Agenda and minutes

The Chair gave permission for Richard Taylor to film the meeting. It was confirmed that the filming would cease if members of the public or speakers expressed a desire not to be filmed. Members of the public were given an opportunity to state if they did not want to be filmed.

 

Apologies were received from Councillors Scutt and Abbott.

 

Sir Graham Bright sent apologies as he was unable to attend as his agenda slot had been moved to a later time and he had an early meeting the next day.

 

Councillors expressed disappointment that Sir Graham Bright had withdrawn from attending this meeting.

 

Councillor Price declared a personal interest in minute numbers 14/12/NAC and 14/13/NAC as his son had recently been appointed as a special constable.

 

To agree the minutes of the meeting of the 21^st November 2013 as a correct record and to consider any outstanding actions.

 

 

7.35pm

The minutes of the meeting of the 21^st November 2014 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

 

The Committee noted the updated action as detailed on the action sheets. The following oral updates also were noted.

 

13/81/NAC Action for Councillor Manning regarding cycle safety: Following a site visit a term and options paper had been submitted to the project team. Meetings with Network rail were on-going regarding the possible use of an old access track to provide additional cycle lane options.

 

13/81/NAC Action for Councillor Pitt regarding an invitation to Stagecoach to attend a North area Meeting: Andy Campbell would be attending the next meeting.

 

13/81/NAC Open Forum (12) Action for Councillor Onasanya regarding cycle signage: A reviewing the cycle signage had been undertaken but the only defect found was in respect of the signs on the corner of Union Lane/Milton Road. Liaison with the cycling team for comments was on-going and further updates would be presented at the next North Area Committee.

To note decisions taken by the Chair, Vice Chair and Spokesperson since the last meeting of the North Area Committee.

It was noted that, since the project appraisal had been reported to the Chair, Vice Chair and Opposition Spokes, further information had been made available. The issues were considered further at the meeting under Developer Contributions Devolved Decision-Making (14/10/NAC).

The Committee noted the decision

7.45pm

 

For this meeting only, the Open Forum will be restricted to 15 minutes for consideration of non Police related issues.

 

If your question is related to Police items, please complete a yellow Open Forum slip which will be addressed later in the Agenda.

 

 

1.   Peter Sarris: Expressed concern that the BMX tract plans had become complicated and expensive. Local residents had concerns and more consultation was needed.

 

The Chair suggested deferring this item until later in the meeting.

 

2.   Leila Dockerill: Inconsiderate cyclists in the City Centre were putting pedestrians at risk.

 

This was a matter for West Central Committee and the concern would be passed on to them.

Action: Committee Manager

 

3.   Colin Davidson: Pavement and grass verge parking was not being dealt with by any authority.

 

Councillor Price stated that a request for a Traffic Regulation Order to address this problem had been submitted for King’s Hedges Road and Ramsden Square and was currently out for consultation.

Councillor Onasanya had previously asked for action on this matter. She would request the use of enforcement vehicles and for penalty notices to be issues.

Action: Councillor Onasanya

 

4.   Michael Bond: Problems in the Chesterton (Pye) Recreation Ground.

a.   Large puddle covering a footpath and making it unusable.

b.   Entrance too narrow to allow access for vehicles such as the DEC.

c.   Slope up to the road has a steep gradient and a ridge which was difficult for trailers to negotiate.

 

Councillor Kerr would speak to the Executive Councillor and request improvements.

Action Councillor Kerr

 

5.   Lil Speed: Residents were concerned about plans for a path across Bramble’s Fields.

 

Councillor Manning stated that there were no plans for such a path.

 

6.   Lil Speed: It is difficult to get hold of Councillors when problems arise in the area.

 

The Committee noted the comment.

 

 

7.   Mr Bond: Proposed the creation of No Commuter Parking Zones that can be policed by residents and enforced by existing traffic wardens or PCSOs on application from residents for action on a persistent commuter parker.

