Agenda and minutes

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

The Chair, Councillor Carter, and Councillor Robinson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 18 - Appendix 2 of the Well-Being Budget application for funding by Calverley in Bloom, as both Councillors are a members of Calverley in Bloom (Minute 63 resolution (b)(ii) refers).

Councillor M Coulson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 18 - Appendix 1 of the Well-Being Budget application for funding by Pudsey in Bloom as he is a Member of Pudsey in Bloom (Minute 63 resolution (b)(i) refers). 

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor R Lewis and Reverend Kingsley Dowling.

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

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.

To confirm as a correct record the attached minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd November 2006.

RESOLVED -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd November 2006, be approved as a correct record.

To note a report by the Director of Neighbourhood and Housing introducing

Mark Metcalf who has recently been appointed as Youth Development Worker

For Inner and Outer West Leeds.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report introducing Mark Metcalf the recently appointed Youth Development Worker for Inner and Outer West Leeds.

Mark Metcalf addressed the meeting and gave a brief summary of the projects he had been working on in the West Outer Area, focusing on young people between the ages of 9 to 13.

Members were pleased to note that Mr Metcalf had been working the Tyersal area and reference was made to the equipment the Area Committee had funded and proposals to use this equipment in all three West Outer Wards.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the appointment of Mark Metcalf, Youth Development Worker to

  work with 9-13 age group in the Inner and Outer West Leeds areas, be  

  welcomed and noted.

(b)  To note that the Youth Development Worker intends to submit regular  

  update reports to the Area Committee over the period of his appointment.

To note a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing introducing Inspector Tom Horner from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on Community Safety issues in Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report introducing Inspector Tom Horner from West Yorkshire Police who gave an update on community safety issues in Leeds since the last Area Committee meeting.

Inspector Horner addressed the meeting and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A discussion ensued and the main issues raised were:-

·  Four new PCSO’s are to be appointed to the West Outer area.

·  The proposed changes to the structure of the Neighbourhood Policing Team.  Members were to be notified at a later date which Police Officer would be assigned as a contact point for each West Outer Ward.

·  The recent newspaper article highlighting incidents of tyre slashing in the

  Pudsey area.  The partnership work involving members of the public   who played a key role in apprehending the culprits which resulted in   numerous arrests. 

·  The recent prosecution of a local shop keeper who was caught selling alcohol to under aged children.

·  The fact that responsibility for attendance at Neighbourhood Watch meetings will no longer be the responsibility of one Police Officer.  This task had now been delegated to the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and it was anticipated that the local PCSO’s will now be attending the meetings due to their  vast knowledge of the areas they cover.

·  The need to establish Neighbourhood Watch groups in both the Swinnow and Tyersal areas.

Members from the Farnley and Wortley Ward thanked Inspector Horner for his prompt response in dealing with a recent problem within their Ward. 

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the report and update be noted.

(b)  That a representative from the Neighbourhood Policing Team be requested

  to attend the Swinnow Community Forum and Tyersal Community Forum in

  order to promote establishing neighbourhood watch groups in these areas.

To note a report and presentation submitted by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing to advise Members on the progress of the review of ALMOs in Leeds. 

(Executive Function)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report to advise Members of the progress of the review of the ALMOs in Leeds and to advise Officers on the nature of any future briefings. 

John Statham, Strategic Landlord Manager, gave a presentation and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A copy of the presentation was attached to the submitted report for Members information.

In brief, the main issues raised were:-

·  The fact that there is no Lettings Officer based at the Pudsey Housing Office.

·  The fact that there had been no consultation this year with the West Area Committees on the proposed programme of improvements works as in previous years.

RESOLVED - 

  (a)  That the report and advice on the nature of any future briefings on the   ALMO Review be noted.

(b)  That  the thanks of  this  Area Committee be conveyed to John Markey, Acting Chief Executive, Leeds West Homes for the excellent work he has

  performed throughout the existence of  West Leeds Homes and to   wish

  him well on his retirement.

  (c)  That Members continue to be consulted by ALMO Officers on the   Programme of Improvement works in West Leeds.

To note a progress report by the Making Leeds Better Programme and the resolution of the National Health Service (NHS) Board meeting held on 19^th September 2006.

(Council Function)

The Making Leeds Better Programme submitted a progress report on Making Leeds Better, a strategic programme for improving health and social care services in the City.

