Minutes of Burngreave Area Panel 20 Febraury 2008

 

 

PRESENT:    Councillors Jackie Drayton (Chair) and Ibrar Hussain.

                                                                    

Representatives of Panel Partners:-

Inspector Adrian McWalter -  South Yorkshire Police

John Clark)                Burngreave New Deal for Communities

Jon Cowley)                                               

                                                                                                                                               

Steve Gayle -Burngreave Community Action Forum

Vernon Collymore -Sheffield Futures

                                                                                                                                               

City Council Officers:-                                                                                                    

Liz Cook -Lead Manager

Andy Shallice -Area-Co-ordinator

Marilyn King-Area Action Officer

Andy Nolan- Environment and Regulatory Services

Robert Almond - Sustainable Housing and Affordable Warmth (SHAW) Team, Housing Strategy

                                                                                                                                               

Sara Bradley -Street Force

Amanda James - East Sheffield Regeneration Team

                                                                                                                                               

Cathy Parsons)                       Development Services

Mark Jackson)                                           

                                                                                                                                               

Lisa Moran -Community Safety Team

John Turner-Committee Secretariat

                                                                                                                                               

There were approximately 35 local residents and representatives from local community groups in attendance.

                                                                    

……………..

                                                                                                                                Action

An apology for absence was received Councillor Steve Jones.                               

                                                                                                                                          

Andy Nolan gave a presentation on the various issues relating to climate change, referring to the effects and causes, and what people could do to help slow down the adverse effects of the changes.    

Robert Almond, Sustainable Housing and Affordable Warmth (SHAW) Team, gave a presentation on Sheffield’s Environmentally Sustainable Housing Strategy, what was happening in and around Burngreave in terms of tackling climate change and what action could be taken in the future.      

He reported on the core strategic objectives of the City’s Environmentally Sustainable Housing Strategy, which were to secure a substantial increase in the mainstream use of low carbon and renewable energy technologies in public and private housing, to achieve high sustainable/low impact environmental standards in the construction and maintenance of public and private housing and to make an important contribution to the wider policy objective to secure affordable warmth for all households.  He referred to the six policy tools used for achieving such objectives, which included setting high baseline environmental standards, showcasing renewable/low carbon energy and high environmental standards, providing support for innovation/profile-raising and exemplars, promoting awareness, strengthening local expertise/resources/strategic partnerships and having strong planning framework policies.              Specific reference was made to examples of the use of renewable energy/high environmental standards in Burngreave, which included the installation of biomass boilers on Carwood Close, the ground source heat pumps for the Crabtree Grange Sheltered Housing Scheme and the possibility of Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) for Woodside.            

Mr. Almond also focused on the Affordable Warmth Initiative, which was to be organised by the SHAW Team, and as part of which, there were plans to target approximately 64,000 homes in chosen areas, to offer free cavity wall and loft insulation works.        

He concluded by reporting on future action plans in the Burngreave area, which included supporting the take up of insulation grants, discounted schemes and low carbon building programme grants, encouraging householders to be more energy efficient, the SHAW Team attending various public events in the area to highlight its work, encouraging Tenants and Residents Associations to sign up to the Eco Project, forming a local climate change campaign and showcasing renewable energy in local buildings.          

                                                                                                                                          

John Clark reported on the action taken by Burngreave New Deal for Communities (BNDfC) to combat the effects of climate change.                        

Mr. Clark referred to the environmental measures applied as part of the refurbishment of Sorby House, which included a biomass boiler and a natural ventilation system.  Other measures in the area included investment in the transport strategy, including the “Better Buses” initiative, the provision of funding towards a number of waste disposal and recycling campaigns, the improvement of schools and the provision of a number of Wardens as part of the Walk to School initiative.                                                       

BNDfC had also been influential in the planning of the housing development at Woodside, the new Tesco supermarket and the broader transport strategy for the area.  Other work had included environmental improvements to schools in the area, which had resulted in more pupils attending their local schools, reducing the need for them to travel to other schools elsewhere in the City.           

                                                                                                                                          

The Area Co-ordinator referred to a report of the Transport Planning Service, relating to a proposed strategy to help reduce the number of school trips by car presently made by staff and parents.           

