Beeston Community Forum meeting- 5th April 2007
AGENDA
1. Chairman’s Opening Remarks
- Apologies for absence
- Guest Speakers- Charles Donnelly, First Leeds and Councillor Stanley King, WYPTA
- I) Minutes of the meeting of the Beeston Community Forum held on 4th January 2007
ii) Minutes of the meeting of the Beeston Community Forum held on 1st March 2007
5Correspondence
- Report of Committee meeting on 15th March 2007
- Any Other Business
Minutes of the meeting of the Beeston Community Forum held on 1st March 2007.
Attendance:- Mrs C. Thornton (in the chair), R.Almond, A.F.Barnard Esq, D.Bateman Esq, Mrs M. Bell, D. Bottomley, Mrs D. Brooke, K. Burton Esq., Mrs S. Burton, Councillor D. Congreve, J. Cunningham Esq., J. Fenton Esq., Councillor A. Gabriel, P. Griffin Esq., J. Hodgson Esq., Mrs P. Holmes, Miss P. Johnson, S. Johnston, R. Kitson, J. Leathley, G. Leathley, G.M. Mason Esq., Mrs M. Mason, Mrs E. Newton, R.Nevin Esq., Councillor A Ogilvie., A. Spencer, F. Swift and R.J.W. Winfield Esq.,
1. Chairman’s Opening Remarks. Christine Thornton welcomed those present to the meeting
2. Mr Raymond Nevin apologised on behalf of St Andrew’s Church for the lack of heating
3. Apologies for absence were received from Bill Birch, John Buckley, Kathleen Fenton and Steve Francis
4. It was noted that as the meeting of the Forum held on 1st February was confined to contributions to guest speakers, there was no opportunity to take apologies for absence. Such apologies were received from Bill Birch and Adam Ogilvie.
5. Guest Speaker. Christine Thornton introduced Mr Pete Turner of ‘I Love South Leeds’.
6. Minutes of meetings-
6.1 It was noted that the minutes of the meeting on 4th January had been circulated but not been considered at the last meeting. As Christine Thornton did not have a copy of these minutes to hand, it was agreed that this matter be held in abeyance.
6.2 In relation to the minutes of the meeting held on 1st February, Robert Winfield observed that there had been no opportunity for apologies for absence to be noted. He would therefore be delighted to accept an amendment to the minutes to record such apologies. Additionally, it was clear that a number of those attending had not signed the attendance sheet. If anyone to whom this applied would like it to be noted that they attended, an appropriate amendment to the minutes would be agreed. The minutes were agreed as a fair and accurate record of the meeting.
7. Matters arising
7.1 Des Bateman explained that residents of Heath Crescent and Heath Grove would like to thank David Congreve for his work against potential developers in the area
7.2 John Hodgson cited the recent developments in relation to Jubilee House as an example of the good which can be done by the Forum. He congratulated Peter Griffin for pursuing the matter, and observed that if the area did not have a Forum where the Leader of the Council had been present at a meeting, the developments would not have occurred. The building now looks better as a result of being boarded up.
7.3 Steve Johnston raised the issue of South Leeds Sports Centre, saying that he had frequented this on the ‘rare occasion’ on which the pool had been open. Staff had said that the centre could have been fully staffed by bringing the old staff back. It was noted that the Centre was in better condition than other sports centres throughout the city.
7.4 Mr Raymond Nevin raised the state of Old Lane, which was worse than ever. The road from Jubilee House northwards was little better than a ploughed field. He had phoned the Highways Department and got nowhere. It was agreed that the Secretary would write about this matter. Christine Thornton wondered whether the Councillors would also raise the issue on our behalf.
8. Correspondence. Robert Winfield explained that as the last Forum meeting did not include a report of correspondence, there would be more correspondence to report on this occasion.
8.1 Christine Thornton raised a number of communications from Councillor Andrew Carter in relation to Jubilee House. She pointed out that the building had been sealed following an inspection by Trevor Hall of the Leeds City Council Development Department, under the Building Act 1984. Peter Griffin pointed out that the gates are still open and he had been to see Mr Cox, the Head of the Environment Department about the matter.
