Agenda for Area 8 Committee on Wednesday, 24th June, 2015, 7.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: The Clifton Young People's Centre (formerly Green Lane Youth Centre)

Contact: Zena West  0115 8764305

Items
No. Item

1.

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR

Minutes:

Councillor Michael Edwards was appointed as the Chair for the 2015/16 municipal year.

2.

APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR

Minutes:

Councillor Pat Ferguson was appointed as the Vice-Chair for the 2015/16 municipal year.

3.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Councillor Chris Gibson – annual leave

Councillor Corrall Jenkins – personal reasons

Clare Ashton

4.

DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS

Minutes:

None.

5.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 247 KB

Last meeting held on 11 February 2015 (for confirmation)

Minutes:

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2015 as a correct record, and they were signed by the Chair.

6.

CLIFTON TOWN CENTRE ACTION PLAN

Presentation of Director of Economic Development

Minutes:

Mark Armstrong, Senior Regeneration Officer, presented a verbal update on the Clifton Town Centre Action Plan, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  Mark is becoming a Town Centre Co-ordinator, as part of the Action Plan. Clifton has 2 or 3 major projects happening at the moment, and needs to be ready to grow and prosper;

 

(b)  all areas of Clifton need to be looked at, not just the centre. Each area also needs to be examined collectively, rather than in isolation;

 

(c)  the Action Plan has been divided into short term projects (1 year), medium term projects (2-3 years), and longer term projects;

 

(d)  the tram is likely to have a very large impact, with an influx of new people to Clifton using the park and ride. The aim will be to get them off the tram and into the shops, rather than straight into their cars;

 

(e)  central Clifton shops are at almost 100% capacity, which is excellent news;

 

(f)  an urban extension is taking place in Rushcliffe, and ideally the new people living there should be drawn in to the shops in Clifton;

 

(g)  the market is within Council control, so the Council can have a direct impact on its success. There is opportunity and potential funding available to renew all the market stalls;

 

(h)  it is difficult to know in advance what issues may arise with pedestrian flow routes as a result of the tram. The alleyway through to Morrison’s needs improvement, but there is insufficient funding available to improve the whole road leading to the alley;

 

(i)  the Holy Trinity shopping area is very attractive, but still has some large issues, including a gas box and some shop canopies in need of replacement. Pressure can be brought to improve the appearance of the gas box, and the Council will work with the shop owners to improve the canopies. Street furniture improvements are also being investigated;

 

(j)  market forces will help to bring about many physical regeneration projects, but the Council can also help to facilitate these improvements;

 

(k)  the next steps for the Action Plan include a stringent approval process involving Directors, Portfolio Holders, and the Strategic Regeneration Committee. After this there will be a consultation period. Overall there are 131 pages of actions, of which around 80% will be achievable, with more options potentially becoming apparent throughout the consultation process.

 

Following questions, comments and discussion from the Committee, Mark Armstrong provided further information:

 

(l)  a survey will need to be completed regarding the space above shops. Some national operators don’t like to have accommodation above their premises, they prefer for the space to be used as storage or meeting space. It is preferable from a regeneration perspective to have the spaces occupied, or at least decorated and maintained to look occupied, but both of these options need to happen in consultation with the shop owners;

 

(m)  speed bumps are beyond the current remit of the Action Plan, which is more focused on the shops  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

MARKETING UPDATE

Verbal update from Neighbourhood Development Officers

Minutes:

Prairie Bryant, Neighbourhood Development Officer, provided a verbal update to the Committee on a recent meeting with the Council’s Marketing Team which discussed what could be done to promote Clifton. Prairie provided information on the following planned events, promotions, and issues:

 

(a)  a flyer is being produced detailing the types of business Clifton has to offer, along with information on its parks and upcoming events, such as the Clifton Festival and Clifton Open Day;

 

(b)  a marketing information pack is being produced for local business, to help them encourage potential customers from the tram;

 

(c)  the Town Team is working to combine the efforts of the Marketing Strategy with the Town Plan;

 

(d)  the City Council can help and encourage local business, but ultimately it is down to them to use the help available and implement strategies to increase customer numbers;

 

(e)  Prairie welcomed ideas from the Committee on how Clifton’s Community Centres can be promoted.

