Minutes:
Urban Fusion (Minute 24 refers)
Steve Crocker, West Area Manager reported that Urban Fusion 2006 was a success and that both venues at the Interplay Theatre and Bramley Community Centre were well attended by a wide range of artistes and people with musical instruments. The age range for those in attendance ranged from 13 year olds to people who were well into their late 50’s.
Members reported that some youths had caused trouble at the Interplay Theatre event for Urban Fusion. The Police had been called and the incident was defused.
Leisure Centre PFI (Minutes 24 refers)
Carole Clark, Area Management Officer reported that five representatives from Armley Forum had been elected onto the newly established working group of local residents and Councillors to consider the new Leisure Centre proposals and that two of those local residents are Co-optees on this Area Committee. The Chair announced that it was good to see the community taking an interest in the decision making process for the Armley Ward.
Application for funding from Moorside Residents Association (Minute 27 – Resolution (ii) and (iii) refers)
It was reported that Moorside Residents Association had not yet received the funding approved at the last meeting.
Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that a funding agreement had to be reached with the applicant before any money can be released. Once this process had been completed, the applicant would be presented with a cheque.
RESOLVED - That when considering applications for funding in future, it would be made clear through the information on the application form how long the process this would take.
Every Child Matters – West Area Project (Minute 26 refers)
Steve Crocker, West Area Manager informed the meeting that there will be a report back to the 7th December 2006 meeting from the Director of Social Services on involvement of Members in the Every Child Matters – West Area Project.
Operation Apollo (Minute 31 refers)
Inspector Steve Thomas gave an extensive update on recent Apollo operations for the West Inner area.
In brief, the following issues were discussed:-
· Members expressed their concern at the increase in burglaries on the Broadlea, Raynville and Ganner/Moorside estates which are already well known hotspot areas. Inspector Thomas also pointed out that there will likely be a further increase in burglaries in these areas leading up to Christmas.
· The ongoing problems with youths on motorcycles causing a disturbance to local residents. Inspector Thomas informed the meeting that he had applied for additional highway patrol resources to cover the bottom end of Bramley to try and resolve this problem.
· Youth congregating outside local shops, often drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance to local residents and shopkeepers. It was suggested that a local Forum meeting be set up inviting local residents and shopkeepers try and resolve/support the residents and shopkeepers.
· The problem with cars being broken into and laptops stolen in the visitors car park at Armley Prison.
· It was agreed that Members of the Area Committee lobby their representative on the West Yorkshire Police Authority to investigate the reinstatement of local Police Forum meetings.
· It was also suggested that the Police give a demonstration to residents on the Ganner/Moorside estate on the benefits of setting up Neighbourhood Watch for their area.
Inspector Thomas informed the meeting that the Pudsey/Weetwood Division have been allocated £16,000 which is to be ploughed back into the community on youth projects in the most challenging areas. Members suggestions were welcomed.
Steve Crocker, West Leeds Area Manager asked that Members pass their suggestions on to West Area Management for consideration at this Area Committee. It was indicated that it may also be possible for staff at the Area Management Office to arrange some match funding for these projects.
The Chair thanked Inspector Thomas for his helpful update and his presence at today’s meeting.