Agenda and minutes

Councillor Eileen Morley (leave)

Councillor Sam Webster (leave)

Councillor Morley was not seeking re-election in May 2015, and the Committee recorded its thanks for her contribution to the work of the Committee, and its best wishes for the future.

Jennifer Williams, Senior Officer in the Accident Investigation and Road Safety Team, gave a presentation, reviewing the Bramcote Lane Traffic Calming Scheme, and highlighting the following points:

(a)  the previous scheme had been in place for 14 years, were severe and uncomfortable. A Have Your Say leaflet proposing alternative traffic calming arrangements was circulated to 1,600 properties and 4 community events were held;

(b)  feedback from residents supported installing Round Top road humps, installing a new zebra crossing, improvements to the Pump area and footway and the removal of raised plateau. Residents were not in favour of chicane/give-way features and a proposed gate-way feature;

(c)  residents’ feedback informed the formal consultation process, which involved circulating a letter and detailed plan to 1,600 properties and holding consultation events at Wollaton Library and St Leonard’s Community Centre;

(d)  a Notification Letter was circulated before the works commenced, and information updates were provided through Facebook and Twitter;

(e)  there was a good attendance at the scheme’s formal opening on 19 December 2014;

(f)  a number of ‘before/after’ slides showcased the improvements;

(g)  key successes for the scheme included the early and extensive community engagement carried out, the works carried out to improve the quality of the conservation area and the positive feedback received from citizens.

The Committee commended the scheme improvements and put on record its thanks to all colleagues involved in delivering the scheme for their professional and engaging conduct throughout the process.

RESOLVED to note the presentation and to thank all colleagues involved in delivering the Bramcote Lane Traffic Calming Scheme.

None.

Last meeting held on 10 November 2014 (for confirmation)

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2014 as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

Minute 11(b) amended to read ‘Tenants and leaseholders of Capitol Court, Wollaton, had been consulted over paving schemes outside the building …’

The amended minutes were signed by the Chair.

John Marsh, Locality Manager, undertook to raise a community representative’s concerns about dimmed street lighting with relevant Council colleagues.

Presentation of the Corporate Director for Communities

Siobhan Reilly, Project Development Officer, Nottingham City Homes, introduced a presentation on the Fit in the Community initiative, highlighting the following points:

(a)  £500,000 is being made available over 3 years to fund a joint initiative between Nottingham City Council and Nottingham City Homes (NCH) to increase sports participation by NCH tenants and the wider community;

(b)  The initiative will be rolled out on a ward by ward basis to both signpost and deliver physical activity sessions for those not currently active;

(c)  A variety of consultation methods have already been used to inform how the initiative will be delivered, and sports organisations, including Football in the Community, England Athletics and YMCA, have signed up to participate;

(d)  While all citizens were eligible to participate in activities, NCH tenants were eligible for training opportunities as community mentors or ‘activators’;

(e)  By the end of the 3-year programme it is anticipated that 5,500 social tenants will be more active.

During discussion, the Committee made the following points:

(f)  Councillors suggested an early meeting with Fit in the Community (FitC) co-ordinators to advise on existing groups, particularly for the elderly and for students;

(g)  Ms Reilly advised that consultation has varied depending on the ward. Certain areas were well served by community groups, while in other areas on-street outreach was a more effective approach. She also confirmed that Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club was less involved with this particular initiative, but will be doing significant engagement as part of proposed developments at Victoria Embankment;

(h)  There are local events such as the Family Fun Day where it would be useful to have a FitC presence to increase public awareness;

(i)  The University of Nottingham representative advised that student groups will be undertaking similar activities and co-ordination with FitC activities would be beneficial.

RESOLVED to note the presentation and discussion.

Paul Howard, Tenancy and Estate Manager, Nottingham City Homes Ltd (NCH), presented the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes’ report on performance in the area. Mr Howard made the following points:

(a)  a problem tenant has been evicted from a property on the Lenton Abbey estate after a long court battle. This generated national headlines and represented a positive outcome for local residents;

(b)  tenant turnover in Area 7 is low and both occupancy and sustainability rates were high. NCH colleagues are also working hard to maximise performance in the final quarter of 2014/15;

(c)  Lynn Standen, Tenancy and Estate Manager, is taking up a management role for Bestwood estate.

The Committee welcomed the report and expressed its thanks to Lynn Standen for her contribution to Area 7. During discussion, several issues were raised:

(d)  A councillor thanked Mr Howard and his Team for their help in getting the old allotment site on Wensor Avenue back in use;

(e)  In response to a community representative’s comments about end-of-term problem refuse from student accommodation, John Marsh, Locality Manager (Central) explained that there was a detailed Student Action Plan in place. In 2014, the Action Plan led to 17 tons of refuse being removed from just 2 streets;

(f)  A councillor made the point that the City Council’s Homes in Multiple Occupancy Licensing scheme was designed in part to hold landlords to account for the condition of their properties;

(g)  It was confirmed that the City Council had no powers to insist that walls in front of private properties be retained.