Fiona Wilkinson, West Management Officer, introduced the report and informed the meeting that a more detailed report depicting the West Inner area would be submitted to a future meeting of this Area Committee.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the progress on Making Leeds Better, be noted.

(b)  That the resolution of the National Health Service Board meeting held on 19^th September 2006,  as outlined in   the appendices attached to   the report, be noted.

To note a report by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing to update Members on the progress with the proposals for Pudsey Bus Station.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report to update   Members on the progress made with the proposals for the redevelopment of   Pudsey Bus Station.

Fiona Wilkinson, Area Management Officer, Mark Auger and David Hoggarth, Leeds Metro, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A detailed discussion ensued on the content of the report with specific reference to the inclusion of a new toilet block in the plans.  Members requested that the plans be put on public display.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That the progress made on the proposals for the redevelopment of Pudsey Bus   Station be noted.

(b)  That a new toilet block be included in the proposed Pudsey Bus Station   plans.

(Councillors A Blackburn and M Coulson indicated that in their capacity as Members of the Plans Panel (West) and in order to avoid any perception of predetermination until such time as this matter may be considered by the Plans Panel (West), they intended to remain in the room and listen to the presentation, but take no part in the discussion or voting thereon.) 

To note a report by the Chief Recreation Officer on the plans to refurbish the playground, merge the Pets Corner with the Aviary Aquarium Complex and landscape the former Pets Corner site following its demolition. The works also include improving the northern entrance to the Park from the bus station and erecting a new bandstand.

(Executive Function)

The Chief Recreation Officer submitted a progress report on the forthcoming expenditure of £470,600 to refurbish the playground, combinee the Pets Corner with the Aviary Aquarium Complex and to landscape the former Pets Corner site following its demolition.  The works also included improving the northern entrance to the Park from the bus station and erecting a new bandstand.

Peter Barnett, Leeds Development Department, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and comments.

In brief, the main issues raised were:-

·  Proposals to include in the plans a Visitor Interpretation Centre at the West Leeds Country Park.

·  That the proposed Bandstand should include brackets in order to accommodate hanging baskets.

·  That the proposed completion of works for the park would now be March 2008.

·  That arrangements be made for a band to launch an event in the new bandstand.

RESOLVED - 

(a)  That theproposals to spend £470,600 of Park Renaissance money to   fund improvements at Pudsey Park, be noted.

(b)  That a further report on the proposals to accommodate educational resources in keeping with the Pets Corner at Pudsey Park  be submitted to a future meeting of this Area Committee.

(c)  That the thanks of  this Area Committee be conveyed to Parks and Countryside staff for the excellent work carried out  in the West Outer area in parks such as Farnley Park and Westroyd Park etc.

(Councillors A Blackburn and M Coulson indicated that in their capacity as Members of the Plans Panel (West) and in order to avoid any perception of predetermination until such time as this matter may be considered by the Plans Panel (West), they intended to remain in the room and listen to the presentation, but take no part in the discussion or voting thereon.) 

To note a report by the Director of Children’s Services on the progress in implementing the Children Act and to summarise the Children’s Trust arrangements that are being adopted in Leeds.

(Council Function)

The Director of Children’s Services submitted a report on the progress in implementing the Children Act and to summarise the Children’s Trust arrangements that are being adopted in Leeds.  The report was intended to help the Area Committees to consider its role in improving the lives of children and young people at a local level.

Marianna Pexton, Children’s Services, presented the report and responded to Member’s questions and comments.

It was also reported that the Executive Board had formally agreed proposals for Children’s Trust Arrangements to provide a framework to improve the lives of children and young people within Leeds.  There would be a review of the Children and Young People’s Plan and local influence was required to identify priorities and actions, and to help delivery the desired outcomes. 

Reference was made to the following six main elements of Children’s Trust Arrangements:

·  Integrated Strategic Commissioning Board

·  Children Leeds Partnership (a themed Board of the Leeds Initiative)

·  Locality Arrangements (which included consulting the Area Committees).

·  Local Safeguarding Children Board (covering a range of protection issues for children and young people).

·  Open Forum

·  Director of Children’s Services Unit and its Strategic Management Team.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

To note a report by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development in order for the Area Committee to share their views as part of a Scrutiny Action Learning Project on Community Development in Health and Wellbeing.

