Agenda and minutes

Councillor Steve Battlemuch and Councillor Eileen Morley were nominated for the position of Chair. When put to the vote, Councillor Battlemuch received 3 votes and Councillor Morley received 2 votes.

RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Steve Battlemuch as Chair of the Committee for the 2014-15 municipal year.

Councillor Sally Longford and Councillor Eileen Morley were nominated for the position of Vice-Chair. When put to the vote, Councillor Longford received 3 votes and Councillor Morley received 2 votes.

RESOLVED to appoint Councillor Sally Longford as Vice-Chair of the Committee for the 2014-15 municipal year.

John Marsh – Locality Manager Central

Inspector Robert Wilson – Nottinghamshire Police

Lynne Dilks

Councillor Steve Battlemuch declared a personal interest in agenda item 10b (minute  below) – ‘Harrow Road Traffic Scheme Update’ as a resident of Harrow Road. The interest did not preclude Councillor Battlemuch from speaking or voting on the item.

Councillor Eileen Morley declared a personal interest in agenda item 10c (minute  below) – ‘Sutton Passeys Crescent Parking Scheme’ as a resident of Sutton Passeys Crescent. The interest did not preclude Councillor Morley from speaking or voting on the item.

The Area Committee resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2014 as a correct record, subject to the following changes:

(a)  the revised wording of minute 37 ‘Bramcote Lane Traffic Calming Scheme’ at Appendix A to these minutes;

(b)  two minor typographical amendments to minute 36(a) ‘School Traffic Management Programme’ so that paragraph 2 states that ‘each area will be targeted by police and enforcement division colleagues several times a day during the identified week’, and paragraph 4 refers to ‘encouraging children to walk into the school’;

(c)  the correction of community representatives’ names to Nena Douglas and Anthony Swannell.

At this point, the Chair briefly addressed the Committee about the meeting held on 17 February 2014. He confirmed that the advice provided at the meeting about community representatives’ voting rights was correct. He also undertook to conduct Area Committee business by consensus wherever possible.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

The Area Committee had previously discussed the issue of upgrading existing traffic-calming measures on Bramcote Lane at its meetings on 16 September 2013 (minute 18), 11 November 2013 (minute 26) and 17 February 2014 (minute 37).

Lylse-Anne Renwick introduced a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services updating the Committee on progress of the proposed traffic calming review scheme along Bramcote Lane between Wollaton Vale and Wollaton Road. The Committee also received a presentation by Navid Arif, Engineer, Highway Design. The main issues highlighted in the report and presentation were:

(a)  the majority of respondents to consultation supported or partially supported the proposals, but there was less support for chicane/give-way features because of concerns over congestion and tail-backs. As a result, chicane/give-way features will not be put in place, and instead 3 pedestrian refuges will be installed;

(b)  6 round top road humps are proposed to replace 7 existing speed cushions and the raised plateau near the Community Centre will be removed;

(c)  the proposed zebra crossing is to be relocated closer to the library and Community Centre and 2 bus stops (WO18 – Community Centre and WO07 – Library) will be moved slightly to accommodate the zebra crossing;

(d)  several changes around the Village Pump area are proposed, including extending the Riven Yorkstone paving around the pump to Wollaton Road, removing pedestrian guard railing, relocating illuminated bollards away from the Village Pump and uplighting the Village Pump to make it a more prominent local feature;

(e)  several changes to road signage are proposed, including relocating the ‘bend ahead’ sign near St Leonard’s Church and installing 20mph roundels (not vehicle-activated signs) on the carriageway;

(f)  new footway arrangements at both the northern and southern sides of the Bramcote Lane junction with Wollaton Road;

(g)  revised funding estimates are £100,000, with £60,000 from the Local Transport Plan and £40,000 from Wollaton West Area Capital Fund. The revised proposals are subject to consultation.

During discussion, councillors and community representatives made a number of points:

(h)  a community representative stated that a number of citizens had concerns about the proposed relocation of the zebra crossing, and that it should be located at Wollaton Vale, where there was greater footfall. Mr Arif explained that the Wollaton Vale location was not suitable. The smallest zebra crossing possible was 2.4 metres wide, and that once appropriate zigzag markings were in place this would block citizens’ driveways;

(i)  Mr Arif explained that the current location of a crossing point near to the roundabout was not ideal, because drivers normally accelerate away from roundabouts, and having to slow down suddenly can lead to shunting accidents;

(j)  a councillor and community representative suggested that a crossing refuge nearer to Glenwood would be more convenient for those crossing to and from the church and schools, and Mr Arif undertook to include this feedback in the consultation process;

(k)  a community representative did not support installing 20mph roundels and Mr Arif undertook to include this feedback in the consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Presentation by Katy Follows, Crime and Drugs Partnership

