Agenda and minutes

Councillor Tim Spencer

Richard Gutteridge – Nottingham 26^th Scout Group

Bashir Latif – Meadows Muslim Centre

Although Councillors Gibson and Steel did not have a pecuniary interest, they excused themselves from voting on item 31, as they are members of the Planning Committee which may later consider an application for a the new cricket pavilion. Councillor Edwards, who is also a member of the Planning Committee, chose to speak and vote on the item at this meeting, and waived his right to participate in discussion at any subsequent Planning Committee involving the cricket pavilion.

Last meeting held on 10 September 2014 (for confirmation)

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2014 as a correct record and they were signed by the Chair.

Report of Director of Public Health, Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City

Lynne McNiven, Consultant in Public Health, presented information on Public Health to the Area Committee. Public Health are able to offer health and fitness support, and hoped to start a conversation with Area Committees about the direction and priorities for each area. Lynne provided the following information on areas that Public Health is already keen to support, and actions already taken:

(a)  Mental health, obesity and childhood obesity are already key areas for Public Health to focus on in all areas of the City.

(b)  Free school meals have been rolled out to all key Stage 1 pupils. There has been an increased uptake of free school meals, and pupils are showing a greater knowledge of where food comes from. Some schools are already reporting that pupils are paying better attention in the afternoon, due to better nutrition.

(c)  Public Health are able to offer support to local projects encouraging healthy eating, such as community garden schemes and food co-operatives. Funding is available for local food growing and for tackling obesity. There is strong evidence that gardening is an excellent low impact exercise, and local health centres could refer patients to local schemes.

(d)  Increasing physical activity is a citywide priority, and Public Health can support initiatives such as outdoor gyms.

(e)  As well as improving health, Public Health is also concerned with preventing ill health, injuries and accidents. They promote initiatives such as road safety campaigns and reducing speed limits, and also provide assistance to decrease home accidents, such as stair gates and cooker cupboards. A 20 miles per hour speed limit is being introduced in the Meadows next month, along with “rest at red” traffic stops to naturally slow traffic, and increased bus shelters to encourage greater use of public transport.

Following discussion from the Area Committee Councillors and Community Representatives, the following areas and issues were identified for focus:

(f)  Dance provision in the area is currently lacking. Community representatives expressed an interest in dance, as it encourages and promotes fitness, whilst also appealing to citizens who may not necessarily be attracted to more tradition fitness activities such as team sports.

(g)  Initiatives to increase day-to-day activity, such as walking and cycling instead of taking the car, should also be encouraged. Fitness and increased activity is not just about going to the gym.

(h)  There is growing demand for a petanque or boules playing area.

(i)  Schools and nurseries are included in Public Health service mapping, and it is intended that pre-schools will also be included in future.

(j)  Outdoor activity that is suitable for younger children is also important, such as having play equipment near to outdoor gym equipment.

(k)  Mental health is a very large issue. Whilst Public Health is not responsible for commissioning mental health services, they do have a role in mental health promotional, preventative work, and in encouraging people back to work. Mental health is being given an increased focus and priority, with the new report templates for Health and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Presentation by Mark Armstrong, Senior Regeneration Officer

Mark Armstrong, Senior Regeneration Officer, presented the following information on the proposed Clifton Town Centre Action Plan:

(a)  The Plan will consist of short term “quick wins”, medium and long term actions, and strategic objectives. Some measures need to be taken towards improvement as soon as possible, both to capitalise on the imminent arrival of the tram in Clifton, and to benefit from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s proposed urban expansion and ensure that does not draw shoppers away from Clifton.

(b)  The Team will recommend working with the Nottingham City Council’s Markets section on re-launching the popular local market with themed markets to add value, such as farmer’s markets, craft markets, and local produce markets.

(c)  The Regeneration Team is currently researching how to improve pedestrian access to the Town Centre, especially around the Morrison’s supermarket.

(d)  Minor shop frontage improvements would have a positive effect on the Town Centre.

(e)  The introduction of appropriate signage will be explored for tram users who are not familiar with the local area, and improvements will be made to existing street furniture. A lack of children’s play facilities in the Town Centre has also been identified.

(f)  In terms of longer term strategic aims, further research is needed into the demand for retail space within The Town Centre.

(g)  Regeneration projects elsewhere have involved establishing a ‘Town Team’,  made up of community and retail representatives. Town Teams help to identify, ‘own’ and take forward improvement projects.

The Committee provided the following feedback, suggestions and questions:

(h)  There was consensus that improvements to shop frontages would benefit the Town Centre, and that it needed to adapt to the changes brought by the tram.

(i)  The view was expressed that there were potentially significant longer-term development opportunities in and around the Town Centre, which could modernise the area, increase the variety of retail offer and relocate businesses not requiring a Town Centre location.

(j)  The installation of rain canopies in front of Town Centre shops could be a ‘quick win’ improvement.

(k)  There are currently no public toilets, limited parking available, and limited disabled access to shops. Improvements should also take place on other shopping parades, not just the Town Centre.