8.2 Christine Thornton had received an e-mail from Elizabeth Smith, who leads the group of Brownies who meet at St Andrew’s Church. She said that there is a slight concern with the issue of the safety of the children leaving the church hall to visit the toilet when there are adults wandering about. Christine Thornton had spoken to Mrs Smith and Rev Steven Day and would be meeting them the following Wednesday. John Hodgson wondered whether it would be possible to leave the building quickly in the event of fire. Raymond Nevin explained that the front door is never closed.
8.3Robert Winfield reported a letter from Chris Edwards of Education Leeds, who said that the new South Leeds High School building is ‘fantastic’, and represents a huge investment in the area, although they have faced some snagging technical and logistical problems. These problems are, he said, being systematically addressed and resolved with the contractors and with Colin Bell and his team. Mr Edwards added that the new school provides brilliant learning facilities and a wonderful community resource. He added that Colin Bell and his team are working hard to drive up standards, and have already begun to develop a culture and ethos which promotes hard work, diversity, equality and excellence. He added that we need the support of parents, carers and the local community. Steve Johnston criticised the letter as containing a lot of platitudes, and added that year 7 pupils had been unable to access where they are taught due to the wind. The wind did take off the roof three weeks previously, leading to a health and safety issue. The building is obviously not safe in high winds. Steve Johnston added that police had been patrolling the corridors of the school due to a disturbance involving fighting in classrooms and corridors on racial lines. He said that it was no good denying that there are serious problems, and we need resources to solve it. He feared that if the BNP got hold of the issue, they would run with it.
8.4Robert Winfield had received a number of letters relating to bus services. He had received two letters from Charles Donnelly of First Leeds in relation to the decision to withdraw the no 54 bus service. He explained that during the period when the service operated, First had incurred costs of £25000 and receipts of £3400. As the usage of the service had been so low, First had to concede that the service could not continue, and had therefore applied to de register the service with effect from 27th January. Following a letter written at the request of the Committee in response to this letter, Mr Donnelly said that he could not accept the view of the committee that the service was ‘designed to fail’. He explained that First are not in business to throw away £25000 in costs. A further letter from Mr Donnelly responded to the Forum’s letter concerning the recent bus fare increase in Leeds. Mr Donnelly explained that they are in business to encourage people to travel by bus and they therefore consider any price rises carefully before making changes. He explained that First are faced with rising costs; not just fuel but insurance, spares, vehicle costs and especially labour costs. Bus operator costs had risen by 10% compared with a 3.9% rise in the RPI. In addition Councillor Stanley King, the Chairman of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority had pointed out that he is not aware of any immediate proposals to vary bus stopping places in Leeds City Centre.
8.5Robert Winfield had received an e-mail from Mike Wild of the Leeds City Council Highways Department, explaining his inability to attend Forum meetings but also explaining the current situation in relation to a number of Highways issues. He explained that a work instruction had been issued to construct a new Zebra crossing outside Beeston Primary School, Town Street. Following completion of the two zebra crossings outside the stadium, the Department would again be looking at the speed issues. A speed hump in Barkly Road will shortly be removed following complaints from frontagers. Counts are being undertaken in Sunnyview Gardens following complaints about rat running through the street following completion of the signalled junction at Wesley Street.
8.6Robert Winfield had received a letter from Carole Fuller, the Patient and Public Involvement Officer of Leeds PCT in response to the Forum’s concerns about the lack of a hearing aid technician in Beeston. Mrs Fuller explained that the Adult Audiology service do a full day of hearing aid aftercare at Hunslet and Armley health centres each week and two afternoons per month at Pudsey Health Centre.
8.7Robert Winfield had received an e-mail from Victoria Brewood, a Student of Broadcast Journalism at Leeds University, who is producing a television piece (not for broadcast) dealing with waste and recycling, and wondering whether any Beeston residents would wish to participate. Ken and Sandra Burton volunteered.