The Committee received a presentation by Katy Follows, Implementation Officer, Crime and Drugs Partnership, providing a summary of the 2013 Respect Survey findings for Area 7. Ms Follows provided the following information:

(a)  the survey was based on face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 2,700 citizens from all city wards, and the final data set from the survey was weighted according to the most up to data census data;

(b)  the headline outcome from the survey is that anti-social behaviour (ASB) levels have seen a significant improvement since the previous survey. The main perceptions of ASB in the City Centre focused on people being drunk or rowdy in public places, begging, street drinking and littering. In neighbourhoods, the main issues were dog fouling, littering, disruptive behaviour by children and young people, drug dealing and people being drunk and rowdy in public places;

(c)  Area 7 had low levels of ASB compared to other areas in Nottingham. The most commonly reported instances of ASB were flyposting, littering, dog fouling and parents not taking responsibility for the behaviour of their children;

(d)  the perception of citizens in Area 7 was that the Area had become safer at night and that confidence in the Police and the City Council remained high. However, the findings also pointed to a loss of sense of community, in common with city-wide findings.

In the brief discussion which followed, councillors and community representatives were surprised that fly-posting was considered a significant issue in Area 7. In response, Ms Follows suggested that the term fly-posting was sometimes misunderstood by citizens, thinking it referred to unsolicited flyers being put through letterboxes.

RESOLVED to note the Respect Survey 2013 summary findings.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Julie Walker, Nottingham in Bloom Partnership Manager, introduced the Director of Sport, Culture and Parks’ report on Nottingham in Bloom’s involvement in the Royal Horticultural Society’s East Midlands in Bloom competition in 2014.

Ms Walker explained that competition judges will visit Nottingham on 14 July 2014, when they plan to meet local volunteers at Wollaton Park, Martin’s Pond, Wollaton Library garden and Wollaton Dovecote garden. She also explained that Harrison’s Plantation will seek Green Flag accreditation.

RESOLVED to support local involvement in the East Midlands in Bloom judging tour in July 2014, and to acknowledge the hard work and community spirit of local groups preparing for the competition.

Report of Director of Sport, Culture and Parks

James Dymond, Parks Development Manager, introduced the Corporate Director for Communities’ report, seeking support to designate part of Wollaton Park as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Mr Dymond explained that there will be little difference ‘on the ground’ to existing habitats within the Park, but that LNR status will provide additional protection and give more scope for wildlife-themed events and interpretation. Responses from the public and from statutory consultees have been generally very positive.

In the brief discussion which followed, Mr Dymond confirmed that public access to Wollaton Park will be unaffected by the designation.

RESOLVED to note the report and to support the designation of part of Wollaton Park as a Local Nature Reserve.

James Dymond, Parks Development Manager, introduced the Corporate Director for Communities’ report, presenting the Highfields Park Landscape restoration project Stage 2 proposals to submit to the Heritage and Big Lottery Parks for People Fund (HBLPPF).

Mr Dymond made the following points:

(a)  Highfields Park successfully received Stage 1 funding approval from the HBLPPF in July 2013. This funding has been used to assemble a project team, commission detailed design works, carry out further surveys of the park and appoint a dedicated Park Ranger;

(b)  a major element of the Stage 2 bid proposals involves developing a sustainable method of de-silting the lake and Tottle Brook, and the City Council has worked with the Environment Agency and other partners to identify a solution;

(c)  the restoration project refurbishment and repair of historic buildings on the site, including pavilions, ticket office and lighting columns. Furniture/signage, paths and boundaries and gateways will also be refurbished. The derelict paddling pool will be restored as a site for pond dipping;

(d)  the project team has compiled a 10-year Maintenance and Management Plan and 5-year Activity Plan as part of the overall Stage 2 bid. The proposals have been informed by extensive public consultation earlier in 2014;

(e)  in a major development, the University of Nottingham is not just a partner but is now a co-signatory of the Stage 2 bid proposals;

(f)  at Stage 1, the HBLPPF asked the City Council to investigate opportunities to develop a social enterprise on-site. The City Council has already trialled a social enterprise partnership with Colwick Park Lifeguards to manage the boating concession on the lake.

The Committee welcomed and supported the proposals, and especially the developments planned for the western end of the Park, and made the following comments in the discussion which followed:

(g)  Mr Dymond explained that the paddling pool could not be reinstated to its former use because of its poor state of repair;

(h)  several community representatives raised the issue of car parking, particularly cars parking on grass verges close to the main entrance to the Park. Mr Dymond explained that the HBLPPF will not pay for parking and so parking does not feature as part of the Stage 2 bid. However, he understood that Sustainable Transport colleagues were looking at the issue of inconsiderate and obstructive parking near the main entrance to the Park.

