Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED  for Joint Vice-Chair Councillor Eunice Campbell, to Chair the meeting inthe absence of the Chair, Councillor Hartshorne.

To note that Councillor Cheryl Barnard has been elected to represent Bulwell Forest Ward.

RESOLVED to note the election of Councillor Cheryl Barnard to represent Bulwell Forest Ward.

Councillor John Hartshorne – leave

Councillor Cheryl Barnard – leave

Councillor Jackie Morris – Health

Reg Knowles

Joseph Zulu

Gillian Slack

Doreen Curruthers

None.

Of the meeting held on 27 September 2017 (for confirmation)

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2017 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair presiding at the meeting.

Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.

Nottinghamshire Police Inspector, Christine Busuttil, verbally updated the Committee with crime statistics for the Area compared to the same two week period last year.  As reporting methods had changed part way through this quarter period last year, the last 2 week period of this and last year’s criminal activity reporting applied the same recording methods and so were provided a more accurate comparison.

For the Bulwell Forest Ward:

o  Violent crime has neither risen nor fallen;

o  Domestic violence without injury is down by 2 incidents;

o  Robbery is up by 2 (but 4 young males have been arrested for one instance and 3 of them remanded. It is a concern that the criminal activity of these men had rapidly spiralled very quickly from low-level criminal activity);

o  Burglary was up by 9 incidents, mainly from sheds (non-residential);

o  Criminal damage and arson is reducing.

 For Bulwell ward:

o  Robbery was up by 1 to 2;

o  There was 1 domestic violence report;

o  General, opportunistic theft has risen;

o  shop theft has risen, specifically at Boot and Wilkinson’s in the run-up to Christmas;

o  Police have arrested 3 men in a stolen van full of tools stolen from other vans. One received a suspended sentence and rehabilitation order;

o  A prolific offender has also been arrested and sentenced;

There haven’t been any recent purse thefts but this sort of crime does appear to rise at this time of year and everyone is reminded to keep valuable items purchased for Christmas, out of plain sight and not to have lots of Christmas presents on view under the Christmas tree. In addition, if you’re going away, it’s not a good idea to advertise this on social media. A gun amnesty is currently operating – more details are available online.

RESOLVED to thank Inspector Busuttil for her attendance and update.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services 

Neighbourhood Development Officers Suki Shergill and Celia Knight introduced the Area Capital Report which proposes Area Capital and Public Realm (Local Transport Plan –LTP) funded schemes within each Ward.

It is noted that some of the funding allocation towards the Carey Road tram and railway crossing feasibility study has been spent but as of yet no solutions have been identified to solve the barrier failure issues.

Councillor and citizens expressed frustration at the inconvenience caused to pedestrians, drivers regarding the long diversion, and to bus passengers, particularly when unknowingly waiting for a bus that was not going to arrive.

Alternative traffic control measures have been investigated but due to the complex road lay out in the vicinity of the crossing, it is not possible to install traffic lights similar to the arrangement at Basford Crossings.

The barriers have failed on 22 instances during a recent twelve month period which is not considered acceptable. The Area Committee is funding CCTV cameras to be temporarily focused on the crossing to try and identify if damage is being caused to the barriers by people bouncing and riding on them or pushing through them. Once it is understood if the failures are due to such damage,  then a new approach may be taken although Network Rail have stated that they currently have no plans to change the barriers.

Community representatives were alarmed at the cost of £70,000 to undertake the consultations and liaisons necessary and install a zebra crossing outside ParkVale Academy.

RESOLVED

(1)  with regard to Bulwell Ward:

(a)  to approve the following Local Transport Plan scheme:

(b)  to approve the following Public Realm schemes:

(c)  to note the following financial position:

(2)  with regard to Bulwell Forest Ward:

(a)  to approve the following Local Transport Plan scheme:

(b)  to note that there are noPublic Realm schemes proposed at this time;

(c)  to note the following financial position:

AT THIS POINT COUNCILLOR NICK MCDONALD LEFT THE MEETING AND THE MEETING BECAME INQUORATE AND CONTINUED INFORMALLY.

Councillor Toby Neal to attend as Portfolio Holder for Community and Customer Services.

Councillor Toby Neal attended the meeting in his role of Portfolio Holder for Community and Customer Services, to inform the Committee that some aspects of Neighbourhood Services were to become the responsibility of the Community Protection Department as of 1 December 2017 as part of the drive improve service co-ordination, and help ‘design out crime’ in neighbourhoods .

A ‘Nottingham Together’ grant has been received to help target specific criminal/anti-social issues identified by citizens as a particular problem in local neighbourhoods.  All communities are encouraged to report issues to CPOs/Ward Councillors/ Cllr Neal himself and offer potential solutions to ‘design out crime’. Communities across the City are recognised as differing greatly with a range of diversity so an individual, neighbourhood specific approach is to be taken while at the same time improving co-ordination of related services.

