Agenda and draft minutes

·       Cllr. C Gore

·       M Smith – Community Safety & Youth Officer

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted by residents.

Previous Actions:

• Spion Kop: Plans are progressing for the track to be lowered this summer.
• Bushloe House Sale: A planning application will be lodged shortly.
• Digital Boards - Cost of Advertising: Residents were directed to the Council website. It was advised that for a charity or community-based organisation in the Borough, the first advertisement in a quarter on a single screen is free.

PC Morgan (GM) provided an update.

• E-Scooters: No change in the Borough. A few have been seized recently, but overall enforcement remains challenging due to the high numbers.

• Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB): Reduced over the winter.

• Burglaries: A slight increase over Christmas but remain low overall.

Resident Questions:

• Are E-Bikes included with E-Scooters?
  GM advised that some E-Bikes are legal, while others are not. Police will stop users when they are being misused. A resident noted an E-Bike on a restricted lane; GM confirmed police will address such incidents.

• How many police officers are stationed in Wigston?
  1 PC, 2 PCSOs, with the Response Team covering emergencies. Each shift has 4-5 PCs covering both Wigston and Harborough.

• What is being done about parked cars?
  GM had requested a list of problem vehicles in the last meeting. Three vehicles have since been recovered. Police do not have the same authority as the Council to issue parking tickets but will intervene in cases of dangerous parking.

• Why is E-Bike and E-Scooter enforcement stronger in the City than the Borough?
  GM stated that operations in the City have higher success rates due to the higher volume of illegal use. Cllr Charlesworth suggested a targeted operation on Bell Street, but GM noted resource constraints. Cllr Loydall mentioned a past police operation on Bell Street and will include a new one in the CSP and delivery plan.

• Shop Burglaries:
  Investigations are ongoing. Due to high-value stock, shop burglaries remain a risk. Sainsbury’s, which no longer has overnight staff, has been targeted. GM will offer security advice to Sainsbury’s.

• Burglary Case Follow-Up:
  A resident whose car was stolen after a burglary reported concerns about police follow-up and CCTV use. CID clarified that while CCTV footage was received, facial coverings limited investigative options. Street lighting is controlled by LCC, and police can only request lamppost reinstatement if supported by evidence.

• Homelessness: Over 90 families are in temporary accommodation, costing approximately £1 million annually. Numbers are expected to rise above 100 by mid-year. No government funding support is available.

• Budget Discussion at County Hall: Council Tax increase for a Band D property by £88 annually. Police tax increased by £23.85, LFRS by £6.80. County expected to be £90 million in deficit by 2029.

• Flooding on Newton Lane: Issue raised at County level, awaiting feedback.

• Local Plan: Borough must build 380 properties annually, an increase from previous figures.

• D-Day Commemoration: Scheduled for 8 May, with a flag-raising event at Brocks Hill at 9 PM. Request made for church bells to be rung.

• Devolution: Government rejected LCC’s initial proposal. The County Council wants to keep existing boundaries, while the City seeks expansion. The government’s white paper suggests a minimum population of 1.5 million for mayoral authorities. Council leaders are working to maintain the Borough’s identity and retain local offices for accessibility.

a. Vehicles Turning from Wakes Road onto North Street (Against One-Way System):

• GM confirmed awareness and discussions with Domino’s regarding their drivers. Some customer vehicles also violate the rule. The issue will continue to be monitored.

b. Remembrance Bench at Wigston Liberal Club:

• Wigston Liberal Table Tennis Club proposed installing a memorial bench. Estimated cost is £1,000, with £600 raised so far.
• The club will determine final costs and LCC requirements. Residents pledged additional financial support. The request will be reviewed by PFD.

c. Council Consultations:

• Concern raised regarding accessibility for residents without internet access. Cllr Haq suggested including consultation information with Council Tax bills.
• Budget consultation contained three questions, with concerns about leading wording, particularly regarding service optimisations such as bin removals. Cllr Bentley to address with the Council.

d. Recycling:

• Bins are full after a fortnight. Some items not accepted at recycling centres.

e. Bell Street:

• High occupancy levels. Concerns about aesthetics of new seats and planters. Some seating removed.
• Cllr Boulter confirmed seats are being refurbished and will be relocated. Furniture funded by UKSPF. Some areas to have murals. Cllr Boulter and Bentley will make enquiries as to missing backs to new street furniture.

f. Flooding at Kilby Bridge:

• Persistent flooding and strong odours. Severn Trent cleared blocked drains.
• Request for Council website to include Severn Trent contact details.

g. Cleanliness of Roads:

• Decomposed leaves accumulating near dropped curbs. Sweeper unable to clean areas with parked cars.
• Written update provided by Cllr Charlesworth with Council response, citing resource and weather constraints to delays in cleaning roads.

h. Garden Waste Sticker Renewal Issues:

• Some residents experienced difficulties renewing online, with one resident being charged twice.
• Action: Cllr Boulter to follow up.
• Website Usability Concerns:
  Action: Cllr Haq to follow up.

i. Long Lane/Paddock Street Hedge Overgrowth:

• A fence installation has caused ivy encroachment onto the footpath.
• Action: Cllr Boulter to follow up.

j. Public Right of Way:

• LCC responsibility. Consultation to be released to residents. Staffing shortages impacting maintenance.

k. Sold Council Land near Kelmarsh:

• No update. It remains public open space.

None raised.

The date of the next meeting remains to be confirmed as it will fall inside the new financial year.