management Officer, presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker, West North West Area Manager responded to Members’ questions and comments.  Members also noted that delivery of the ADP will be supported through a partnership group which is scheduled to meet for the first time on 10^th July 2008.

Amanda Jackson, Children’s Services Department pointed out that some of the Children’s Services aspects are included throughout the themes outlined in Appendices A & B.

  The Chair expressed her concerns that the West Inner Area Management   Team are very short staffed and clearly there will be even more work with the   proposals for the ADP. 

RESOLVED -  That approval be given to the draft Area Delivery Plan.

To note a report submitted by the Director of City Development outlining the contract for advertising on lamp posts in Leeds and opportunities for local communities to benefit as a result of the lamp post advertising income share proposals.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That Members of the Area Committee be supplied with further information with regard to the costs to each business paying to   advertise on these lamp posts;  what proportion of the income the   West Inner Area Committee may expect and,  how this money will be   paid to the Area Committee.

The Director of City Development submitted a report outlining the contract for advertising on lamp posts in Leeds and opportunities for local communities to benefit as a result of the lamp post advertising income share proposals.

Andrew Mulligan, Highways – City Development, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the following issues were discussed and comments raised:

·  assurance that local ward Members will be notified about the sites where the proposed advertisements might be placed.

·  concerns about the advertising of alcohol.

·  the advertising of other cities such as London.

·  guarantees that the advertising income share funding will be received by the Area Committee.

·  the costs to each business paying to advertise on the lamp posts and what proportion of the income the West Inner Area Committee may expect.

·  what provision have been made for the advertising of local schemes such as the I Love West Leeds festival. 

RESOLVED - 

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

(b)  That Members of the Area Committee be supplied with further information with regard to the costs to each business paying to   advertise on these lamp posts;  what proportion of the income the West   Inner Area Committee may expect and,  how this money will be paid to   the Area Committee.

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods

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.  The report also seeks approval for new and

continuing projects commissioned by the Area Management Team.

(Executive Function)

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current financial status of the Well-Being Budget, both capital   and revenue, 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 attached to the submitted report:

(i)  Linking Lives – Bramley Elderly Action – Refused.

(ii)  Town Centre Manager for Armley -  Approved £10,000 , to fund a separate half time Town and DistrictCentre Manager. It was suggested that, if possible, this post be solely for the Armley area and not to be shared with the Pudsey area.  The postholder should also be based at the Armley One Stop Centre.  That other forms of funding this post

be investigated by Leeds Ahead. 

(iii)  To note that no small grants or skips have been requested since   the last Area Committee meeting held on 3^rd April 2008.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods submitted a detailed report providing an update on the current amount of capital and revenue funding committed and available for the 2008/2009 financial year.

Rebecca Boon, Area Management Officer presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the current financial status of the Well-Being Budget, both capital and revenue, 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 attached to the submitted report:

(i)  Linking Lives – Bramley Elderly Action – Refused.

(ii)  Town Centre Manager for Armley -  Approved £10,000 , to fund a separate half time Town and DistrictCentre Manager. It was suggested that, if possible, this post be solely for the Armley area and not to be shared with the Pudsey area.  The postholder should also be based at the Armley One Stop Centre.  That other forms of funding this post be investigated by Leeds Ahead. 

(c)  To note that no small grants or skips have been requested since the   last Area Committee meeting held on 3^rd April 2008

(Councillor T Hanley declared a personal & prejudicial interest in the Linking Lives – Bramley Elderly Action application, he listened to the presentation made by the applicants but did not take part in the discussion and left the room with the applicants while Members considered this item).

Please find below a list of the dates, time and to consider the possible venues

for future meetings of the Area Committee:

Date     Time   Ward/Venue

26 June 2008    5.00 p.m.  Armley One Stop Centre

18 September 2008   9.00 a.m.    Bramley/Stanningley Ward

23 October 2008    5.00 p.m.    Armley Ward

11 December 2008    9.00 a.m.    Bramley/Stanningley Ward

12 February 2009    5.00 p.m.    Armley Ward

9 April 2009      9.00 a.m.    Bramley/Stanningley Ward

18^th September 2008 at 9.00 a.m.  -  Stanningley  - Stanningley Rugby Club

23^rd October 2008 at 5.00 p.m.  -  Bramley  - Fairfield Community Centre

11^th December 2008 at 9.00 a.m. – Armley – New Wortley Centre

12^th February 2009 at 5.00 p.m. – Armley – Armley One Stop Shop

9^th April 2009 at 9.00 a.m. -  Bramley/Stanningley