RESOLVED to support and endorse the Highfields Park Landscape Restoration Project and Stage 2 Heritage and Big Lottery Parks for People Fund bid. 

Verbal update

Councillor Steve Battlemuch declared a personal interest in this item as a resident of Harrow Road. The interest did not preclude Councillor Battlemuch from speaking or voting on the item.

Lylse-Anne Renwick, Neighbourhood Development Officer, advised that further features, including additional school markings and ‘No parking’ signs were proposed, and that ‘No waiting at any time’ signs were proposed for Eaton Grove and Harrow Gardens. Proposals were subject to consultation and it was planned to undertake work during the Summer holiday period.

In the brief discussion which followed, a councillor stated that the system in place during the Week of Action, when one side of the road was car-free, had worked well. A councillor also suggested having ‘No waiting’ signs to cover the peak school drop-off and pick-up times of 8-10am and 2.30-4pm.

RESOLVED to note the update.

Verbal update

Councillor Eileen Morley declared a personal interest in this item as a resident of Sutton Passeys. The interest did not preclude Councillor Morley from speaking or voting on the item.

Lylse-Anne Renwick, Neighbourhood Development Officer, advised that an objections report on the proposed parking scheme had been submitted to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation for her consideration.

RESOLVED to note the update.

Pauline Dorey and Lylse-Ann Renwick, Neighbourhood Development Officers, introduced 2 reports of the Director of Neighbourhood Services, detailing performance of the Wollaton West and Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey wards against a range of performance measures. The Committee also received a verbal presentation from Sergeant Hallsworth on Police and Crime issues in Area 7.

The main points raised in the reports and presentation were:

Wollaton West – Lylse-Anne Renwick

(a)  there was a decrease in the ‘burglary dwelling’ rate, but an increase in ‘burglary other’ and ‘criminal damage’;

(b)  the Cleanliness Index rating was the highest in Nottingham, and fly tipping levels had decreased. However, grafitti incidents had increased, dog fouling continued to be a significant issue for the ward;

(c)  no Community Protection orders had been issued recently, and there had been no deliberate fires reported;

(d)  the key successes in Wollaton West included the start of construction work on the Wollaton Park Play Area, the launch of the Youth Café at Kingswood Church Hall and St Leonard’s Community Centre, and the delivery of several successful Youth in the Park events on Torvill Drive and Rushford Park;

(e)  a recurring issue was inappropriate parking linked to citizens visiting Wollaton Park;

Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey – Pauline Dorey

(f)  while the ‘burglary dwelling’ remained steady, there was a significant increase in ‘criminal damage’, ‘thefts’ and anti-social behaviour;

(g)  the Cleanliness Index rating had improved and there was less fly-tipping taking place;

(h)  the year-to-date incidence of fires was the second-lowest in Nottingham;

(i)  there was an increase in dog fouling, though this coincided with a targeted ‘see it report it’ campaign by Community Protection colleagues;

(j)  key successes included the Alleyways  Day of Action in Lenton Abbey, securing external funding for a cooker and cooking equipment for the refurbished kitchen in the Sheila Roper Community Centre and a successful Wollaton Park Residents Association open meeting featuring the Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping;

(k)  there were ongoing issues with parking in Lenton Abbey and Wollaton Park estate, and cycle theft was a specific concern for the ward;

Nottinghamshire Police update – Sergeant Hallsworth

(l)  there had been a recent spate of burglaries from garden sheds in both wards. Around half of the sheds broken into were not secure, and break-ins took place mostly at night;

(m)  Citizens were being encouraged to sign up to the Neighbourhood alert system;

(n)  Citizens reported being unsure about what to do if they saw someone in a garden, and the Neighbourhood Action Team was drafting advice for local residents letter;

(o)  Nottinghamshire Police has deployed a CCTV van to burglary ‘hotspots’ to help deter break-ins

The Committee expressed concern about the recent increase in overall burglaries, and welcomed the increased targeting of resources in ‘hot spots’ to address the issue. It was confirmed that partners were also working with international students at the University of Nottingham to make them aware of the issue, and the precautions they could take.

RESOLVED  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

RESOLVED to note the progress of projects supported by the Committee budget in 2013/14 as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

RESOLVED to note further financial allocations towards the following schemes from Ward Councillor budgets since the last meeting on 17 February 2014:

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

RESOLVED to approve the works listed in Table 1 below, funded under the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and Public Realm (PR) elements of the Area Capital Programme and, in Table 2 to note the resulting situation of LTP and PR elements and the de-commitments of the Area Capital Fund Programmes for 2013-15:

Table 1 – Approvals

Table 2: - Summary

To consider meeting on the following Mondays at 5pm:

2014    2015

1 September    9 February

10 November

RESOLVED to meet on the following Mondays at 5pm:

2014      2015

1 September      9 February

10 November

APPENDIX A