RESOLVED to note the report.

Please contact Noel McMenamin, Governance Officer with issues by

Wednesday 18 February 2015. Tel: 0115 876 4304 or email noel.mcmenamin@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Community representatives were invited to give updates to the Committee and provided the following information:

(a)  Rob Kirkwood – Friends of Wollaton Park

The Group had arranged a walk around the Walled Garden and was keen to be involved in its development. Alan Hall of the Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society also raised this issue, asking for an update on progress. Lylse-Anne Renwick, Neighbourhood Development Officer, advised that a feasibility report was imminent and that there will be a further meeting of the Steering Group shortly.

(b)  Adam McGregor – Lenton Abbey Residents Association

The Association is looking recruit new members and plans to have its AGM around Easter 2015.

(c)  Lynne Dilks – North Wollaton Residents Association

The Association’s AGM is in May 2015. The Association supported for fitness initiatives to combat obesity and loneliness.

(d)  Anthony Swannell – Wollaton Vale Residents Association

An outbreak of Japanese Knotweed has been identified around Tottle Brook. The Committee was concerned about its possible spread, and John Marsh, Locality Manager (Central) undertook to establish where responsibility lay for its disposal.

RESOLVED to thank the community representatives for their updates.

John Marsh, Locality Manager, introduced the report of the Strategic Director of Commercial and Neighbourhood Services which details the performance of the Wollaton West and Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey ward for Quarter 3 of 2014/15 against a range of performance indicators. Mr Marsh highlighted the following points:

(a)  Incidence of both flytipping and graffiti have reduced. Highly visible flood wall graffiti is being removed, but there is an element of ‘cat and mouse’ with the perpetrators;

(b)  Dog fouling incidents have risen markedly and the Neighbourhood Action Team is planning a programme of activities to address the issue;

(c)  Christmas Light switch-on events in both wards were successful, and had been well-received by citizens;

(d)  The Ring Road will see a programme of cleansing in the final quarter of 2014/15;

(e)  Nottingham has received the Britain’s Cleanest City award;

(f)  Work is already under way to plan the Lenton Abbey Fun Day in July 2015.

During discussion, it was pointed out that a dog club congregated at the bottom end of Arleston Drive, and it would be worth contacting the club to remind members to clean up after their dogs, in case this was contributing to the current increase in dog fouling.

RESOLVED to note the report.

Report of Strategic Director for Commercial and Neighbourhood Services

Lylse-Anne Renwick, Neighbourhood Development Officer, presented the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services, detailing decisions made under delegated authority in both the Wollaton West and Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey wards since the last meeting on 10 November 2014.

RESOLVED to note the actions taken under delegated authority, as follows:

Wollaton West

Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey

John Marsh, Locality Manager, introduced the Strategic Director for Commercial and Neighbourhood Services’ report detailing the latest spend proposals under the Area Capital Fund.

Mr Marsh explained that delegated authority had been needed for 5 new litter bins and 4 refurbished bins, and that 23 steel bins had been stolen throughout Nottingham in recent months.

RESOLVED to

(1)  note the available balances of £21,462 (Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey) and £22,575 (Wollaton West);

(2)  approve the following Public Realm Scheme for the Wollaton West ward:

Verbal Update from Inspector Wilson, Nottinghamshire Police

Inspector Wilson of Nottinghamshire Police updated the Committee on the following issues:

Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey

(a)  Overall crime levels are similar to those in 2013/14. There was a spike in bicycle thefts at the University in the Autumn of 2014, but following a number of arrests these thefts had reduced significantly;

(b)  Crime prevention work was ongoing, particularly with overseas students and older residents, to be vigilant about leaving windows open as temperatures increased;

(c)  2 people have been arrested as a result of a capture-house ‘sting’ operation, and have been charged with 13 burglaries.

Wollaton West

(d)  While home burglaries have declined, there has been a spike in thefts from sheds, garages and vehicles, as well as an increase in shop theft on Bramcote Lane;

(e)  Crime prevention messages are being reinforced, especially where thefts have occurred from unprotected or unlocked property;

(f)  Several arrests outside the ward have had a positive impact on numbers of thefts from sheds and garages;

(g)  The Inspector has addressed a local school assembly on the issue of anti-social behaviour, theft and achieving personal potential.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:

(h)  Inspector Wilson undertook to speak to PCSO Louise Down about reported smoking of cannabis by young people in Wollaton Park Community Gardens;

(i)  There have been 6 arrests following a recent high-profile stabbing on Wollaton Vale and the crime was being processed through the criminal justice system;

(j)  A new Police Constable, Jeremy Hughes, will be joining the local Neighbourhood Policing team from Canning Circus.

RESOLVED to thank the Inspector for this update.

To note that the next meeting of Area 7 Committee is likely to be on 22 June 2015 (subject to confirmation)

The Committee noted that the first Area Committee meeting of 2015/16 is likely to take place 22 June 2015, subject to confirmation at Full Council in May 2015.