The report indicated that whilst the proposed increase in the number of places at the existing primary schools in Burngreave and Fir Vale, with effect from 2009, would provide benefits for pupils and parents in that it would enable a higher proportion of children to be able to attend schools in their local community and, consequently, reduce the need for parents to take their children on longer journeys to school by car, it could give rise to increased problems around the schools in terms of additional parking and congestion.

The main aim of the strategy, which was to be implemented for all schools in Burngreave and Fir Vale, was to reduce the number of school trips by car presently being made by staff and parents by 10%, and to keep to this number until reviewed in 2013. The report set out details regarding how the strategy would be implemented, together with timescales. 

                                                                                                                                          

Members of the public raised questions on all the three issues above, and the following responses were provided:-                                                   

                                                                                                                                          

· Rockwool or glass fibre would be used for cavity wall insulation.  Generally, glass fibre would be used for loft insulation, but officers would look at any other possible alternatives.  It was considered that the use of such materials was sustainable as savings would be made in the long-term with regard to a reduction in energy costs.                                                          

· Officers would consider looking at the problems of a lack of insulation at the Burngreave Chapel.  There were grants available for insulating community buildings such as this.                    

· The Council promoted best practice in terms of environmentally-friendly cars, particularly with regard to its own vehicle fleet.  The Council would be taking part in an event to be held at Meadowhall, on 10th and 11th March, 2008, at which such vehicles would be promoted.                                         

· All private homeowners over the age of 70 were entitled to free insulation in their homes as an extension to existing grants.  These can be obtained by calling the South Yorkshire Energy Advice Service on 0800 512 012, but this would also be publicised by the SHAW Team.                                     

· Whilst the works provided as part of the Affordable Warmth Initiative  would primarily involve cavity wall or loft insulation, there was a possibility that minor restoration works, if linked to the other work, and, where appropriate, would be undertaken.         

· Work would be carried out to look at the impact of the new Tesco supermarket on local shopkeepers in the area.                                                           

· Surveys undertaken across the City had indicated that there was a high percentage of solid walled properties, and additional funding, over and above the funding available from the Affordable Warmth Initiative now referred to, would be required in order for insulation works to be undertaken to such properties.         

· Insulation works undertaken as part of the grant scheme would not result in an increase in rents.  It was hoped that the works would result in lower energy costs, therefore possibly resulting in rents  decreasing in the longer-term.                                         

· Whilst it was accepted that there was a need for an improved integrated transport system in the City, the Council had little influence over this issue, although it was very high on the Council’s agenda.         

· As part of the works undertaken under the Affordable Warmth Initiative, the Council will implement strict quality controls on the contractors.  It was accepted that there had been problems with some of the contractors used as part of the Face Lift and enveloping works undertaken in the area and it was hoped that lessons could be learnt from this.  Due to the relative simplicity of the insulation works, it was not envisaged that there would be many problems with the contractors.  However, all the works would be strictly monitored and would be covered by a guarantee provided by an independent company.      

· In terms the affordability of housing, whilst the costs involved in moving towards zero carbon housing developments were likely to be higher to start with, such construction costs were likely to reduce in the future, therefore providing long-term benefits, including lower energy costs.                      

· Despite the installation of a new biomass boiler on the Carwood Estate, the rent for properties on the estate was still the same as at properties throughout the City.                                             

· Whilst the Council had no plans to restrict parking spaces or to implement a congestion charge in the City, it was looking at improving the environmental standards of its vehicle fleet and was operating a Car Share Scheme, which had proved very successful.                                                               

· It was not likely that the Supertram route would be extended to run through Burngreave.      

