Agenda item

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 shop front improvement scheme for Gainsborough Square, it was noted that all shop keepers would need to be contacted and engaged in this initiative.

With reference to the plans to develop new homes, there was consensus that there must be a focus on local housing needs – it would be important, for example, to avoid a situation where there was an over-development of student focused accommodation on available development sites in the area.  The view was also expressed that there needed to be a greater focus on the housing needs of disabled people.

k. Young people’s voice and influence: 3 grants had been awarded as follows:

1. £500 for a girls’ group health project.

2. £500 for a young men’s group health project. 

3. £500 for Shamus memorial bench and event.

l. Improving community cohesion:

A community meeting had been held in Horfield and links were also being made within the Manor Farm area.

RESOLVED:

That the above information / comments be noted.