Communities and community groups are being asked to identify local priorities which can then feed into a broader plan. Further information on the priorities identified and the approach to address issues will be available in the New Year.

Community representatives identified the following issues:

o  People cycling inconsiderately on pavements and in the market place;

o  On-road parking which restricts traffic flow at junctions when capacity is reduced to a single carriageway and restricts visibility for traffic emerging from side roads;

o  A lack of parking enforcement.

AGREED to note the presentation and thank Councillor Neal for his attendance.

Lisa Elliker, Project Manager, to present.

Lisa Ellika, Project Manager, delivered a presentation on Local Information Online Nottingham (LION) and was accompanied by Nuno Fernandes, Families Information Service Directory Co-Ordinator.

LION has been designed to be an online one-stop information hub to provide information on local services. LION aims to provide citizens with choice and control and is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

LION was only launched during the summer this year but already has 2,557 accounts registered by service providers with 188 entries relating to services in and for Area 1. A variety of information and advice is available and relevant for citizens of all ages from City Council and NHS Health Services to information on what’s available from voluntary sector groups and churches.

Although steadily expanding, it is recognised that LION will continue to be a ‘work in progress’ and there may still be some gaps in the information available, which once identified, can be focused on to address. Community groups and organisations can provide valuable local knowledge so community representatives are encouraged to help identify and report information gaps and promote LION.

To date, approximately 3,500 (4%) of the users have accessed information relating to Area 1, but it is not possible to determine where those users actually live. The access activity can be identified and a summary list was circulated at the meeting along with the top-20 Area 1 relevant sites visited via LION. A more comprehensive list is to be issued with the initial publication of the minutes.

In addition to the web based facility, for those who cannot or prefer not to access the internet, a Freephone number of 0800 458 4114 also operates during office hours.

Community groups and organisations are able to register on LION with assistance available during office hours if required.

Suggestions and comments from the Committee included:

(a)  the ‘take a seat’ campaign promoted by Nottingham University and Age Friendly Nottingham should be included so those who need to rest while shopping etc. can find out where there is public seating and which shops/offices offer the use of a seat;

(b)  this is a really good idea and wholly supported;

(c)  a directory of ‘changing places’ toilets suitable for disabled citizens should be included;

(d)  The site must be simple and easy to navigate, with simple language;

(e)  The Freephone access option is welcomed.

AGREED  to note the presentation and record the Committee’s thanks to Lisa and Nuno for attending.

NCH Tenant and Community Engagement Officer and a local Street Champion to provide a verbal presentation.

Jon Cass, Tenant and Community Engagement Manager, was accompanied by Adele Brooksbank, Nottingham City Homes Street/Block Champion, to promote the

Street/Block Champion scheme which is hosted by Nottingham City Homes.

There are approximately 70 active volunteer Block/Street Champions but NCH are still recruiting tenants/lease holders and residents living in areas where there are NCH properties, to report problems such as fly tipping and maintenance issues to NCH, help neighbours who need support, promote their area and arrange community activities/engagement including litter picks.

Anyone wanting to get involved should contact the Tenant and Community Engagement Team who will arrange for the Housing Patch Manager to visit and discuss what is involved and required and what training may be available through the Tenant Academy. Training can be provided to help volunteers acquire new skills or improve existing skills which will benefit their voluntary role but also which may be useful in employment.

Adele, a local resident of Logan Street, became involved a few months ago and informed the Committee that she feels her activity in the role has been beneficial to her and also her local community. Adele has arranged another group litter pick for 3 December on Pirate Park, for which 30 local residents have expressed an interest in taking part. In addition, Adele has liaised with CPO Laura Arnold, to help resolve local resident’s ASB issues and has managed to get a litter bin installed in what was a litter hot-spot but which is now much cleaner.

The Committee’s questions were responded to as follows:

(a)  The scheme is not open only to NCH tenants and leaseholders if residents are keen to become involved and live in an area with NCH properties where NCH has an obvious presence, but only NCH Tenants can attend the Academy;

(b)  11 new champions were recruited at a recent engagement event;

(c)  The Team is not specifically targeting Tenant and Resident (T&R) groups but  welcomes their support;

(d)  NCH is linking this scheme with City Council schemes, to pool resources and ensure co-ordination.

Committee members commented:

(e)  There was a noticeably positive difference in the Logan Road Area and Adele should be applauded for her achievements;

(f)  NCH needs to provide support for new and emerging T&R groups to ensure citizen engagement, particularly in areas where groups no longer exist such as the Deptford Crescent area;

(g)  Consideration should be given to the branding of the promotional leaflets as initially they appear only relevant to NCH tenants. Clarifying that the scheme is sponsored by NCH may be more beneficial in attracting and recruiting local residents.

