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.
Minutes:
In accordance with paragraph 6.24 and 6.25 of the Area Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee:
(i) Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum – Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association - Raised concern that there had been no Hyde Park & Woodhouse Forum held recently?
In responding Chris Dickinson, Area Management said plans were currently underway to hold a Forum Meeting in the Ward. Area Management would liaise with Ward Members to progress arrangements.
(ii) Promotion of Residents Meetings – Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park resident – Spoke about the lack of publicity for Resident Meetings/ Forums in the area. It was suggested that many local residents would attend such meetings if they knew when and where they were taking place?
Sue Buckle said Ward Members need to engage more with the local population, meetings should not be by invitation only.
Speaking in support, Councillor Matthews said that consultation was woefully out of date and new ways of publicising local events in the area should be investigated further.
(iii) Child Poverty and Health Inequalities – Concerns were raised over the high rate of child poverty within some wards of the Inner North West area.
Officers reported that a report providing health statistics, including areas of health depravation would be brought to the December meeting of this Committee. The report would now also include the impact of child poverty
(iv) Student Letting Agencies - Charlotte Coleman, Hyde Park resident – Spoke about alleged malpractice by some student letting agencies who were contacting the parents of students claiming none payment of rent, which was not always correct. It was reported that the Students Union had been made aware of the allegations, who had in the past publicised the information to students. It was now the view of the Student Union that they could no longer advise students of alleged malpractice for fear of been prosecuted. Charlotte sought the advice of Members as to how such information should be publicised?
In responding Councillor Atha suggested that such allegations should be made known to Local Ward Councillors who may be able to assist in publicising the information.
(v) Cycle Routes - Sue Buckle, South Headingley Community Association - Raised concerns about cycle routes in the area, in particular the signage for the new designated cycle route was confusing where it crossed Hyde Park Road. Concern was also expressed about the loss of the marked cycle lane on the A65, particularly in the Beacroft Street area, due to the ongoing works on the Quality Bus Initiative.
Councillor Matthews suggested that clarification was required from the Highways Department.
RESOLVED - That the Chair write to the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation seeking clarification to the above concerns
(vi) Transport Sub Group – Members requested an update on plans to receive support for the Transport Sub Group directly from the Highways Department.
Councillor Walshaw agreed to address some of the Transport issues through the existing Planning Sub Group.
Members raised concern that by using the Planning Sub Group may have a negative impact on its existing workload
RESOLVED – That the Area Leader would pursue a response from the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation and subject to a response being received would provide an update at the next meeting of the Committee