Agenda for Aspley, Bilborough and Leen Valley Area Committee on Wednesday, 20th January, 2021, 6.00 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Remote - To be held remotely via Zoom - https://www.youtube.com/user/NottCityCouncil. View directions

Contact: Adrian Mann  Governance Officer

Items
No. Item

15.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Suki Shergill  (Neighbourhood Development Officer)

16.

Declarations of Interests

Minutes:

In relation to item 23, in the interests of transparency, Councillor Carole McCulloch stated that she is an employee of the Aspley Partnership, which receives funding from the Area Based Grants.

17.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 369 KB

Minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2020, for confirmation

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2021 were confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

 

The following matters arising from the minutes were discussed:

 

(a)  Item 3 (Minutes): following correspondence sent to Bilborough ward councillors from the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) towards the end of 2020, Councillor Rebecca Langton noted that she would follow up on the topic of future local healthcare commissioning with the CCG.

18.

Ward Reports pdf icon PDF 114 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Angela Bolton and Liam Searle, Neighbourhood Development Officers (NDOs), presented a report on the work done in the wards during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, including the latest statistics on crime and related issues. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  unfortunately, due to the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, changes in staffing and long-term sickness absence, it has not been possible to produce a ward report for Bilborough. A meeting between the NDOs and Bilborough ward councillors will take place shortly, to establish working arrangements going forward;

 

(b)  in Aspley, a proactive programme for cleanliness was planned, focussing on closes and cul-de-sacs. However, this has been paused during the Coronavirus emergency, with current action being taken on a reactive basis. Regular ‘ward walks’ are also on hold. Fly-tipping and littering is an increasing issue during the lockdown period, both in the ward and across the city as a whole. Nevertheless, regular, visible patrols are still being carried out to combat dog fouling. Continual work is underway to address anti-social behaviour, which has reduced in most areas other than noise, leading to an increase in neighbour disputes in the lockdown period;

 

(c)  the use of off-road motorbikes remains a significant issue. The usage of electric scooters appears to have increased, including as a means of children travelling to and from school. As it is not legal to use private electric scooters on a public road, cycle lane or pavement, engagement with schools in required to discuss their use by pupils. Scooters hired under Transport Nottingham’s electric scooter rental trial should be used on roads and cycle lanes only, and should be parked considerately. Dangerous riding, riding on pavements or abandoned e-scooters can be reported 24 hours a day by phone or email. The Committee suggested that, as part of the trail, the learning arising from similar schemes used in other cities is reviewed and taken into account;

 

(d)  unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of a number of community events, though it is hoped that these will be able to take place again towards the end of 2021, and in 2022. Work is also underway to bring the Bells Lane community centre back into operation, with local support in place for the introduction of a new children’s play area;

 

(e)  Leen Valley has also seen an increase in anti-social behaviour relating to Coronavirus and the lockdowns, and detailed work is underway at the neighbourhood level to identify how to connect with residents most effectively on the important issues during the current circumstances. Unemployment is rising, so engagement is taking place with the Employment and Skills Area Partnership to identify what support can be provided;

 

(f)  the Committee raised concerns about the suitability of the current protocols regarding the responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance of alleyway access routes at the back of houses in social housing areas, which it did not feel to be fully fit for purpose. It requested that the relevant officers from Neighbourhood Services and Community Protection review these protocols and their effectiveness, to report back to the Committee;

 

(g)  support for citizens across the area during the Coronavirus emergency continues to be provided through the ‘golden number’ service, where a great deal of work is now underway to address the significant problem of social isolation and digital exclusion. This issue has been identified as one of four key priorities for the area, and the local social prescribing link workers will have a key involvement in the sub-group being set up to develop a solution to help reach those who are isolated and digitally excluded;

 

(h)  in terms of accessing Coronavirus tests and the vaccination programme, digital exclusion is a significant issue, as the current communications direct citizens primarily to online booking, creating a potential problem for people without access to the internet. Given that the vaccination programme is coordinated at the national level so that the Government can exercise direct management and monitoring more easily, the associated telephone line for appointments can be extremely busy, with long wait times;

 

(i)  currently, local general medical practices are not in a position to supply vaccinations and are not able to book vaccination appointments on behalf of their patients, but they do aim to inform patients when the vaccine is available to their particular cohort. The information letters issued about vaccinations have the potential to be confusing, so work is needed at the local level to facilitate effective communications as much as possible;

