Agenda and minutes

Councillor Richard E Morris.

The Police provided a written update for the crime statistics which covered the last 28 days. This update included:

• The recovery of 5 Mopeds used in anti social behaviour activity
• 3 uninsured cars were recovered.
• Property from a burglary was recovered.
• The Beat Team is carrying out extra patrols around Kenilworth Road following the logging of an increase in anti social behaviour.
• Patrols continue to be carried out in areas where burglary have taken place. Residents have been provided with crime prevention advice.
• Residents were advised to lock and secure their vehicles ensuring no property is left in view. Anyone with a suspicion of criminal activity may be taking place was advised to call 101.
• The crime trend is force wide and not just limited to South Wigston.

A NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR SOUTH WIGSTON

A new community centre for South Wigston is to operate from the old Telephone Exchange, on Albion street. It is to operate as a youth club and provide other community accessible facilities. A grant from the Council is in process. It was observed that parking could be problematic by the Council supporting the development. No written objections to this proposal have been received by the Council.

REPORTING OF FLOODING ON GLOUCESTER CRESCENT TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL

With regard to reports of flooding on Gloucester Crescent, Councillor Boulter reported the concerns to the County Council. The issue has now been resolved. Three drains were affected by tree roots.

AMALGAMATION OF SOUTH WIGSTON AND WIGSTON RESIDENT FORUMS

A motion was proposed that Wigston and South Wigston Resident Forum should not be amalgamated. This was seconded. The motion, on a show of hands was unanimously carried.

CUTTING OF BLABY ROAD PARK HEDGE & CRACK ON LEFT HAND SIDE OF PATHWAY

It was questioned why the hedge was not being cut and why there is a crack on the left-hand side of the path.

Action:

Councillor Bill Boulter agreed to investigate the matter and report back to the next meeting.

WASTE SURVEY CONSULTATION FEEDBACK (INFORMATION ONLY)

Residents were informed that consultants have been appointed to carry out a further consultation, this is likely to be carried out before Christmas and will be based on the Plan.

CHANGE TO BUSES SERVICING THE FAIRFIELD ESTATE

Arriva Bus Service held a public meeting to which Councillor Boulter was not officially invited. The residents are to form a group to address the bus service cut. Councillor Boulter was invited to join it. This he has consented to do.

Action:

Councillor Boulter, along with the residents will form a working group to help move the bus issue forward to a positive outcome for South Wigston residents.

Before a full discussion was had on this item the Chair provided background information. All Resident Forums would be debating the future of the Forums and be given the opportunity to discuss how the Council should be allocating Forum funds, monitoring and evaluating proposals and the process for that.

The process needed to be one proportionate to the proposal brought.

Discussion took place on the draft proposal form. This form was regarded positively. It was still a work in progress.

Residents were also invited to take and respond to three questions on yellow card. This consultation card had previously been shared and responded to by Wigston and Oadby Resident Forums. The deadline for the return of the responses to the three questions is; October 13^th 2017. Responses for collation are to be sent to the Community Engagement Officer at: veronika.quintyne@oadby-wigston.gov.uk.

 Following discussion residents are to note it was agreed that:

·         Funding applications could be in a range of £0 to £500 with use of a more simplified form.

·         Multiple funding applications for the same items and for the same sums should not be presented to the three forums.

·         Questions on making funding proposals should be placed with the Community Engagement Officer before the Forum meeting, and be placed on the agenda for discussion.

·         All groups requesting funding should have accounts,

Draft minutes be made ready within 10 working days and placed online within 15 working days. Minutes should not be verbatim but provide an essence of what was discussed with the actions.

Action:

Place matters arising within the minutes not the Chair`s Update for the next meeting.

A resident quoted a point made at the Wigston Forum, that Forums are different to Council meetings because there aren’t papers and recommendations.  The discussion is the key part of the meeting and the minutes should set out residents’ questions views and comments, otherwise it loses its democratic purpose.  Another resident pointed out that minutes need to be accurate so that people’s comments are not misconstrued by being recorded wrongly.  A motion was proposed that the Forum should have minutes with action points – not notes.  9 residents voted in favour of this. There were no dissenting votes.

·         It was requested by a resident that those who abstain in relation to a voting item should have their abstention counted.

A motion was brought to vote on not changing the terms of reference.

Councillor Boulter said that at the Wigston Forum the residents wanted the Terms of Reference kept.  A resident said that it is significant if Wigston wish to keep them as well.  Another resident said the Terms of Reference are simple, clear, and allow for discussion and for residents’ to express views.  Change could mean the Forums become less democratic.  A resolution was proposed that the Terms of Reference be kept unchanged.  12 voted in favour, with no votes against.

·         On the 2^nd and 3^rd page of the proposal form there should be no voting by people with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Residents were informed that: Members were informed as to this internal issue as much as legal advisers allowed.

Legal Advisers advised the Chair that no information should be shared which would make an individual`s identity known or on matters which in the future could come into the Public domain. Freedom of Information requests are available to share.

Actions have been taken and the matter is concluded.

CHRISTMAS CAPERS

A resident challenged why £3500 for Christmas Capers was listed as approved and spent, as the proposal was rejected at the June Forum.  Another resident said that this was a revenue item and asked why this had happened.  Sharon Morris said it was a mistake.  The Chair confirmed the money would not come out of Forum funds.

Concern was expressed about the funding of Christmas capers over the years.

It was requested that when the next allocation for Forum budgeting comes up could the case be looked at for redressing deprivation in South Wigston.

The Council is addressing a range of budget saving options.

Residents will be consulted.

Family Foodies

Family Foodies are in the process of preparing a project update to feedback to the Forum.

The Forum budget update will be corrected to remove the £3500 to Christmas Capers.  When that correction is made, the Forum will have funds available of £23,306.

PW Circuits Factory bin request

Retain this on the itinerary to resolve.

Resident request for a dog bin on Saffron Road

Leave on the itinerary and follow up.

Taxidermist and smell of dead carcasses

Retain the issue on the Taxidermist and disposal of dead carcasses. To be resolved with Environmental Health.

Missing Benches

On the Blaby Rd issue and the two parallel benches, the issue of the benches has been resolved. The gate is the missing item.

Building work on the Premier Drum Site

Work has started at the Premier Drum site to build Lidl and Wickes. The road layout is to be adjusted. The traffic light sequence will be altered to keep traffic flowing.

Items for November Agenda

Community Centre

Arriva Bus cuts

The date of the next meeting is November 15 2017.