 

Councillor Manning said he had already forwarded Mr Bond's proposal to the County Council legal department for consideration.  Parking issues will be considered by the station Local Liaison Forum, which will be a public meeting open to all to update with progress on the project.

8.00pm

 

The Committee received a report from the Urban Growth Project Manager. The report asked the Area Committee to identify five local project priorities (including at least one grant-based project). The choice of options would need to reflect the availability of devolved funding in the relevant contribution types.

 

Public Questions:

 

1.          Mrs Blair: What were the criteria under which projects were allocated to either the strategic or the devolved Area Committee funding pot?

 

The Urban Growth Project Manager explained that devolved decision-making over the use of developer contributions had been established on the basis that an area committee’s local priorities – for S106 projects primarily benefitting that area of the city – would be financed from the developer contributions funding devolved to that area. It was for each area committee to consider which projects were primarily of local benefit. Strategic projects are those that benefit more than one area of the city; these are financed from city-wide developer contributions funding and the priorities are set by the relevant Executive Councillors. Examples of strategic community facilities projects from the first priority-setting round include the development of Cherry Trees Day Centre and the Centre at St Paul’s and the extension of St Andrew’s Hall.

 

BMX track next to Brown’s Field Community Centre:

 

The Urban Growth Project Manager highlighted that the reference to the BMX track project in paragraph 3.7a of the report should read the “proposed improvements to the BMX track next to Brown’s Field Community Centre”. The consultation feedback relating to this first round local priority had also been added to the agenda papers as a supplementary document.

 

Taking account of the consultation feedback and the comments raised during the Open Forum, the Committee expressed concerns that the costs for the BMX tract were escalating and the project was not universally supported by the community. Reservations were also expressed about the proposal for electronic equipment at a ‘start-finish’ station. It was agreed that more information and consultation with neighbours and BMX track users was needed before a report back to the Committee for a decision on this project.

 

Consideration of second round short-listed project options:

 

Members of the public made a number of statements, as set out below.

 

Community Rooms at Milton Road Library

 

2.   Richard Robertson, Chair, Friends of Milton Road Library:

·        A new building, including community meeting space, was proposed because the existing library has structural defects.

·        Partnership working with the County Council, City Council and local groups has produced a vision for a community resource.

·        The financial strategy involved the provision of flats above the library being used to cross-finance the community facility.

·        The £100,000 community facilities developer contributions funding requested was needed to make the project viable.

 

3.   Chloe Austin and Lucy Orlowski, Young People's Representatives

·        There was an enthusiastic project steering group for the project.

·        Planned used for the space included: a film group, a book club and a youth club.

·        Visiting speakers were planned.

·        Current facilities for young people were limited.

 

4.   Michael Bond, Friends of Milton Road Library and Treasurer of Chesterton Residents’ Association

·        The building would be self-regulated and self- financing via room booking fees.

 

5.   Ian Douglas, District Library Manager: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire County Council

·        This was a partnership project.

·        Ideas were coming from voluntary groups

·        Had the potential to use the library building for longer periods of the day.

·        Offers good value for money.

·        Whilst the grant-funding sought would be directly for the community facilities, it could also indirectly make possible the continuing provision of library services across Cambridge and in the North area in particular.

·        Welcomed the on-going dialogue with local residents’ associations and would continue to work with them to address reservations and to find a way forward.

 

6.   Dr Mike Kemp - Ascham Road Area Residents Association

·        Had supported the plan but, as details emerged, concern was growing.

·        Site appeared to be being overdeveloped.

·        Size and mass of the planned building was too big.

·        Parking would be an issue for local residents.

·        There were other facilities in the area for young people.

·        Funding should not be allocated with the presumption of redevelopment.

·        The existing building could be saved.