 

(j)  the Committee hoped that, following the learning arising from the test and trace programme, local Public Health authorities would be involved in the delivery of the vaccination programme to their citizens as much as possible. It suggested that the NDOs engaged with the area Primary Care Network closely to work to support effective local communications and reach those people who are isolated and at risk of not being able to access the vaccination programme easily;

 

(k)  in addition to the accessibility of vaccination appointments, physical access to vaccination sites is also a vital factor as, given that the first cohorts to be vaccinated are the most elderly, a number of these people require assistance with transport to sites that may not be located locally. To seek to improve accessibility, a new vaccination centre has opened in the city at the Forest Recreation Ground, which is integrated into the public transport network. The NHS has established a booking scheme for the region for transportation to vaccination sites, which is managed by Bassetlaw Action Centre.

 

Resolved to request a report from Neighbourhood Services and Community Protection on the suitability of the current protocols regarding the responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance of alleyway access routes at the back of houses in social housing areas, for presentation to the next meeting of the Committee.

19.

Nottinghamshire Police and Community Protection

Update from Nottinghamshire Police and Community Protection

Minutes:

Inspector Gordon Fenwick, of Nottinghamshire Police, provided an update on the current crime statistics and policing priorities for the area. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  in Aspley, all crime is down 14% in comparison to the same period last year, representing 210 fewer crimes. Victim-based crime is down 15%, violence with injury is down 30%, all sexual offences are down 19%, and all burglary reports are down 18%. Vehicle offences have reduced by 29%, all domestic incidents/crimes are down by 19%, and all hate incidents/crimes have decreased by 29%. All theft offences are showing a slight increase of 1%, though this is primarily the result of repeat shoplifting perpetrated by a known individual;

 

(b)  incidents of anti-social behaviour are rising as a consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic, with an increase of 58% (representing 272 more reports in comparison to the same period, last year). Work is underway with Community Protection and Social Care colleagues to address this increase. Significant engagement is also taking place with young people as part of Operation Striver, to protect them from child sexual exploitation taking place across Local Authority boundaries;

 

(c)  in Leen Valley, all crime is down 5% in comparison to the same period last year, representing 29 fewer crimes. Victim-based crime is down 8%, all sexual offences are down 33%, all burglary reports are down 52%, vehicle offences have reduced by 16%, and hate incidents/crimes have decreased by 22%. Theft offences are on par with last year;

 

(d)  however, violence with injury is up 25% (representing 12 more crimes in comparison to the same period, last year), and all domestic incidents/crimes are up by 37% (representing an increase of 42 offences). There is now a close focus on investigating the causes behind this rising trend in violent and domestic incidents – particularly at addresses and locations where multiple incidents have been reported. Anti-social behaviour has increased by 93%, with 154 more reports, largely as a consequence of the Coronavirus situation. Residents have reported issues of youth anti-social behaviour around pedestrian subways, so engagement will be carried out to address this;

 

(e)  in Bilborough, all crime is down 8% in comparison to the same period last year, representing 124 fewer crimes. Victim-based crime is down 12%, violence with injury is down 29%, all sexual offences are down 10%, all burglary reports are down 7%, and all theft offences are down 3%. Vehicle offences have reduced by 33%, and all domestic incidents/crimes are down by 8%;

 

(f)  however, hate incidents/crimes have increased by 77%, representing 21 more reports in comparison to the same period, last year. In general, these incidents relate to a small number of addresses. Help has been provided to one individual to move to another location, and prosecutions are taking place. Anti-social behaviour has increased by 94%, with 481 more reports, largely as a consequence of the Coronavirus situation. The shops around Bracebridge Drive have experienced a significant increase in shoplifting incidents, with 61 offences reported in the year to date, compared to 30 in the same period, last year. Work is underway to address this situation, and the current operational status of the CCTV camera outside the Co-Op will be reviewed;

 

(g)  cannabis production remains an issue, and is being targeted across all three wards. Strategic work is underway to assess the potential new crime patterns arising from the Coronavirus pandemic, and how the area’s crime statistics compare to the citywide and national picture.

 

The Committee thanked Inspector Gordon Fenwick for his policing update for the area.

20.

