Agenda and draft minutes

The Minutes of the Previous Meeting were declared true and accurate.

No Police attendance.
Cllr Loydall discussed the role of Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) and the statutory duty of authorities to collaborate.
Shop theft is increasingly prevalent. The One Stop on Fairfield Estate was targeted three times in one day.
Cllr Loydall met with Police and One Stop management on-site. A CCTV installation is planned to cover a key escape route via an alley.
Lack of bollards at the alley’s entrance is being reviewed for vehicle access prevention.
Meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is scheduled for 5 June to seek support.
PCC has allocated funding for bodycams for high-risk shop locations.
Cllr Loydall encouraged collaboration between OW Police and City Police.

·       Land Sales: Jelson's has begun selling off land in Wigston. One piece bought includes TPO-protected trees, restricting development. Council pursuing the matter due to land being unkept.

·       Housing Numbers: Government housing targets increased to 384 homes per year. Local Plan is paused to identify additional development land. 40 landowners have expressed interest.

·       Land Unsold: Two plots near Two Steeples Health Centre received no bids.

·       Bin Policy: 2 public bins have been removed. The Council is looking to remove dog waste bins when adjacent to normal bin. Dog waste can now be disposed of in standard bins.

·       Bridge Works: Commencing in June. Half of the road will remain open during works. Bus routes to continue as normal. Pumping station to be installed in support of lowering the lines.

·       E-scooters: Ongoing issues with illegal use. Police targeting reckless users. Concerns raised about usage near Fairfield School. Mobility Scooters: Road or pavement usage dependent on weight class.

·       Cue Club Incident: There was a  fight and alcohol consumption outside of the club on Saturday (24 May). Environmental Health visited to reinforce licensing. Residents encouraged to report incidents for proper logging and review.

·       Homelessness: Situation worsening, with around 100 families expected to be homeless by year-end with the Council having a statutory responsibility to house. High costs involved. Council is seeking landlords to lease properties.

·       Kennedy House: Open to offers. Refurbishment would cost over £1 million.

·       Newton Lane Housing: Council has first refusal to rent properties. No-fault evictions worsening homelessness.

·       Blaby Road Park Pavilion: Hired commercially; no lease with company. Council exploring greater use of pavilions to address budget gaps.

·       Illegal Notices: Council officers working to remove unauthorised notices across the borough.

·       Garden and All Council Bins
- Resident raised concerns about green waste spilling onto roads after bin collection.
- Bins left on pavements causing obstructions.
Action: Cllrs Boulter and Haq to follow up.

·       Barracks Site
- No significant developments to report.

·       Grant Application
- Proposal for £300 grant to fund a Union flag for Remembrance Sunday.
- Residents in agreement.
Action: Mark to raise at PFD Committee. Flag to be based at St Thomas’s and used across the borough. Cllr Walter advised that he will store this under the Oadby Wigston Borough AFVBC.

·       Burglary and Shop Theft Funding
- Cllr Haq to investigate funding availability.

·       Devolution Update
- Government proposing abolition of district councils to be replaced by unitary councils.
- District Councils have submitted a proposal that will see 3 unitary councils. North, Central (City) and South.
- Awaiting feedback from government before consultation beginning with residents. Resident concerns about OW representation.

·       UK Government Funding
- Residents encouraged to propose how to use funding (e.g., exercise equipment for William Gunning Park).
- Other funded improvements have included murals, seating, and baskets.

·       Parking Issues – Gloucester Crescent
- Commercial vehicle congestion raised. Some untaxed, obstructive.
Action: Cllr Boulter to raise with Planning Enforcement.

·       County Councillor
- Forum to invite new County Councillor to the next meeting.

None raised.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 – 7pm – Venue TBC

Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 7:00pm – South Wigston Methodist Church