Agenda and minutes

Cllr Carr welcomed PCSOs Court and Scott to the meeting.  It was reported that for the year to date, there had been four reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and twelve of criminal damage.  All vehicle damage was committed in the Barons Crescent area and, thanks to house to house enquiries and local CCTV, police were able to release clear images of the perpetrator in both the press and social media.  A man is helping police with their enquiries.  Six incidents of bogus calling have been reported, two of which became threatening, mainly to the elderly.  In response to a resident query, the PCSOs explained that the incidents were related to the theft of charity bags.  One drug warrant has been executed, although nothing was found.

Residents thanked the officers for their hard work and also their contribution to the meeting.

Cllr Carr provided residents with an overview of how the ward budget for 2016/17 had been allocated.  £10,833 was awarded in grants to local groups and projects which were in line with current ward priorities.  These included grants to Panda Playgroup, Communicare, the Youth Centre, the Parish Council and the Scout Group.  £1,213 was spent on CYC grounds maintenance buyback and £2,064 on the installation of a street light on the junction of Back Lane and Westfield Lane. 

The underspend has been committed to investigating improved lighting between Reygate and Low Green through the route of the snicket, pending finding a suitable location and resident consultation.

Most the annual highways budget of £10,440 was spent on the resurfacing of Low Green Road. 

Cllr Carr reported it is anticipated that the ward will have a budget of £10,970 revenue and £5,220 capital for 2017/18.  Although this is lower than in the previous year, the ward was able to carry funds forward from 2015/16(which have now been spent).  Residents and local groups are invited to apply for grants where the projects are in line with ward priorities.  Grant application forms are available from the ward website or from Kay Bailey, Communities & Equalities Team.

The current ward priorities are:

·        Supporting older people

·        Supporting activities for young people

·        Community safety projects.

IT WAS AGREED that the three ward priorities remain robust and relevant and should continue into 2017/18.

Have your say!

Cllr Carr explained that the council is introducing a programme to replace the existing Estate Improvement Grant process which uses monies drawn down from tenants’ rent to make improvements in areas with council properties. 

It is now planned that local issues will be brought to the ward team by its members, particularly the Estate Manager, Residents’ Associations and Community Involvement Officers, for initial discussions.  A citywide panel comprising tenants, portfolio holder councillors and officers will then allocate the funding against a set of criteria.  The funding available for Copmanthorpe (based on 41 tenants) is £850 in year 1, £1,700 in year 2 and £3,400 in year 4. 

The funding for each ward will be allocated over a two-year period until the end of this administration, after which it will be allocated over a four-year period.

A resident commented that there were several fire hydrants along Horseman Drive and that one of them is in a hazardous state and needs removing. 

ACTION:  Cllr Carr to investigate this matter with officers.

A resident asked if more dog litter bins could be installed. Cllr Carr explained that council funding is limited and reminded the meeting of the cost to the council of adult social care for the forthcoming years.