Health Communications and Health Inequality pdf icon PDF 115 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Angela Bolton, Neighbourhood Development Officer (NDO), presented a report on proposed work in support of the local Primary Care Network (PCN), in relation to communicating health messages and addressing health inequality. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  it is a primary aim to support the PCN with area-wide communication of health messages, aiming to increase participation in regular health checks and raise awareness of important health advice. This includes developing means of reaching vulnerable and isolated citizens who are at risk of digital exclusion, with communications being in place at physical venues, rather than just online, to help get messages out to as many people as possible;

 

(b)  the intended communications will focus on encouraging the uptake of flu vaccinations and regular screening tests, dental health, the safe use of medication, and Coronavirus, and could be expanded to additional areas. Information will also be provided on how to act on these issues – such as what to do to get the flu jab. The NDOs will maintain close contact with the PCN to ensure that all information is up to date and communicated in a timely way, to an agreed messaging schedule;

 

(c)  engagement with schools to improve uptake for childhood immunisation programmes is important, and proactive work is required to address anti-vaccination concerns through education and myth-busting in response to misinformation – particularly with young mothers. It is important that trusted community figures are seen to be supporting these programmes, to address any feelings of mistrust of information coming from central and local governmental bodies;

 

(d)  the Committee felt that the approach proposed was positive. It noted that health messaging is important and needs to be straightforward and repeatable. This can be supported with the use of simple and distinctive graphics for each individual issue. Communications also need to make it clear to citizens what they need to do in response to the issues to remain healthy and safe. As many people may not be aware what a PCN is, care should be taken in communications to focus on the service being provided primarily, with secondary details included to connect all of the services back to the PCN.

 

The Committee noted the report and supported the proposed work with the local Primary Care Network to communicate health messages and address health inequality. It requested that a progress report was brought to its next meeting.

21.

Nottingham City Homes pdf icon PDF 143 KB

Report of the Chief Executive of Nottingham City Homes

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Kristian Murden, Area Housing Manager at Nottingham City Homes (NCH), presented a report on NCH activity in the area during the Coronavirus lockdown period. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  currently, the remaining NCH budget is £115,324 for Aspley, £204,702 for Bilborough and £21,502 for Leen Valley. In Aspley, a wider discussion will be beneficial between NCH, Neighbourhood Development Officers and Highways colleagues on a coordinated capital investment programme focusing on closes and cul-de-sacs, including Eltham Drive. Combined capital programmes featuring all partners might also be helpful in Bilborough and Leen Valley. In Bilborough, £32,474 is being used for improvements at Greaves Close. Clarification will be provided from NCH on what project the £1,216 committed from the budget to date has been used, and what work is planned for Darnhall Crescent and Bracebridge Drive;

 

(b)  the Tenant and Leaseholder Team has started a ‘Clicksilver Connections’ training scheme for residents at risk of isolation due to a lack of digital skills. Four residents from Aspley and Bilborough reached the finals of the annual garden completion, though the awards presentation has been postponed until Coronavirus restrictions are lifted;

 

(c)  the Coronavirus pandemic has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents relating to noise, which is often the cause of neighbour disputes. Many of the NCH houses in the area are for families and, in the current lockdown, the whole family is at home all of the time due to school and workplace closures. Work is underway with Community Protection and the Police to assess noise levels and address cases where they are unreasonable. Unfortunately, the first lockdown saw a significant increase in incidents of domestic abuse – but incidents did not spike as greatly in following lockdown periods.

 

The Committee noted the report.

22.

Area Partnerships: Operational Approach pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Liam Searle, Neighbourhood Development Officer, presented a report on the evolution of Area Partnerships during the Coronavirus pandemic. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  Area Partnerships represent a long-term approach arising from the experience of Coronavirus to bring the community and local organisations together to address issues of financial deprivation, health and wellbeing. Discussion with the stakeholders have identified four key area priorities of physical and mental health, unemployment and welfare rights, social isolation and digital exclusion, and communication. Sub-groups will be established for each key area to work to address it particular issues, and will report back to an overall Area Partnership meeting. It is anticipated that the key areas will evolve and change over time;

 

(b)  a community hub has been established already, where residents can get face-to-face help and signposting to the services that they need. Initiatives such as the Aspley Partnership’s Money Hub are also working hard to bring related local services together, across the area;

 

(c)  the Committee felt that the Area Partnerships are a welcome development arising from the extremely challenging Coronavirus situation, representing positive ways of working, providing better local services and generating deeper community discussions, going forward.

 

Resolved to adopt the four area priorities for Aspley, Bilborough and Leen Valley, as set out in the report.

