Agenda and draft minutes

It was noted that Councillor Estella Tincknell would chair this meeting of the partnership.  Councillor Gill Kirk would chair the neighbourhood committee at relevant points during the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Councillors, officers and other attendees introduced themselves.

Apologies were received from Councillor Olly Mead and Stephen Barrett.

To note any declarations of interest from councillors. They are asked to indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.

None.

To agree the minutes of the previous NP meeting held on 5 October 2016 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the neighbourhood partnership held on 5 October 2016 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To note any matters arising from the previous minutes (for information) and to review the NP action sheet.

Key points raised / noted:

Re: Minutes of meeting held on 5 October 2016:

p.3 – Equalities review:

This action (article to be included in the “Horfield and Lockleaze Voice”) had been completed.  COMPLETE (on action tracker)

p.4 – Lockleaze and Manor Farm community research:

A network meeting had been held, discussing opportunities that could benefit Horfield ward.  A further meeting involving Upper Horfield Community Trust would be held in the new year.

p.4 – Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust strategic plan:

Sarah Mowl had shared information, as requested, about the process for organisations gaining charitable status.  COMPLETE (on action tracker)

p.6 – Gainsborough Square Christmas tree and lights:

On behalf of the NP, the Chair thanked all those involved in making this happen.  COMPLETE (on action tracker)

Re: Action sheet:

Romney Avenue bus link: Councillor Kirk reported that progress was being made.  Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Cabinet member for Transport had been liaising with South Gloucestershire Council in relation to this important new bus route, and positive news was expected early in the new year.

Up to 30 minutes is permitted for this item.

Any written public forum statements for submission to this meeting should be emailed to democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 9 December at latest.

None.

A presentation on this will be given at the meeting, for more details see goo.gl/StoSVr “Neighbourhood Partnership Plan”.

To be presented by Caroline Hollies

The NP considered and discussed progress on a range of NP activities.

Key points raised/noted:

a. Emerson Square:

Following some reports of anti-social behaviour, Hayley Swift and Sam Parker had visited the park to try to engage residents.  Only a few local residents had experienced anti-social behaviour.  There was no community energy following the attempts to engage locally and therefore this part of the project was now closed.

b. Maskelyne Avenue open space:

Following a court case brought by a local resident, the court had determined that noise abatement action was required in relation to the noise caused by balls striking the MUGA fence.  Actions to mitigate this were being considered with parks officers, which might involve the use of S106 funds.

c. Stoke Park:

The Stoke Park development group had released £2,000 to support local activities at Stoke Park (£1,500 to support events and £500 to support the Friends of Stoke Park group).  The Friends group had put together a proposal for an outdoor gym on the estate.  A Christmas event would also be held in the park on 17 December.

d. Muller Road recreation ground:

There had been a good public turnout at the second consultation meeting held by Fairfield School.  Feedback from the meeting was awaited.

e. Horfield Common playground:

Resurfacing work was currently on hold, in light of the current BCC spending freeze on non-essential expenditure.

f. BCC spending freeze:

At this point in the meeting, the Chair referred to the current Council spending freeze.  This had been brought in as an “across the board” measure in light of the Council’s serious financial position.  The freeze applied to all current, non-essential expenditure, although it did not apply in respect of the use of S106 funds (or to the use of the Transformers fund, to be considered later at this meeting).  The decision to freeze non-essential expenditure had been taken to enable the Council to take full stock of the budgetary position, and assess this in light of the current public consultation taking place on next year’s budget.  Moving forwards, given the financial situation affecting Bristol and other core cities, the Council would need to become more of an enabler rather than a direct provider of some services.  The current freeze was likely to remain in place at least until the Council’s 2017-18 budget had been determined.

g. Southmead hospital parking:

A date was awaited for the review of the parking arrangements.

h. Kellaway Avenue crossing:

Just the electrical and lining works were now outstanding.

i. Domestic abuse conference:

The North Bristol Against Violence and Abuse conference would take place on 21 March 2017.

j. Lockleaze developments:

Very pro-active work was taking place on this, under the direction of Councillor Paul Smith, Cabinet member for Homes and Communities.  Paul Owens (BCC programme manager) was working with consultants to assess the development potential of a range of sites in Lockleaze. 

With reference to the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

To consider an application for funding to support a community research and action project for Lockleaze and Manor Farm.

Due to the current BCC spending freeze on non-essential expenditure, this report was not considered at this meeting. 

To consider the NP business report.

To be presented by Caroline Hollies.

The NP considered the NP business report.

a. Station Lane, Lockleaze - drainage works:

Following discussion, and having noted that this work had already been completed, the Neighbourhood Committee

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to the release of £2,131 (S106 funds ref. S106 04/01885/ Eastgate market site, Eastgate Road, Eastville / ZCD…636) in respect of drainage works to improve this walking route to Fairfield School.

b. Grants panel recommendations:

Due to the current BCC spending freeze on non-essential expenditure, this part of the report was not considered at this meeting. 

c. Transformer funding:

The NP noted that Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust had been managing the Transformers fund, a small grant fund aimed at working with young people and delivering youth activities.  The Trust had found it difficult to attract enough projects and had agreed to devolve £5,000 of the fund to each of Bristol’s NPs, it they wished to accept it.

The NP agreed that it did wish to accept and take up the opportunity to allocate this funding for the Horfield and Lockleaze area.  Following discussion, it was agreed that no decision should be taken at today’s meeting on the allocation of these funds.  A number of potential options were available, including:

·         Allocating it to the Young People’s grant fund.

·         Adding it to the Wellbeing grant fund.

·         Using it to commission a mapping and audit project for children and young people’s activities and facilities.

·         Using it to link in with the work of local children’s centres.

It was noted that Caroline Hollies would set up a planning group to further consider possible options for the use of this fund.

d. Finance update:

The finance update was noted.

e. Pop-up forums:

The recent “pop-up” event at Eden Grove Christmas Bazaar held on 26 November had been positive. 

f. Meeting dates – principles:

The following was suggested:

·         NP meetings should ideally be held on a Monday or a Wednesday.

·         Horfield Primary School was an appropriate, accessible venue, with good facilities (e.g. projection equipment on site).  The Hub at Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze was also an appropriate location.

·         Consideration could be given to holding one daytime NP meeting per year.

·         Opportunities for commenting online at meetings (or about agendas) utilising technology should be explored.

g. NP review and restructure:

Cllr Asher Craig, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods explained the rationale for the current review of NPs.  Key factors and principles for the review included:

·         Ensuring that the new NP structure was a “bottom up” structure, influenced by local considerations rather than being seen as a bureaucratic “top down” structure.  It was recognised that “imposed” structures did not work.

·         There were no pre-conceptions about what would work best for any area. 

·         Where appropriate, local “infrastructure” and positive activity from groups / organisations / community “players” that was already working well could be built upon.

·         Local communities should set their own priorities.

Main comments in the subsequent discussion:

·         It would be important to tap into local “energy”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To agree a 9 month action plan up to July 2017.

To be presented by Caroline Hollies.

The NP held a workshop session, working in groups to discuss potential priorities.

During a brief feedback session following the group work, it was suggested that the priorities could include:

·         Tackling domestic violence.

·         Promoting healthy lifestyles.

·         Supporting families.

·         Local employment.

·         Neighbourhood planning.

It was noted that the NP Co-ordinator would carry out further work to assess the detailed feedback from the group session, and that a further discussion would take place at the next NP meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the above information be noted.

None.