Agenda and minutes

A representative from York Neighbours, a voluntary organisation which provides help to the elderly and isolated with one-off jobs such as DIY, shopping, etc, was invited to explain more about the organisation to members of the Ward.

Cllr Waller introduced Joe Micheli, Adult Social Care, Head of Commissioning at CYC, who outlined some of the current pressures and challenges facing the provision of support for older and vulnerable residents.  Mr Micheli then introduced the concept of Local Area Co-ordination (LAC) which encourages and supports people in becoming more involved in society.  The concept, which already operates globally, has evidenced a range of positive outcomes, including a reduction in social isolation, less reliance on formal health care and social services, thus freeing up GP time and reducing costs in areas such as housing and safeguarding. It basically involves an investment in early intervention and prevention to prevent a point of crisis. Evaluations of LAC in the UK have found a social return on investment of £4 for every £1 invested.

It is intended to trial LACs in 3 Wards across York (including Westfield), with the intention of rolling out across the City in the long term if it has positive outcomes.

Sue Collins, Director of Development YorkCVS introduced ‘Ways to Wellbeing’, a project using social prescribing to connect people to health and wellbeing services in their community.  This is an alternative referral service, based in GP practices, for people who need health and well-being support which is non-medical.  Benefits include increased confidence and well-being, reduced loneliness and less reliance on GPs.

Michal Czekajlo explained the concept of the Good Gym, which combines exercise with good deeds within the community.

James Howard, the Deputy Manager of Energise, gave an overview of the range of inclusive activities and facilities available to all, both for those who are able-bodied and to the disabled.

Mr Micheli thanked the representatives from the various community groups for their input.  Residents then broke out into discussion groups to identify any gaps in local service provision.

Following feedback, Mr Micheli collected ideas which can then be worked up into formal proposals to be considered as part of the balloting process.

Sgt Hitchcock introduced herself and PCSO Hayle before outlining the new community policing structure due to become live on 3^rd April 2017.

The new structure is designed to give greater staffing flexibility, allowing PCSOs to increase their visibility and engagement within the community.  PCSOs will have greater focus on vulnerable residents, for example: the elderly; those missing from home; and children and young people who may be vulnerable to child sexual exploitation.  PCSOs will be working with other agencies, including CYC, to support vulnerable residents.

Following incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the Chapelfields area, extra resources have been moved to the estate.  Police are working alongside other agencies to create a long-term solution for dealing with the root causes of ASB.

Sgt Hitchcock agreed to pass on details of resident concerns about moped noise on Gale Lane to the Road Policing Group.

Cllr Waller thanked both Sgt Hitchcock and PCSO Hayle for their contributions to the meeting.

Cllr Waller introduced Roy Wallington to explain the proposals for the redevelopment of the Lowfields site. 

Mr Wallington gave an overview of the plans, explaining that they included a mix of services (including a relocated police station); care homes, bungalows and apartments (nursing and residential); a health centre and family housing.  The development would include approximately 160 homes and that 2 acres of the 14-acre site would be designated as public open space.

Formal public engagement with the proposals is timetabled for June, including a series of drop-in sessions, information on the website, etc.  Any amendments will then be included into a further draft prior to planning application submission.  Should planning consent be given, then the construction of the development would begin in the new year.  Cllr Waller emphasised that residents would need to be provided with as much information as possible in advance of any deadlines to allow for a considered response.  The timing of the consultation will be advertised on the Ward noticeboards and on the Ward website as far as possible.

Any impact of the development on current residents would be carefully controlled and managed as appropriate.   The building phase is expected to take in the region of 2 to 3 years. 

In response to a resident query relating to the use of Dijon Avenue as an access road for building traffic, Mr Wallington explained that there would be two access roads and that he was aware of the narrow areas and parking issues on Dijon Avenue.  He emphasised that there would be careful management of the routes and the traffic both in and around the site.  Cllr Waller commented that lessons had been learnt from previous projects, including the management of the impact on residents, and that these have been taken on board.

In response to a resident query relating to adverse effects on wildlife and the environment, Mr Wallington explained that some environmental assessments had already taken place, but that there were still more to do.  Any development would include efforts to preserve the flora and fauna, including significant trees, as far as possible.

The need for the relocation of the police station was queried by a member of the public.  Mr Wallington explained that the current site on Acomb Road was used as a base, whilst the custody suite was at Fulford Road.  It was the base at Acomb Road which would be relocated to the Lowfields site.  This move would allow the Police Station to be co-located with other local services.  The parking of both police staff and of service vehicles would be taken into consideration as part of the site plans

Councillors and residents thanked Mr Wallington for his contribution to the meeting.

IT WAS AGREED THAT Ward priorities for 2017/18 are as follows:

·        Improve the local environment and take pride in Westfield

·        Reducing isolation

·        Improve activities for young people.

Cllr Waller explained that the Ward was currently still working through schemes voted on during the last ballot.  The application deadline for 2017/18 Ward grants was the end of April 2017, in time for the next balloting process due to take place in May/June 2017.  Details of the process and deadlines, in addition to application forms, will be posted on the Ward website.

Cllr Waller updated residents on the ward scheme to deal with the uneven paths between Gale Lane and the shops on Front Street.  A project cost of £7k had been estimated, however the quote placed the project cost at closer to £20k.  It had been decided, therefore, that areas of the paths, particularly those which caused difficulties for mobility aids, such as dropped kerbs and raised/sunken ironworks, would be given priority.  Residents were requested to forward details of any other areas of those paths which required resurfacing, to councillors.  These could then be plotted and given funding consideration.

Following a resident query, users of motorised mobility vehicles were advised to use footpaths rather than roads.  Such users were asked to advise councillors of any points where progress on the footpath was blocked by physical barriers.