 

Further points were raised as a result of discussion and comment from the Committee:

 

(f)  the way people travel and think about their location in relation to the City centre and to Clifton will invariably change with the arrival of the tram. Wilford will be on the way to Clifton, and the Meadows will be on the same tram line:

 

(g)  tram advertising is very expensive, and so isn’t being explored as an option for the Clifton Marketing Strategy. The strategy is more focused on what people will do once they’ve arrived in Clifton;

 

(h)  there is still no date for the completion of the tram, which is making planning of publicity and celebrations quite difficult. As such, the Marketing Strategy doesn’t have a specific timescale for implementation; the aim is to start as soon as possible;

 

(i)  whilst the marketing of Clifton is not all connected to the tram, it is important to recognise that the tram presents a significant opportunity. Other events happening in Clifton include the beach party, Get Clifton Moving, and a teddy bears’ picnic.

 

RESOLVED to thank Prairie and the Marketing Team for the update, and for their efforts in promoting Clifton.

8.

PREPARING FOR THE TRAM pdf icon PDF 24 KB

Report and Presentation of Director of Planning and Transport

Minutes:

Chris Carter, Transport Strategy Service Manager, presented a report on preparing for the tram in Clifton, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  the new tram lines will go out to Clifton and to Chilwell, and there will also be increased frequency on the existing line as far as Bulwell. The new park and ride in Clifton will have 1,500 spaces;

 

(b)  there is a new transport hub at Nottingham Train station, with fantastic opportunity for direct connections across the city;

 

(c)  the majority of bus routes in Nottingham are run commercially. Whilst it is unknown how these existing bus routes may be affected by the new tram lines, Nottingham City Council has not yet received notice from any bus company wishing to alter their service;

 

(d)  the Link bus services are run by the City Council, and are designed to fill in any gaps in other transport provision. After the tram has opened, an analysis will take place of where any new gaps may be, and if any previous gaps have been filled, with a view to directing the Link service coverage where it is needed most;

 

(e)  the new tram lines will be part of the Kangaroo integrated ticketing system. Currently, transport operators set fares, and set a premium cost on integrated ticketing. Additional transport powers may be awarded to Councils as part of proposed devolution which may affect ticket prices, but there are currently commercial restrictions on pricing;

 

(f)  there are parallel cycling and pedestrian facilities along large sections of the tram line, and there will be a cycle hire hub at the Clifton park and ride site;

 

(g)  the rural section of the A453 should be open in June or July 2015.

 

Following questions, comments and discussion from the Committee, Chris provided the following additional information:

 

(h)  the 48 and 11 bus services which share part of their route with the new tram line are both commercially operated. Nottingham City Council has no control over whether they will continue to operate with the same frequency or route once the tram is open, this will depend on the demand for the services. Whilst bus services provision from commercial operators is at the operators’ discretion, there is potentially sufficient demand to sustain both services. There is minimal overlap of the 11 services with the new tram route, as the 11 also serves residents in Lady Bay;

 

(i)  there is no fence between pedestrians and the trams on the Wilford toll bridge, as it operates on a similar principle of separation as a road and pavement. It is not anticipated that this will cause any issues, but safety of pedestrians on the bridge will be monitored closely;

 

(j)  Nottingham City Council is working closely with Peddles (a cycling advocacy group) regarding cyclists using the Wilford toll bridge safely. Collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are statistically very rare, and analysis of previous collisions reveals that they are usually the fault of the pedestrian. Often cyclists travel very close to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

REQUEST FOR AUTHORISATION TO STOP UP PUBLIC FOOTPATHS AT BROADMARSH CENTRE pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Report of Corporate Director for Development and Growth

Minutes:

John Lee, Senior Rights of Way Operator, presented a request to the Committee for a Stopping Up Order. The Order will permanently close two footpaths: one running between Lister Gate and Collin Street through the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, and the other running from the Broadmarsh shopping centre through the subway under Colin Street to Carrington Street. The stopping up is necessary to enable to redevelopment of the shopping centre. The order will also create a more direct replacement footpath between Lister Gate and Collin Street.