                                                                                                                                          

The following comments were also made:-                                                                 

                                                                                                                                          

o There was a high number of properties owned by private landlords in the area – there should be a responsibility on the landlords to ensure their properties were suitably insulated. 

o As part of a programme to renew a number of trees nearing the end of their lives in the area, the area’s Community Forester was working on a “Burngreave Trees for Free Scheme”, where residents could apply for a free apple or pear tree or bare root hedging plants by contacting Tim Shortland on Telephone – 273 4190 or e-mail – tim.shortland@sheffield.gov.uk.  This would help the environment as trees helped to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby reducing its effect on the ozone.                                          

o There should be more through schools, such as Hinde House (3-16) School, which would result in more pupils attending the same school throughout their education, resulting in less car journeys by parents taking their children to and from school.             

o There was a project called “Pedal Ready”, funded by BNDfC, which provided training for cyclists to give them confidence to be able to cycle in heavy traffic. The project organisers could be contacted through Green City Action.                                                 

                                                                                                                                          

The Area Panel (a) noted the information reported as part of the presentations, together with the information contained in the reports, and the responses to the questions and comments;       

(b) approved the proposals for local consultation on the draft strategy regarding “Getting To and From schools in Burngreave and Fir Vale” and requested Nick Silvani to report back to a future meeting of the Panel on the outcome of such consultation; and                                                         

(c) thanked Andy Nolan, Robert Almond and John Clark for the presentations now made.    

 

Achievements 2006/08                            

The Area Co-ordinator submitted a report containing details on the impact of the allocation of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF) in the Burngreave area during 2006/08.                            

Members of the public raised questions and made comments, and the following responses were provided:-                                                                    

                                                                                                                                          

· In order to ensure value for money in terms of the allocation of the funding, the recipients were required to provide quarterly monitoring returns to the City Council, which were then forwarded to the Government for scrutiny.                                                      

· There had been a reduction in the number of Bring Out Your Rubbish (BOYR) days and the neighbourhoods not benefiting from the days were those where the least amount of rubbish had been collected on previous days.                                                           

· Although it had not yet been official confirmed, it was believed that the Working Neighbourhoods Fund would replace the NRF with effect from 1st April, 2008, and every effort would be made to enable the continuation of funding in respect of the projects presently being funded.                                         

                                                                                                                                          

The Area Panel noted the contents of the report now submitted, welcoming the wide range of provision supported by Neighbourhood Renewal Funding in the area.                                    

                                                                                                                                          

The Area Co-ordinator submitted a report seeking approval for the allocation of outstanding Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) resources from the Local Area Plan for Burngreave before 31st March, 2008.          

The Area Panel (a) noted the contents of the report now submitted; and                

(b) approved the allocation of (i) up to £8,000 for Parks and Countryside to support costs incurred with improving Nottingham Cliff, requesting that the work be done in close collaboration with Green City Action, Streetworx, Burngreave Youth Council and local young people, (ii) up to £4,000 to Football Unites, Racism Divides, towards the costs of the development and hosting of a sports event on Nottingham Cliff, (iii) up to £2,000 to SAGE Greenfingers for the replacement costs of a large glasshouse to maintain activities for people with mental ill-health and (iv) up to £2,000 to Activity Sheffield towards the cost of the maintenance of the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground.      

                                                                                                                                          

Inspector Adrian McWalter provided an update on the work of the Burngreave Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and general issues regarding community safety in the area.  He reported that the SNT, which also covered Pitsmoor, Fir Vale, Firth Park, Shiregreen and Brightside, comprised two Sergeants, 10 Police Constables, 15 Police Community Safety Officers, a Crime Reduction Officer and a Children and Young Persons Officer.  Out of the 23 SNTs in the City, Burngreave ranked sixth lowest in terms of crime figures and since January, 2008, 184 offences had been committed in the area, which equated to 2.8% of all crime across the City during this period.           

A number of special operations had been undertaken in the area, relating to criminal damage, burglaries, violent crime and domestic abuse.  The Team who were also involved in community work and Lisa Moran, Safer Neighbourhood Officer, had been responsible for organising an event at the Magna Centre, warning young people of the dangers of gun crime.  The Team had also been working with the Pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church to arrange an event on 15th March, 2008, celebrating the positive things that have happened in the Burngreave area.          

Inspector McWalter conclude by referring to his contact details – e-mail: Adrian.mcwalter@southyorkspnn.co.uk and Mobile: 0776 676 8595.                     

The Area Panel (a) noted the information now reported; and

(b) welcomed Adrian McWalter, who had replaced Jon Ekwubiri as the Burngreave SNT’s Inspector.        

                                                                                                                                          

Steve Gayle, Development Manager, Burngreave Community Action Forum (BCAF) provided an update on the work of BCAF.  He reported that despite problems of inactivity during the past few years, the Forum now had two paid members of staff and over the next few months, there were plans to reconnect with community organisations and local residents in the area to seek their views and listen any concerns.    

