In accordance with Paragraphs 4:16 and 4:17 of the Community 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 Community 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:
Members of the public addressed the meeting under the provisions of Paragraphs 4:16 and 4:17 of the Community Committee Procedure Rules (Open Forum):
Denbigh Heights – Members received a representation about two service charge increases implemented, which it was felt amounted to a rent increase with no visible increase in services provided by Housing Leeds. Support was sought to challenge any future increase which could present hardship to the residents.
The Committee noted the response provided by the Housing Leeds representative present who also agreed to provide a breakdown of service and rent charges relevant to the Inner East area to Members.
Anti-social behaviour in the Bellbrookes locality – Members heard from a local housing charity based in the Bellbrookes voicing concern about a recent increase in theft (of Yorkshire stone paving) and anti-social behaviour. It was noted that local ward Councillors were aware of the theft and also graffiti to a local church; and a tasking meeting would consider the issues. Members also noted a comment that private landlords operating in the locality also had some responsibility for issues such as fly-tipping.
Connecting Crossgates – A representative of the voluntary organisation provided information on a new Hub due to open in the Crossgates Shopping Centre providing a drop-in centre, advice and information on local events. The Committee noted that many local residents visited the shopping centre and that; depending on the take-up of this first Hub initiative, the scheme could be rolled out to other localities
Fearnville Sports Centre – The Committee noted concern that proposals to rebuild the Sports centre may be jeopardised as the proposed adjacent school project was not now going ahead. Members provided reassurance that funding remained in place for the scheme, however further consultation was planned, to include consideration of the final location for the Sports Centre.
Fly-tipping in Harehills – Concern over the prevalence of fly-tipping throughout Harehills was raised; and that despite daily reporting to and collection by the environment team, fly-tipping continued. Local residents sought support from the Committee to tackle the issue. There was some discussion on the negative impact of the introduction of the fee for bulky waste collection; and on the role of private landlords and local education initiatives to encourage residents’ responsibility for their locality. The Chair supported a request for a letter from the Committee to the Executive Member with responsibility for the environment to highlight the ongoing issue in Harehills. Additionally, the Committee noted a suggestion for some bespoke work with local private landlords to seek their support in addressing this issue.
Spending of Development Contributions – In response to a query regarding the use of Section 106 & Community Infrastructure Levy funding in the Killingbeck & Seacroft ward, it was noted that a briefing meeting between officers and ward Councillors would be arranged.
Murton Close, Seacroft Alleyway – The Committee heard a representation from local residents of Merton Close seeking support for the closure of an alleyway in order to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime witnessed in the alleyway. Members heard concerns of the impact of the ongoing incidents on residents and their continued reporting of the incidents to the police. The Committee noted that this issue had been raised previously, but at that time insufficient evidence had been found to support the closure. The Committee noted the intention for this issue to be pursued by the three local ward Councillors.
RESOLVED - The CC noted that, where appropriate all of the matters raised would be referred to the relevant Member advisory sub group for further discussion and/or LCC Department in conjunction with local ward Councillors.