 

RESOLVED to authorise the Corporate Director for Development and Growth to make and confirm a Stopping Up Oder under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

10.

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY - CLIFTON NORTH pdf icon PDF 741 KB

Minutes:

Parbinder Singh, Neighbourhood Action Officer, presented an update on performance in the Clifton North ward, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  in January/February/March 2015 there were 13 fewer crimes than in January/February/March 2014;

 

(b)  the largest increase in this period was for criminal damage, which saw an increase of 5 crimes;

 

(c)  there was 1 less call to the anti-social behaviour line;

 

(d)  street cleanliness in Clifton North rates higher than average for the City;

 

(e)  there was a decrease in fly-tipping and dog fouling, and a slight increase in graffiti;

 

(f)  according to claimant rates for Job Seekers Allowance, unemployment in Clifton North has fallen by 333 people;

 

(g)  the re-opening of Southchurch Drive and the widened urban section of the A453 have been received very positively, as has the re-opening of the Clifton Young People’s Centre;

 

(h)  the May Day event was very successful.

 

RESOLVED to thank Parbinder for the performance update.

11.

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY - CLIFTON SOUTH pdf icon PDF 774 KB

Minutes:

Prairie Bryant, Neighbourhood Development Officer, presented a report on performance in the Clifton South ward, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  in January/February/March 2015 there was an increase in crime from January/February/March 2014;

 

(b)  anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and dog fouling all decreased over this period, whilst cleanliness levels increased;

 

(c)  graffiti levels went up, but there were only 3 incidents;

 

(d)  the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance decreased by 292;

 

(e)  there are concerns in the area regarding the closure of the Clifton Nurses Access Point, and the location of the new urgent care centre. Some elderly patients will not go as far as the nearest walk in centre for minor treatments, which could exacerbate their medical issues. The Access Point has been incredibly successful, with over 6,000 people visiting in 1 year, however the Clinical Commissioning Group has launched a consultation on its closure, and the City Council has no powers to intervene. It is important that the success of the centre is raised at the consultation and that local people’s concerns are raised;

 

RESOLVED to:

 

(1)  thank Prairie for the performance update;

 

(2)  bring an item on the proposed closure of the Nurses Access Point to the next meeting of the Area 8 Committee.

12.

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY - BRIDGE pdf icon PDF 922 KB

Minutes:

Prairie Bryant, Neighbourhood Development Officer, presented a report on performance in the Bridge ward, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  in January/February/March 2015 there was a decrease in crime from January/February/March 2014;

 

(b)  anti-social behaviour increased over this period. The biggest issue for anti-social behaviour surrounded Arwright Walk and the Bridgeway Shopping Centre. Some residential blocks scheduled for demolition have not been demolished quickly enough, which has been attracting some negative behaviour and fly-tipping. Nottingham City Council are asking Nottingham City Homes to keep on top of this issue and remove fences on empty properties, so that rubbish cannot be dumped out of sight behind them;

 

(c)  cleanliness levels went up, and exceeded neighbourhood targets. Graffiti, fly-tipping and dog fouling levels all decreased;

 

(d)  the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance decreased by 520;

 

(e)  some trees on Queen’s Walk have been damaged by dogs;

 

(f)  the Committee noted that the windows on the Mundella Centre may be in need of repair or maintenance.

 

RESOLVED to thank Prairie for the performance update.

13.

PERFORMANCE - NOTTINGHAM CITY HOMES UPDATE pdf icon PDF 493 KB

Report of Chief Executive, Nottingham City Homes

Minutes:

Wade Adams, Tenancy and Estates Manager Clifton for Nottingham City Homes (NCH), presented an update on NCH performance, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  100% of NCH properties now meet the Decent Homes standard;

 

(b)  over 200 apprentices have been taken on by NCH;

 

(c)  customer satisfaction is at 87%, which is the highest it has ever been;

 

(d)  a programme of external wall insulation is being carried out on NCH properties in Clifton South;

 

(e)  the Tenant/Leaseholder Congress is now known as the Communities in Action Group;

 

(f)  the New Meadows Tenant & Resident Association has secured a £27,000 grant from the People’s Health Trust to deliver a project to welcome new residents to the Meadows and help them to integrate into the community;

 

(g)  most performance indicators for NCH are on target or have exceeded their targets. More details can be found on pages 84 to 94 of the agenda (appendix 2 of the report);

 

(h)  CCTV cameras to reduce incidents of fly-tipping are often not a practical use of resources. They are expensive, and once they are spotted, fly-tipping simply moves to a new location. Anyone who spots fly-tipping in progress, or wants to report a fly-tipping area, can do so using the anti-social behaviour helpline.