(Council Function)

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report regarding the Scrutiny Action Learning Project around Community Development in Health and Wellbeing.  Leeds City Council had been one of only nine local authorities to receive £20,000 funding to carry out an action learning project around Community Development in Health and Wellbeing and Area Committees were being consulted to ensure awareness was raised city wide.

Councillor Russell who was also a member of (Health and Adult Social Care) presented the report, which asked for the views of the Area Committee on the following issues:

·  Recognition of Community Development in health

·  Impact of Community Development in health

·  Barriers and gaps in delivering effective community health development work

Appended to the report was a copy of the Terms of Reference for the Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care) inquiry into Community Development in Health and Wellbeing for Members’ information.

The Area Committee indicated that health organisations which recognise community development in health for the Outer West area are  West Leeds Healthy Living and the voluntary sector organisations are Pudsey Live at Home Scheme and the Farsley Live at Home Scheme.  The meeting were informed that the neighbourhood network all use these projects.

RESOLVED -

(a)  That the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That the Area Management Team co-ordinate Members’ responses and   provide feedback to Scrutiny Board (Health and Adult Social Care).

To note a report by the Chief Democratic Services Officer on the latest update on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme and how this relates to Pudsey Grangefield High School.

(Council Function)

The Acting Chief Planning and Development Officer submitted a report on the latest update on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme and how this relates to Pudsey Grangefield High School, highlighting that the submission of Reserved Matters Planning Applications have been submitted.

Peter Barnett, Planning Projects Manager, introduced the report and a presentation was given by Paul Richardson, Falkener Browns, Adam Moore, E4L and Vicki Di Stasi, Education Leeds who responded to Members’ questions and comments.

A discussion ensued and the main issues raised related to disability links to all floor levels, car parking and the sprinkler system.

RESOLVED -  That the report and presentation be noted.

To note a report by the West Leeds Area Manager providing updates and progress in implementing the Area Delivery Plan during the third quarter of the Financial Year 2006/07 and linking them to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identifies progress through the support of partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership.

(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 third quarter of the financial year 2006/07 and linking these to the corporate priorities of the City Council.  The report also identified the progress being made through the support of the partner organisations on the West Leeds District Partnership.

Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager presented the report and, together with the Fiona Wilkinson, Area Management Officer, responded to Members’ queries and comments.

RESOLVED –  That the report be noted.

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

(Executive Function)

The West Leeds Area Manager submitted a report 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 Outer West Area.  The report and appendices also sought approval for new projects commissioned by the Area Committee.

Fiona Wilkinson, Area Management Officer, presented the report and, together with Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager, presented the report and responded to Members’ questions and queries.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the amount of well-being Budget remaining for the West Inner   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:-

  REVENUE

(i)  Pudsey in Bloom – Approved £2,424.44

(ii)  Calverley in Bloom –  That the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing be requested to exercise his delegated authority in respect of this application, in view of the fact that the meeting was inquorate (all three Ward Councillors declared a prejudicial interest).

(iii)  Scout Centenary Floral Display – Approved £3,000

CAPITAL

(iv)  Lancasterian School Room – Approval £15,000

(c)  That the applications for Small Grants and Skips as outlined in paragraph 4.0

  of the report be noted.

(d)  That the Farfield Farsley estate be proposed for the localised ‘In Bloom’ area.

(e)  That West Leeds Area Management investigate the possible funding for the

  redecoration work needed to St Catherine’s Children’s Home.

(Councillors Carter and Robinson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in resolution (ii) as both are Members of Calverley in Bloom which made the meeting inquorate for this item and the matter was referred to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing.

Councillor Coulson declared a personal and prejudicial interest in resolution (i) being a Member of Pudsey in Bloom and, therefore,  took no part in the discussion or vote thereon).

To note a report by the Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing on the progress of the Pudsey and Farsley Town and District Centre Schemes.

(Executive Function)

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Housing submitted a report to advise Members on the progress of the Pudsey and Farsley Town and District Centre Schemes. 

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

In brief, the main issues raised was in relation to the need to improve the noticeboard outside the frontage of Pudsey Town Hall.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Friday, 23^rd February 2007 at 2.00 p.m. (venue to be arranged)

Friday, 23^rd February 2007 at 2.00 p.m. at Pudsey Civic Hall.