 

St Andrew’s Church Hall extension

 

7.   Michael Bond, Treasurer of St Andrew's Hall Management Committee:

·        Referred to paragraph 3.8 of the report and provided an update on the first round strategic priority for the extension of St Andrew’s Hall. The tenders had been much higher than expected. A review of the design was being undertaken with a view to reducing the costs.

 

In the light of comments made by public speakers in relation to the proposal for community rooms at Milton Road library, the Urban Growth Project Manager noted that developer contributions had been used to enable the provision of community facilities within existing library buildings in other parts of the city. He advised that, if the Area Committee wished to prioritise the proposals for Milton Road library, the full amount requested (up to £100,000) could be allocated to the project, subject to a follow-up report within six months for an update on the development of the proposals.

 

Following discussion, Members resolved to:

 

     i.        Defer consideration of additional funding and approval for the implementation of the first round priority project for BMX track improvements next to Brown Field.

 

    ii.        Identify the following local priorities to be funded from devolved developer contributions funding, subject to local consultation and project appraisal as follows:

 

·        Option B: Buchan Street Neighbourhood Centre extension.

·        Option C: Community rooms at Milton Road library redevelopment

·        Option F: New play area by Perse Way flats

·        Option D: Trim Trail at Alexandra Gardens

·        Option G: Improved lighting for multi-use games area at Nun’s Way.

 

3. Request that the relevant Executive Councillors be asked formally to make available the revenue funding implications of the local priorities for the new Play area by Perse Way flats, the trim trail at Alexandra Gardens and any additional electricity/running costs of the improved lighting for the multi-use games area at Nun’s Way.

8.30pm

 

Presentation followed by an opportunity for public questions.

This item was deferred to a later meeting.

9.00pm

The Committee received a report from the Director of Customer & Community Services.

 

The report outlined that the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership (CCSP) is currently consulting on new priorities following the production of a detailed Strategic Assessment of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour across the City. These priorities will guide the work of the Partnership over the coming three-year period from 2014-2017 although the plan will be updated annually to ensure it reflects the needs of the community. This paper provides background information for consultation with Area Committees.

 

The Committee received a presentation from Chief Inspector Sloan. The following points were made:

     i.        The level of reported crime was reducing for the last 5 – 10 years.

    ii.        People were asked to give feedback on CCSP priorities through the city council website.

 

Members of the public made the following comments:

 

1.   Ann Sinott: Domestic abuse should be added as a priority. Current recording methods do not differentiate this from other crimes. Domestic violence can result in fatalities and is costly in financial terms.

2.   Richard Taylor: It is difficult for the public to contribute to area priority setting as it is often unclear what has been agreed at the citywide level. Could better information be provided?

3.   Clair Blair: Under reporting of violence towards young people and young people as victims could be added as a priority.

4.   Mr Sargent: The remit of the Partnership was not clear to the public.

5.   Mr Davison: Third party reporting of crime was hampered by the number of agencies involved and fears of reprisals.

 

The Area Committee considered the evidence in the Strategic Assessment 2013 (Appendix A of the Officer’s report) and made the following comments in response to the draft CCSP priorities:

     i.        Parking issues including obstruction of pavements and grass verge damage were agreed to be a problem.

    ii.        Details were missing regarding hate crime and it was unclear which groups were experiencing difficulties.

   iii.        The links between alcohol and violent crime need to be explored.

 

The Director of Customer & Community Services confirmed that Domestic Abuse had been raised at every Area Committee consultation and it had been agreed that more work was needed at a local level to provide support and advocacy and to encourage reporting. She also, highlighted the work being undertaken with troubled families.

 

Resolved:

 

The North Area Committee agreed that the following key issues be suggested to the partnership for further consideration:

 

     i.        Domestic Abuse  (unanimous)

    ii.        Pavement Parking (by 5 votes to 3)

    iii.            Young People as Victims (by 11 votes to 0)

9.30pm

The Committee received a verbal update from the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant on crime and policing in the four wards.