23.

Groundwork Greater Nottingham pdf icon PDF 504 KB

Update from the Lead Organisation

Minutes:

Jo Phelan and Kat Navrouzoglou, of Groundwork Greater Nottingham, presented a report on activity under the Area Based Grants, and the community response to the Coronavirus emergency. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  14 organisations are funded under Area Based Grants, to provide services under four work streams. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected delivery substantially, but services are still in operation wherever possible in a Covid-safe way. There has been a major focus on supporting medical collections, food delivery and clothing banks. Groundwork can help to identify what organisations need donations of clothes for distribution, which includes the Aspley Partnership. Befriending support is available through a phone line, and a great deal of support and assistance is given to groups to try to ensure that people are able to keep busy and connected in lockdown. Support is also provided by the local social prescribing link workers;

 

(b)  the Green Doctor Programme has been established to help combat fuel poverty. So far, partners have helped to deliver 300 ‘winter warmer’ packs across the area to support the most vulnerable, containing socks, gloves, hats, scarves, blanket, a hot water bottle, flask, mug and an energy saving bulb, alongside a Christmas card and a Green Doctor flyer. The scheme is now ready to take referrals for people who need support in keeping their homes warm and helping them to be more energy efficient, including by providing assistance in changing energy supplier. Information about the scheme is available on the Groundwork website and social media platforms, and advertising literature will be forwarded to ward councillors for wider circulation.

 

The Committee thanked Jo Phelan and Kat Navrouzoglou for attending the meeting to update on these activities, and noted the report.

24.

Community Representative Updates

Updates from the Community Representatives

Minutes:

Tracey High and Lianne Taylor, Community Representatives for Aspley, Bilborough and Leen Valley, provided an update on activities with their communities. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  Evolve Nottingham has been active in food distribution throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, and in supporting young people who are at risk of exploitation. Isolation and digital exclusion are significant problems in the area. Work has been carried out to try and provide tablets to people who are isolated and unable to use the internet, but there is a substantial level of concern for the wellbeing of these vulnerable residents. Groundwork’s befriending support phone line is available, in addition to support provided by the ‘Just Ask’ hub and the Aspley Partnership. Evolve has implemented a project at the Beechdale Estate to visit isolated people and link them to social contact. Currently, Evolve visits around 70 people on a weekly basis;

 

(b)  the Committee considered that there is a clear requirement for a joined-up approach to finding people at risk of isolation and digital exclusion, making contact with them and improving their environment. It suggested that consideration could be given to the establishment of a regular phone call to vulnerable residents, similar to the system used by Nottingham City Homes.

 

The Committee thanked the Community Representatives for their attendance and their ongoing work in their communities.

25.

Community Employment and Skills pdf icon PDF 230 KB

Update from the Employment and Skills Area Partnership

Minutes:

Councillor Graham Chapman presented a report on the most recent meetings of the Employment and Skills Area Partnership (ESAP), and its particular actions during the Coronavirus lockdown period. The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  ESAP’s current focus is on bringing all partner organisations together to share information and avoid both service gaps and overlap in what is a very complex area. As much support as possible is being provided to Evolve Nottingham. Digital inclusion for people seeking work is being considered closely, including the improvement of access to computers and technical support. Closer support is also being developed for job-seekers who are over 50, who tend to be targeted less for assistance than the younger workforce. ESAP’s policies are also being revamped.

 

The Committee noted the report.

26.

Area Capital Fund pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Angela Bolton and Liam Searle, Neighbourhood Development Officers, presented a report on the current schemes taking place under the Area Capital Fund (ACF). The following points were discussed:

 

(a)  currently, there are no new schemes for implementation under the ACF. The Committee suggested that ward councillors meet with Nottingham City Homes officers, Neighbourhood Development Officers and Highways colleagues to review the potential to bring various capital budgets together to deliver housing, pavement and road improvement works for residents.

 

The Committee noted the report.

27.

Ward Councillor Budget Spending Approvals pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Report of the Director of Community Protection

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Angela Bolton and Liam Searle, Neighbourhood Development Officers, presented a report on the use of delegated authority by the Director of Community Protection for those projects funded by Ward Councillor Budgets.

 

The Committee noted the report.

28.

Future Meeting Dates

Wednesday 31 March 2021 at 6:00pm

Minutes:

·  Wednesday 31 March 2021 at 6:00pm