 AGREED to thank Jon Cass and Adele Brooksbank for their attendance and presentation, and to congratulate Adele on her achievements so far.

Report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Joanne Smith, Nottingham City Homes Area Housing Manager, presented the report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes which provides performance information, and reports activity in the area.

It is noted that on this occasion no requests for environmental improvement projects have been submitted but achieving and exceeding performance targets was highlighted.

It is noted that with reference to ‘The People’s Choice’ community group delivering a community arts project to redecorate the pedestrian underpass leading on to the estate, project had been 50% funded by City Councillors and not wholly by NCH.

Joanne responded to concerns as to how evictions are handled by assuring the Committee that eviction is the very last option taken by NCH and before it was even considered, concerted efforts are made to engage with the tenant and resolve issues or work with tenants to support them and come to an agreement. However, where tenants refuse to engage or correspond with NCH, or do not maintain an agreement, eviction may be the result.

NCH are preparing for the impact of Universal Credit which may result in initial non-payment of rent until the benefit is received, and are aware of the mental health impact which this may have on some tenants.

If residents are evicted for rent-arrears, they are still liable to pay the outstanding rent and this will be pursued. If evicted from an NCH property, the tenant is considered to have made themselves purposely homeless and therefore are not eligible to be rehoused by NCH, but the City Council may in some circumstances provide support or temporary housing.

AGREED to note

(1)  the Nottingham City Homes local and City wide performance information;

(2)  the remaining environmental budget as follows:

Bulwell Ward   £52,298.40

Bulwell Forest Ward    £62,585.49

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Neighbourhood Development Officers, Suki Shergill and Celia Knight, presented the report which outlines current ward priorities and issues within the wards and identifies the lead organisation or City Council Department for addressing those issues.

AGREED to note:

(1)  the current ward priorities for Bulwell Ward as follows;

(a)  Safer Nottingham

anti-social behaviour and criminal damage

(b)  Neighbourhood Nottingham

dog fouling/fly tipping reduction

  CCTV

(c)  Families Nottingham

Small Steps Big Changes

(d)  Health Nottingham

Promote healthy lifestyles

(e)  Working Nottingham

Market Trader’s scheme

maximising employment opportunities for local people

NCH Tenancy Involvement Scheme – transferrable skills

(2)  the current ward priorities for Bulwell Forest Ward as follows;

(a)  Safer Nottingham

St Alban’s Crossing

ASB around St Alban’s/Colston/Austin flats

(b)  Neighbourhood Nottingham

increased engagement particularly the Deptford crescent area

management of vacant sites

development of parks and open spaces

dog fouling

(c)  Health Nottingham

promotion of energy advice

provision of support to carers

(d)  Working Nottingham

increase access to awareness about training and employment opportunities.

(3)  the current ward issues as follows:

(a)  Bulwell Ward

town centre upgrade and development

anti-social behaviour

reducing fly tipping;

(b)  Bulwell Forest Ward

  Management of vacant sites;

(4)  the forthcoming community and partner events and engagement  listed in Appendix 3 to the report.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services

Neighbourhood Development Officers Suki Shergill and Celia Knight presented the report which informs the Committee of the financial position of Ward Member Budgets and the actions agreed by the Director of Neighbourhood Services as a result of Ward Member funding requests.

It is noted that further schemes and events may have received Councillor support in principal but that the formal approval process is yet to be completed.

AGREED

(1)  Bulwell Ward Budget Allocations 2017/18:

(a)  to note new Ward Councillor Budget allocations since the last meeting:

(b)  to note the Ward Councillor Budget Financial position as follows:

(2)  Bulwell Forest Ward Budget Allocations 2017/2018

(a)  to note new Ward Councillor Budget allocations since the last meeting:

(b)  to note the Ward Councillor Budget Financial position as follows:

The opportunity for Community Group Representatives to suggest topics for future agenda.

This is an opportunity for Community Representatives to suggest future agenda items to be considered by the Committee. Any suggestions needed to be presented at least six weeks before the meeting date to either Celia Knight, Neighbourhood Development Officer for Bulwell Forest Ward, or Suki Shergill, Neighbourhood Development Officer for Bulwell Ward. No items were suggested.

The opportunity for Community Groups and City Council Colleagues to

inform the Committee of forthcoming events

Saturday 2 December 2017 – Rise Park Christmas Fayre. 10am-12:30pm Church on Revelstoke Way.

Monday 4 December 2017 – Bulwell Christmas Festival. 3.30pm-5.30pm Bulwell Market Place.

Thursday 21 December 2017 – Bulwell Academy Event. 12:30pm-3.30pm

To note that the next meeting will be held on 28 February 2018, at 5.30pm at Bulwell Riverside.

AGREED to note that the next meeting is scheduled for 28 February 2018, at 5.30pm in Bulwell Riverside.