9. Report of Committee Meetings. Christine Thornton gave the details of future guest speakers at the Forum as follows:-
April- Charles Donnelly of First and Councillor Stanley King dealing with buses
May- Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP
June- Chris Edwards, Education Leeds
July- Jeremy Morton of TIGER 11
August- Hannah Sowerbutts of Leeds Voice (Provisional)
September- Cleansing representatives
October- Linda Young of the Co-op (hopefully)
November- Frank Goddard, Beeston Local History Society
December- AGM
Steve Johnston described this as a fantastic programme and suggested that the Forum produce a flyer.
10. Any Other Business
10.1It was noted that Councillor David Congreve had contacted John Hodgson to ask whether the Forum would be interested in remaining on the list of organisations to receive MICE money. The Forum still wishes to be considered.
10.2The Elland Road Arena- It was noted that the Beeston and Holbeck Ward Councillors had been briefed about the proposals an hour after the papers had been published. Councillor Angela Gabriel noted that the proposals incorporate housing and two hotels. It was also noted that there would be a reduction in car parking space. David Congreve recalled that when the last Elland Road Arena proposals were published, local residents had to fight for the right to be consulted. Steve Johnston referred to the number of car parking spaces which would be lost and wondered what events would be held at the arena and when they would happen. He feared that there would be solid traffic, and that this would lead to a knock on effect throughout Beeston. John Hodgson argued that we should be careful not to say whether we want a casino or an arena. Leeds would have a casino; the only question is where it would be built. People need a good scheme. He noted that there had been discussions about a park and ride scheme, but he argued that the last thing that was wanted is a 24 hour per day park and ride scheme. The area has enough traffic already. He observed that the car park was a bad site for traffic, but that it is important that the Forum is not perceived as luddites. John Hodgson added that the moral issues relating to a casino had already been decided. He stressed that we do not want other forums in the LS11 postal district, deciding what we want. Raymond Nevin said that there would be problems with the traffic going in and out. He said that the proposal for 2700 car parking spaces was inadequate, noting that the 4800 spaces at the White Rose Shopping Centre are clearly inadequate. He also asked why housing was proposed and said that the scheme would not be bad if various issues were addressed. Alwyn Barnard also commented on the proposals to build houses and noted that Leeds City Council had previously decided that there could be no building on the site except for leisure. Has this policy been changed? If housing is built on the site, could Ladbrokes, who had previously been refused permission to build houses on the site, sue over the issue? Councillor David Congreve stressed that there is a long way to go, and said that the Council were getting preferred developers on board. Issues had been raised for Council Officers to look at. David Congreve explained that he sits on the Plans Panel (East) Committee, which would decide any planning applications which would be made in relation to the arena. He would hear what people have to say, but would not make up his mind personally until the meeting at which any planning application is decided.
Des Bateman referred to the discussion of a possible rail halt at Elland Road. He said that this had been rejected on the grounds that this would be too close to Leeds City Station. If there is a change of mind, developers would need to pay the full costs. It was also noted that there is a high velocity gas main close to the Elland Road site. If any work is done, world class specialists would need to be involved on Health and Safety Grounds. Any errors could cause explosions.
Robert Winfield explained that he could not understand why housing was included as part of the plans. He feared that the development may have been drawn up to give loads of money to developers, but that this could mean loads of trouble for local residents. He also hoped that the Forum would be at the forefront of any consultation process. Councillor Adam Ogilvie explained that we need a proper consultation. He was concerned about the traffic and the reduction in available car parking.
Pauline Johnson said that the plans seek to pack too much into a small space; arena, casino, hotel, housing, police station and a lack of car parking. It was argued that a 45000-seater stadium should have around 20000 car parking spaces. If the popularity of Leeds United Football Club increases there could be problems. There was a need for a multi storey car park and a special bus service.
Councillor Angela Gabriel said that the Development Department should contact the Forum.
10.3 John Hodgson noted that the Highways Department had promised to clear chicanes on Barkly Road, but said that it had taken them 21 years to do this. He also noted that Margaret Sharpe, the widow of the former Forum Chairman Jack Sharpe, had complained about the state of cleanliness in Barkly Road, which seems to be missed off the cleaning rota. She had become tired of ringing the cleansing department. It was noted that there are a lot of takeaways in the area, leading to jam packed bins.