 

The Community Fire Safety Officer acknowledged that there had been considerable improvements in the recorded rates of arson, largely due to partnership working. However, there was a need to be vigilant as a new cohort of young people emerged.

 

Q1.   Mr Jowett: A known criminal couple are operating in the area and no action is being taken. The couple are using the Police against people who try to stop them.

 

          The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that the Police were aware of the problem and that an Acceptable Behaviour Contract had been signed by the individuals involved. Evidence was being gathered which may lead to further action.

 

          Comments by other members of the public on this matter:

 

·        Peter Sarris: Aggressive begging had been going on for some time and the Police had been slow to take any action. Community tensions were rising.

·        Lil Speed: The problem individuals had been operating for some time and members of the public had experienced problems getting any action taken to address the problem.

·        Member of the Public: The individuals are being monitored and local community aware but what happens if they move on to wider area?

·        Kay Harris: There is a lack of a visual presence of PCSO in the area which would offer a deterrent to offending.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant suggested that any incidents should be reported to the Police and that the public should not take action themselves. In response to comments from the Committee, he stated that the Police were unable to take action without evidence. He offered to arrange home visits for any vulnerable residents in the area who were fearful of the situation.

 

Q2.   Colin Davison: Anti-social cycling, such as using the pavement, is often a result of fear of using the road. Enforcing a 20 mph limit would ease the problems experienced by all road users and improve conditions for pedestrians.

          Richard Jennings: Also suggested enforcement of the 20 mph as a way to improve tensions between road users.

 

          Councillor Ward suggested enforcement of the 20 mph limit as a priority. Improved signage would be in place very soon.

 

Q3.   Richard Jennings: In light of Police concerns about confusing road layouts and poor signage, have they raised this matter with the County Council?

 

          Councillor Manning stated that he and the Police were working with Cambridge University to come up with a solution to a long term problem.

 

Q4.   Richard Taylor: The minutes of the meeting of the 3^rd October noted a rejected request for CCTV to be used in Green End Road. However, the cameras had been deployed in the area. Where was this decision taken?

 

          Councillor Pitt agreed to look into this matter.

Action: Councillor Pitt

 

Q5.   Richard Taylor: Feedback about the use of Tasers had been requested but not provided.

 

Q6.   Richard Taylor: If speed awareness courses are to be used for offences in 20 mph zones, where will they be run? Will it be local to this area?

 

          Councillor Ward agreed to investigate this matter.

Action: Councillor Ward

 

Q7.   Ann Sinott: Questioned how many offences were related to domestic violence.

 

          The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant stated that it was hard to identify such offences.

 

Councillor Bird suggested that the problems relating to aggressive begging had been going on for a long time and over a wide area. She questioned why the Police had not warned vulnerable older residents in the area.

 

Sergeant Wragg stated that he could only take action if he was aware of the problem. He encouraged residents to report issues as soon as possible.

 

Councillor Kerr highlighted an Off Licence application to be considered shortly, for premises in the Green End Road area and wondered if this would create ASB problems.

 

Sergeant Wragg suggested this premises was unlikely to create the sort of problems experienced elsewhere in the North Area.

 

Resolved (unanimously) to agree the following two Neighbourhood Priorities:

 

     i.        Tackle drug dealing in the North Area

 

    ii.        Enforce 20mph speed limits (including Fen Road)

10.00pm

 

The Committee is asked to approve the following dates:

 

8^th May 2014

3^rd July 2014

28^th August 2014

30^th October 2014

18^th December 2014

12^th February 2015

9^th April 2015

 

Members are asked to contact the Committee Manager in advance of the meeting with any comments regarding the above dates.

The Committee received a report for the Committee Manager recommending meeting dates for the municipal year 2014 to 2015.

 

RESOLVED (unanimously) to agree the following meeting dates: 

 

8^th May 2014

3^rd July 2014

28^th August 2014

30^th October 2014

18^th December 2014

12^th February 2015

9^th April 2015