Agenda and draft minutes

Entry to Tennis Courts on Willow Park – No update available.

Bench on Willow Park – Pending committee approval.

No update available due to no representation.

No update available due to no representation.

Spion Kop – The bridge has been subject of conversation for 18 months. Originally the bridge was to be demolished as the tracks could not be lowered due to the water table; this would have resulted in a closure for 4 months. Network Rail have now decided lowering the tracks is viable and the closure will only be to one lane of traffic at a time. The parapets on the bridge will also need to be raised as part of the works. Residents expressed concerns that Network Rail will be unable to lower the tracks due to flooding witnessed recently; a pump has been discussed by Network Rail.

Remembrance Service – 10 November at All Saints, Peace Park on 11 November.

Christmas Light Switch On – 30 November, free parking after midday.

Bins - In 2012 the Government introduced a scheme where Council’s could apply for funding to continue with weekly bin services for up to 5 years. OWBC were successful in bidding for £1.5m which has now concluded; this is why collection changes have occurred since September. The Revenue Budget was £16m in 2023 and is now £7m in 2024.

a)    Dog Waste Bins - Replacement and Maintenance

The law has changed and dog waste can now be placed into ‘normal’ waste bins; due to this dog bins are being phased out which will reduce the number of bins the Council needs to empty, saving money. Residents raised concerns that some dog bins that will be removed do not have a normal bin nearby; it is likely a small number of normal bins will be provided in their place. For the new Meadows estate the bins should be placed by the developer, not the Council. Also on the new Meadows estate the residents will be paying a fee to a property management company, set up by the developer, to see grounds maintained. Councillors noted that this is frustrating for residents but is subject to National legislation, which change required to be made by Central Government. Bins will have stickers placed on them noting that dog waste is accepted within them – residents requested extra promotion around this by the Comms Team.

b)    Fortnightly Bin Collections

Residents queried as to why there was a charge for the new bins in the Borough where other areas were given their larger bins for free. The new scheme was developed by Officers at the Council who contacted neighbouring councils for details of how they run their collections. If OWBC was to supply everyone with a new larger bin free of charge it would cost the Council nearly £1m. Councillors note that they believe the new collection scheme is 95% successful, with further improvements coming, with no concerns at present.

c)    Damages at Wigston Cemetery

CCTV is being placed at the cemetery, with solar powered cameras fitted to a column that has recently been installed there. Damage at the cemetery has dramatically reduced with no issues reported at present. The Chair reminded residents that the new Room of Remembrance is open at Wigston Cemetery.

d)    Auction of Land on the Meadows Estate

The parcels of land were auctioned off by Jelsons when they were made aware by the Council that the Council had erroneously been maintaining the grassed areas and trees upon them. Jelsons opted to sell the land off rather than pay for the maintenance of the spaces. Purchasers of the land must maintain it as public open space and, as all the trees have TPOs on them, the trees must also be maintained. If the land is not maintained the Council has powers to enforce this. It is unclear who purchased the land but this can be found out in 6 months time when the title is updated. Councillors noted a hope that the protections afforded to the land under the Local Plan are continued under the new Local Plan when developed. Residents expressed that the Council should be robust in maintaining the land’s status as public open space, and enforcing where necessary. Proof of commitment to, and enforce under, the Local Plan is demonstrated through the refusal to build houses outside of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

• Recycling input from the Council
• Hedges that encroach onto the footpaths across the Borough (Residents were encouraged to contact their County Councillor about this as LCC will send a letter to the landowner giving 21 days for the issue to be fixed)
• Pavement Parking – Cars and larger vehicles parking fully on the pavement causing obstructions (This is a matter that has been raised with the Police on multiple occasions with no resolution available)
• Levelling Up Funding – It is unknown if anymore funding will be made available from Central Government
• Christmas Market – These are going ahead as planned with no restrictions expected to be placed by Leicester City Council
• Roadwork Diversion Signs – Signage appears to be remaining in place for an extended period after works have been completed. This will be raised with LCC.

19 February 2025, Thythorn Hill Community Centre, Wigston, 7:00pm