The Forum was managed by a Voluntary Co-ordinating Committee, and there were plans to strengthen the Committee in order to make sure it was fully representative of the Burngreave community.  The Forum had held its Annual General Meeting on 2nd February, 2008, which had been very successful and, at which, a number of key issues had been discussed, including community safety, social housing, youth provision and migrant workers.                                        

Mr. Gayle concluded by stating that the Forum aimed to help and support all community organisations in Burngreave and referred to the Forum’s contact details – email: enquiries@bcaf.org.uk and Telephone: 276 5268.                                                          

The Area Panel (a) noted the information now reported; and                                   

(b) thanked Steve Gayle for attending the meeting.                                                   

                                                                                                                                          

The Area Panel received a report on the recipient of awards under the Burngreave New Year’s Honours 2008, and which included:-                      

                                                                                                                                          

Volunteers                                                  

David Smith, Sue Odell, Ivor Wallace, Firs Hill Troopers (Anne Murdoch/ Flo Gill), Roger and Anne Sheldon, Earl Marshall Under 7’s Football Team Managers (Damien DeSouza, Richard Shipston, Mick Ashman and Mark Moran), Earl Marshall Under 12’s Football Team Managers (Cecil Clarke, Garfield Walters, Mick Ashman, Mark Moran-Healy and Lynn Woodrow) and Rose Ardron.                       

                                                                                                                                          

Locally Paid Workers                               

Steve Edwards, Nasira Amin, Jim Bruce, Leroy Betts, Anesar Shaibi, Jon Ekwubiri, Nikki Wilson, Jon Dallow, Imran Ali and Elaine Virgo.         

                                                                                                                                          

Groups/Organisations                              

Carwood TARA, Burngreave Children’s Centre Volunteers, Green City Action and Streetworx (Uzma Bibi, Shanti Wilson, Ayesha Rehman, Sadia Akram, Lorraine Blake and Yassin Usuf).

                                                                                                                                          

Special                                                       

Fazal Hussain.                                           

                                                                                                                                          

RESOLVED: That (a) the contents of the report now submitted be noted; and      

(b) the thanks and congratulations of the Area Panel be conveyed to all the recipients of awards as part of the Burngreave New Year’s Honours 2008, for the valuable work undertaken by them in the Panel’s area during the past year.                                             

                                                                                                                                          

Members of the public raised a number of questions and the following responses were provided:- 

                                                                                                                                          

· The issue of the unsightly nature of the area outside the shops at the top of Barnsley Road, opposite Firs Hill School, where large metal milk crates, plastic milk crates and bread baskets were obstructing the footpath, would be referred to Transport and Highways and Street Force.                             

· The issue of the untidy state of the area near the shops at Ellesmere Green would be referred to Transport and Highways and Street Force.             

· The request for the installation of bollards, as part of the redevelopment of Ellesmere Green, at the edge of the area to be paved, to stop cars damaging the paving, would be referred to Transport and Highways.    

· The complaints of the condition and state of the garden of the property recently converted to flats next to the shop on the Carwood estate would be referred to Street Force.                              

· The issue regarding the lack of childcare places in Fir Vale would be referred to the Early Years Education and Childcare Service.                             

· The issue of anti-social behaviour by young people outside the property on Lloyd Street would be referred to the Burngreave Safer Neighbourhood Team.                                                             

                                                                                                                                          

The minutes of the meeting of the Area Panel held on 22nd November, 2007, were approved as a correct record.                                                        

                                                                                                  &#, 160;                                       

The Area Panel received the Rolling Action Checklist from meetings held up to 22nd November, 2007 and, in addition to the issues listed, it was reported that there were also problems of graffiti on the paths on Firs Hill Crescent. The contents of the Checklist, together with the additional information now reported, be noted.  

 

The Area Panel welcomed Liz Cook, Lead Manager, who was attending her first meeting.  

                                                                                                                                          

            It was noted that the next meeting of the Area Panel would be held on Wednesday, 19th March, 2008 from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m., at Burngreave Vestry Hall, Burngreave Road.