 

RESOLVED to thank Chris for the performance update.

14.

PERFORMANCE - POLICE AND CRIME UPDATE

Minutes:

Sergeant Paul Ferguson, of Nottinghamshire Police, presented an update on crime and policing across the wards, highlighting the following points:

 

(a)  crime overall has increased by 0.5%, or by 3 crimes;

 

(b)  violence against a person has increased by 30.5%. Of these incidents, 53.2% are related to domestic violence, and 22.31% are classed as stranger violence;

 

(c)  64% of crimes happen in dwellings, and a lot of work is being done to tackle this issue;

 

(d)  burglary levels have decreased, but are still high, particularly in Clifton South, and particularly involving garages;

 

(e)  there is an issue with auto crime offences in the Meadows and near the Universities;

 

(f)  main priorities involve focusing extra patrols on Arkwright Walk and Bridgeway;

 

(g)  criminal damage is down over the last 2 weeks.

 

RESOLVED to thank Sergeant Ferguson for the performance update.

15.

AREA CAPITAL FUND pdf icon PDF 404 KB

Report of Strategic Director for Commercial and Neighbourhood Services

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Parbinder Singh, Neighbourhood Action Officer, informed the Committee of an updated appendix to the report, reflecting an additional scheme: retaining strip at the Wilford Village Green, and further de-committed funds.

 

RESOLVED to:

 

(1)  note the monies available to the wards:

 

Bridge Ward

Clifton North

Clifton South

LTP/Public Realm available balance

£120,187.00

£74,263.00

£96,325.00

Environmental Schemes available balance

£169,924.00

£81,969.60

£117,685.34

 

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

 

Location

Description of scheme

Estimated Cost

Bridge LTP/ Public Realm Schemes

City-wide (Bridge ward contribution)

3 year city-wide programme of reshaping or replanting trees and felling of inappropriately placed trees.

£5,000.00

Clifton North LTP/ Public Realm Schemes

City-wide (Clifton North ward contribution)

3 year city-wide programme of reshaping or replanting trees and felling of inappropriately placed trees.

£5,000.00

Wilford Village Green

Installation of retaining strip to protect the edge of the green and make good damage caused by parking.

£1,987.00

Clifton South LTP/ Public Realm Schemes

Junction of Listowell Crescent/ Dungannon Road

Installation of pencil bollards and junction protection.

£10,000.00

City-wide (Clifton South ward contribution)

3 year city-wide programme of reshaping or replanting trees and felling of inappropriately placed trees.

£5,000.00

Bridge Environmental Schemes

Brightmoor Court, City Centre

Install a gate at the front side entrance of the court, next to the main gates.

£2,850.00

Cranbrook Street, City Centre

Install metal archway gates between 32-34 and 36-38 Cranbrook Street.

£5,140.00

Brookfield Court, Meadows, Independent Living Scheme

Fencing work to compliment the Grander Design works which are planned at the Independent Living Scheme.

£27,212.00

Blackstone Walk and Manifold Gardens, Meadows

Have 'skip gardens' planted on the de-commissioned sites to be managed by Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens.

£4,195.00

The Green, Meadows

NCH contributing to installing a new play area in 'The Green', the Meadows, around Middle Furlong Gardens and Tarbert Close.

£15,000.00

Clifton North Environmental Schemes

Bridge Farm Lane

Erect a 6 foot high lockable gate to the garage site.

£1,690.40

Clifton South Environmental Schemes

Pear Tree Orchard, Ruddington Independent Living Scheme

Erect No Parking signs, re-paint parking bays, paint double yellow lines, and install a dropped kerb.

£3,267.60

 

16.