(l)  Mr Armstrong undertook to liaise further with ward councillors, to circulate an update with agenda papers for the Area Committee’s February 2015 meeting, and to attend the Committee’s May 2015 meeting if requested to do so to report the Regeneration Team’s progress.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  thank Mark Armstrong for the presentation and his contribution to the discussion on Clifton’s Town Plan;

(2)  request an update on the Town Centre Action Plan, to be circulated with the February 2015 agenda for the Area 8 Committee;

(3)  invite the Regeneration Team to present any further updates at the May meeting of the Area 8 Committee.

Report of Corporate Director for Community Services

Eddie Curry, Head of Parks and Open Spaces, presented the report of the Corporate Director of Community Services and the Director of Sports Culture and Parks, highlighting the following points:

(a)  The Victoria Embankment cricket pavilion is a popular local structure, but has been unused for a number of years. It has been vandalised and is in a poor state. There are birds in the building and it is a maintenance liability.

(b)  Plans were drawn up to assess the viability of restoring the existing pavilion. The new pavilion will need to be accessible, usable, and financially viable. The plans involve the clearing of internal walls and installation of support pillars, and additional drilling into the foundations for pillar support. It is not known if the foundations would be strong enough to support the pillars. In order to make the building accessible, the pavilion would either need an extension with an external lift, or the installation of extended steps and a ramp. An external lift would cause extensive ongoing maintenance issues and costs, and due to the height of the raised steps on the building, a slope would take up a large amount of space. Either structure would be prohibitively expensive.

(c)  Cricket governing bodies require certain minimum standards for pavilions, which must include: 4 changing rooms, disabled access, 2 officials’ rooms, a tea room or kitchen, and an external viewing area. Without this minimum standard, governing bodies are very unlikely to help with funding for a refurbishment project. The re-design of the existing pavilion could only accommodate 2 changing rooms, and would not meet the minimum requirements.

Tracey Francis, of Nottinghamshire Cricket Club, presented further information on behalf of the English Cricket Board (ECB):

(d)  Mabers, a local architect firm, offered free design services for a heritage project, and have put together a plan for a new cricket pavilion on Victoria Embankment.

(e)  Potential funding for the project would come from the Trent Bridge Community Trust, a registered charity of the ECB and Trent Bridge. However, funds will not be released unless the project meets the ECBs minimum requirements. It is not possible to meet these requirements and to retain the old building.

(f)  One of the entrances to an old school building within the Meadows has been salvaged, and worked into the proposed design for the new building, to retain some heritage from the area. The pitch of the roof has also been changed to closer match the old building.

A representative of Friends of Victoria Embankment expressed his views against the proposals:

(g)  A covenant is in place to protect the recreation ground, and to ensure that no businesses can operate there. One of the proposed activities to be run from the new pavilion will be “Last Man Stands” which is a business venture, resulting in someone making a profit. The Meadows’ Cricket Club has so far not joined Last Man Stands on principle.

(h)  The pavilion could be dismantled completely, and restored properly, with additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Inspector Nick Waldram of Nottinghamshire Police, presented an update on crime and crime performance in the area:

(a)  Crime has reduced overall, and there is now better logging of incidents.

(b)  Shed break-ins have increased, with thieves targeting push bikes, tools, fishing equipment. A number of arrests have been made, but the break-ins are continuing. Perpetrators of shed break-ins are harder to catch, as victims may not realise items are missing straight away, and also suffer less punishment if caught than for other types of burglary. Dwelling burglaries have decreased.

(c)  There have been a number of thefts from vehicles, including theft of power tools from work vans, by perpetrators using fake keys and not forcing entry by damaging the vehicle.

(d)  There have been some burglary issues from the Travelodge, and Police have been working with  the hotel to prevent further crime.

(e)  There have been continued low levels of damage to vehicles and anti-social behaviour. On Arkwright Walk, fireworks were fired at cars and buildings.

Following questions and comments from the Committee, additional information was provided:

(f)  Silverdale citizens can now access the Silverdale alert system by visiting http://www.nottinghamshirealert.co.uk and entering their postcode.

(g)  A small number of shed alarms are available for free from the local Police.

(h)  Reports of quad bikes and off-road bikes have decreased in the last 6 months. The Police can seize these vehicles but have no powers to pursue.

(i)  There have been some minor disturbances at Lark Hill retirement village, with young men climbing over the fence. No offences have been committed, but the Police have moved them on.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  note the crime performance information provided by Inspector Nick Waldram, and thank him for the informative update:

(2)  note the Ward Performance information as provided in the agenda:

(3)  note the Nottingham City Homes performance information as provided in the agenda.

Report of Strategic Director, Commercial and Neighbourhood Services

RESOLVED to:

(1)  note the following actions taken under delegated authority, as agreed by the Strategic Director of Commercial and Neighbourhood Services:

(2)  note the individual Ward Members Budget Review allocation of £5,000.00 per Councillor for 2015/16.

Report of Strategic Director, Commercial and Neighbourhood Services

RESOLVED to:

(1)  note the monies available to Bridge, Clifton North and Clifton South Wards as below:

(2)  approve the following programme of schemes for Clifton North and Bridge Wards: