Minutes of 5 December 2013 LEYTON WARD RESIDENTS FORUM MEETING
Score Centre, Leyton E10 at 7pm
Officers/Councillors in Attendance: Cllr Bob Sullivan, Cllr Naheed Qureshi, Cllr Winnie Smith, PC Chris Heathcote (Ward Officer) and Karen Sandbrook (Community Safety Unit)
AGENDA ITEM 1: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
The Chair, Cllr Bob Sullivan welcomed everybody to the meeting. Cllr Sullivan introduced the Councillors and Officers in attendance. Fire and Safety measures were explained.
AGENDA ITEM 2: MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Street Party Initiative – forms were distributed, but have produced no response.
- Leyton Cricket Club – still pending.
- Betting Shops – licence refused for 661 High Road, but it may be appealed. Further application lodged for 377 High Road, the Focus Team has already lodged objection. The Chair explained that there is a limit on the number of highly profitable gaming machines at any location, companies are opening multiple branches to get around this restriction.
- The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.
AGENDA ITEM 3: STREET DRINKERS
The Chair explained that any proposal for restrictions on street drinkers must show support from local residents, the police and the council. Residents were urged to sign copies of a survey, which was tabled at the meeting.
PC Heathcote reported that there had been:
- 13 crime reports in the High Road in the last 6 months involving crime, drugs and alcohol.
- Section 27 Violent Crime Reduction Orders have started being used since 16 September.
- Anti-Social behaviour is being targeted in the town centre with officers enforcing behaviour agreements, which may be followed by an ASBO (anti-social behaviour order).
- Collecting evidence to support a Controlled Zone.
The Community Safety Unit is targeting Coronation Gardens, in collaboration with the Alcohol Outreach Team.
Comments from residents:
- People will not use the local parks as they do not feel safe.
- There are also problems in the Church Yard.
- Overnight sleepers in Marsh Lane.
AGENDA ITEM 4: LEYTON SPORTS GROUND
Pete Towler, the Chair of the Management Committee, introduced his written report, which included several options for developing the northern end of the Ground. He explained that funding options are currently being researched. The suggestions will be discussed with all parties involved before a final response is discussed with the council.
The Chair thanked Pete Towler for his update.
AGENDA ITEM 5: LEYTON WARD SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
PC Chris Heathcote gave a presentation about the new local policing structure. The officers dedicated to Leyton Ward are:
PC Chris Heathcote and PCSO Az Choudhry, who report to Sergeant Louise Da Prato, who also covers Grove Green Ward. They form part of the Waltham Forest South Neighbourhood Policing Team, led by Inspector Tor Garnett.
Points raised:
- There are on average 5,000 crimes a year.
- The growth of betting shops continues to be a concern.
- Leyton Community Action had protested about betting shops a year ago
- Influence of Westfield Shopping Centre
- Police are getting more proactive
The Chair advised that councillors are now able to lodge objections to betting shop licence applications. The Council is also looking to impose directions during 2014.
Ward priorities:
- Street drinkers
- Gang violence
- Vehicle theft
Contact the Leyton SNT on 020 8721 2037 or call 101. In an emergency however always dial 999.
The Chair thanked PC Heathcote for his attendance.
AGENDA ITEM 6: WARD FUNDING 2013/2014
The Chair advised that applications were welcome by projects seeking consideration for ward funding. These will be voted on at the next meeting.
Limited funding is still available again, contact Bob Sullivan for an application form.
All requests should be sent to 24 Thornhill Road Leyton E10 5LL
AGENDA ITEM 7: ROGUE LANDLORDS
The Chair advised that the Lib Dems had put a motion to full Council which advocated Selective Licensing of identified privately rented property with a view to ensuring decent standards of accommodation. Licensing is already being enforced by other boroughs.
A presentation of Licensing across the whole borough was given by council officers as a consultation has now been launched by the Council, and the Chair urged everyone to participate in the consultation. He explained that it is already featured in the latest edition of the FOCUS Newsletter.
The Chair thanked the officers for their attendance.
Cllr Sullivan closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance.
The next meeting will be in February 2014