DELEGATED AUTHORITY PROJECTS pdf icon PDF 258 KB

Report of Strategic Director for Commercial and Neighbourhood Services

Minutes:

RESOLVED to:

 

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

Scheme

Councillor(s)

Total

Spectacolor – Floral display at Bridgeway Centre

Bridge Ward Pooled Budget

£2,326.64

Manzil (Asian Women’s Organisation)

£1,095.00

Meadows Moving Forward – Cricket Tournament

£250.00

Your Choice Your Voice – Dragons Den

£2,000.00

Additional cost for Your Choice Your Voice – Dragons Den event

£182.58

Mosaic at Queens Walk Recreation Park

Nicola Heaton and Michael Edwards

£500.00

South Locality Volunteer Achievement Award Ceremony

£529.00

Meadows Library Grotto with Santa

£500.00

Spectacolor - Floral Display at Bridgeway Centre and Planter at Queens Walk Community Centre Car Park

£2,327.00

Meadows Scouts Group – Hall hire charges

Michael Edwards

£600.00

Clifton Christmas Light Upgrade

Pat Ferguson, Tim Spencer and Roger Steel

£1,150.00

Picnic in the Park 2014

£1,750.00

British Legion Defibrillator

£675.00

Clifton May Day Event

£700.00

Good Companions Project

£3,000.00

Clifton FC

£1,000.00

Clifton Bowls Club

£659.00

Picnic in the Park 2015

£1,750.00

Clifton Community Centre – CCTV System

£1,000.00

Christmas Light Upgrade – additional allocation

£340.00

Clifton Open Group

£750.00

Silverdale Community Association – Christmas Party

£460.00

South of Nottingham Volunteer Achievements Awards

£529.00

Wilford Church Luncheon Club

£1,080.00

Good Companions – Xmas Party for Older People

£275.00

Floral Display in Wilford Village

Tim Spencer and Roger Steel

£481.00

Wilford Social Club

£1,000.00

Pigeon infestation underneath bridges - Wilford

£700.00

Floral Display in Wilford Village 2015

£530.00

Additional Grit Bin for Fabis Drive

£1,430.00

Clifton Community Family Support Group

Pat Ferguson and Tim Spencer

£915.00

Good Companions Project 2015

£1,500.00

Varney Road Shops regeneration

Pat Ferguson

£2,500.00

Clifton Central ‘Flower’ Park

£1,200.00

Activities at Silverdale Community Centre

£1,000.00

Clifton Childminding Group

£780.00

St Wilfrid’s Church – accessible toilets

Tim Spencer

£405.00

Good Companions Project 2015

£1,000.00

Wilford Village Bonfire

Roger Steel

£1,500.00

Royal British Legion – Poppy Commemoration

£100.00

Christmas Lights at Wilford Village Green

£150.00

Good Companions

Chris Gibson, Ian Malcolm and Jeannie Packer

£3,000.00

Clifton Bowls Club

£657.00

Clifton Centre Marketing

£6,000.00

Clifton Village Residents Association – WWI plaque

£255.00

Remembrance Day Wreath 2014

£45.00

Christmas Light Upgrade – additional allocation

£340.00

Clifton Open Group

£750.00

South Locality Volunteer Awards

£529.00

Good Companions – Xmas Party for Older People

£275.00

Nobel Road Clearance

£250.00

Advice on Clifton Village Green protection

£1,500.00

Clifton Local Card Scheme

£3,500.00

Green Lane Youth Centre – external improvements

£994.00

Good Companions 2015 – 2016

£3,000.00

Picnic in the Park 2015

£1,750.00

Literacy Volunteers

Chris Gibson and Ian Malcolm

£1,029.00

Event to commemorate the end of WWII in Europe

Jeannie Packer

£1,035.00

Clifton Town Centre – additional allocation

Ian Malcolm

£1,985.00

 

(2)  note that each Ward Councillor has a Ward Member Budget Revenue allocation of £5,000 for 2015/16.

17.

DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

To meet on the following dates at 7pm:

 

16 September 2015

11 November 2015

10 February 2016

Minutes:

AGREED to meet on the following dates at 7pm:

16 September 2015

11 November 2015

10 February 2016