South East Area Panel Minutes 17th February 2004

SOUTH EAST AREA PANEL

Meeting held 17^th February, 2004 at Westfield School, Mosborough Village


	PRESENT:			Councillors Marjorie Barker, Barbara Belcher and Sam Wall

				Also in attendance:
				Ken Matthews (Education Directorate), Bob Porter (Head of Westfield School), Philip Ives-Owen (Sheffield Futures), Gail Kilner (Sheffield Futures), April Ellis (Sheffield Futures), Andrea Peers (Area Panel Support Officer) and 40 members of the public
............

1.		APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
		RESOLVED: That, in the absence of the Chair (Councillor Chris Rosling-Josephs), Councillor Barbara Belcher be appointed Chair of this meeting.

2.		APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
		Apologies for absence were received from the Chair (Councillor Chris Rosling-Josephs) and Councillors Mick Rooney, Ray Satur and Angela Smith and Dianne Hurst (Area Co-ordinator).

3.		PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
		There were no petitions submitted by members of the public but questions were asked as follows:-

		Lack of Secondary School Places in the South East
		Maureen Stoneman, Chair of Governors, Rainbow Forge Primary School, stated that despite previous assurances from the Education Directorate, some local children had been unable to obtain places at Secondary Schools in the area and had been sent to Myrtle Springs Secondary School. She added that, every year, local children were disadvantaged and placed under stress by having to wait to see whether some children would opt to be educated in neighbouring authorities and thereby release places at the local schools.
		In response, the Chair (Councillor Barbara Belcher) stated that, in future years, parents would only be able to elect one school for their child and this should alleviate the problem.
		The Area Panel noted this information.

		Handrail at Owlthorpe
		Margaret Ball, Edenthorpe Tenants’ Group thanked the Area Panel for the installation of a handrail at Owlthorpe below the Donetsk Way supertram stop.

		Planning School Places
		Gordon Westell suggested, that when housing development took place, consideration should be given to the implications this would have on education provision and the Chair responded that Education Officers were consulted and they sought to ensure that there was a good match between places and pupils. In the South East, a new primary school had been provided at Mosborough and Westfield School was to be rebuilt. This would ensure that excellent teaching and other facilities were available to the young people in the area and the schools would be fit for purpose for the 21^st century.
		The Area Panel noted this information.

		Police Telephone Response Times
		RESOLVED: That the Area Co-ordinator be requested to (a) inform the South Yorkshire Police about the concerns now expressed in relation to telephone response times and (b) urge that a written response with regard to the unacceptable delays now reported be made to this Panel.

4.		MINUTES
		The minutes of the meeting of the Area Panel held on 16^th December, 2003 were approved as a correct record.

5.		MATTERS ARISING
		Risk Management Plan
		A member of the public stated that the consultation document in relation to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan had been despatched late and many people were unaware that the closing date for comments had been extended.
		RESOLVED: That the Area Co-ordinator be requested to inform the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service about the concerns now expressed in relation to the consultation document.

		Former Mosborough School
		Andrea Peers, Area Panel Support Officer, reported that the Trustees of the Joseph Stone Trust had declined an invitation to attend this meeting to discuss the future use of the former Mosborough School building because they stated that they were not yet in a position to report to the public. However, the Trustees had undertaken to attend a future meeting when further information would be available.
		RESOLVED: That the Area Co-ordinator be requested to inform the Trustees of the Joseph Stone Trust of the concerns now expressed by members of the public about the lack of community facilities in the Mosborough area and the continuing deterioration of the former school building.

6.		WESTFIELD SCHOOL PFI PROJECT
		Bob Porter, Head of Westfield School, welcomed the Area Panel and members of the public to the school, which he stated was built in 1957 and was now in a poor state of repair. He added that the condition of the building impacted upon teaching and learning and this had been recognised in the School’s last OFSTED report in 1998. Since September 2000, nearly £0.25m had been spent in keeping the building operational in regard to Health and Safety requirements.
		The Local Education Authority (LEA) had, therefore, concluded that the most cost-efficient way to deal with the problems would be to rebuild the school. Detailed studies had revealed that the costs would be exorbitant to rebuild the school on its present site because the playing fields were in the Green Belt and this would mean that the school would need to move into temporary accommodation for four years whilst the building was being demolished and the new building erected. A site for the new school had been identified between Eckington Way and Owlthorpe Greenway and Eckington Road and the LEA had been successful in obtaining Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding to rebuild Westfield and three other schools in the City under the PFI phase 3 scheme.
		Bob Porter explained that the successful consortium would operate the school for 25 years and would be responsible for the maintenance, cleaning and catering services. Detailed studies of the demography of the area had shown that a school build for 1350 pupils would be adequate and it was anticipated that by 2008/09, the numbers of children in secondary education in this part of the city would begin a slow decline (in the west of the City the numbers were expected to show an even steeper decline).
		The site that had been chosen for the new school was located in the middle of the catchment area and the size of the building would be determined by a formula set down by the Department for Education and Skills. The four consortia competing to bid for the PFI phase 3 scheme had been required to submit designs for the schools and these had now been evaluated and two companies had been selected to proceed to the next stage of the process.
		The Evaluation Panel would endeavour to ensure that the proposed designs would meet the needs of all four schools and the architects had been made aware of the philosophy of those schools so that this could be reflected in the building plans. In regard to Westfield, it was envisaged that the school would serve the community in its widest sense and this would be reflected, among other things, in the School’s sports strategy. Westfield was committed to attaining Special Sports College status and approval had been given for the construction of a new swimming pool in addition to the sports facilities that would be provided within the school.
		The designs of the shortlisted consortia had been submitted on 30^th January 2004 and a decision was expected to be announced on 27^th April 2004. Shortly thereafter, a public exhibition of the winning designs would take place at the School and the Crystal Peaks Centre.
		Bob Porter stated that there was a public footpath across the proposed site of the school and sufficient objections had been received to its proposed diversion to necessitate a Public Inquiry. Detailed planning permission for the school would be sought and members of the public could contribute, at that stage, to the planning process. The consortia had invested a considerable amount of money in preparing the designs and had worked closely with the City Council’s Planning Officers in the formulation of the plans. The planning process should be concluded by July 2004 and work would start on the School’s construction in September/October 2004.
		It was likely that the land on which the present school stood would be sold for housing development but the playing fields, as stated earlier, were in the Green Belt, and Bob Porter was unsure whether it would be possible for these to be retained for community use.
		In conclusion, Bob Porter stated that by 2006, Westfield School would be housed in a building fit for the 21^st century and it would provide for the type of learning environment that the young people and wider community deserved.
		Members of the public asked a number of questions, to which Bob Porter responded as follows:-

		Q.	Will the building be maintained in good order?
		A.	The successful operating company will be subject to a 25 year contract and when that was concluded, the school would be handed back to the LEA in an acceptable condition. Part of the financial strategy was about ensuring that the school was maintained and, after 25 years, handed back in good condition.
		Q.	Will the school be adequately funded to buy stationery, books, etc.?
		A.	Bob Porter explained the financial strategy and stated that Sheffield had been extremely successful in bidding for additional Government and other funding and he referred to the South Yorkshire Learning Project under which European monies had funded the provision of IT equipment in schools.
		Q.	A lot of people are moving into the area and parents might chose to send their children to the new school rather than consider schools in neighbouring authorities. I am aware of the falling birth rate but there has been an increase in population in this part of the City, so is there a certainty that the proposed size of the school will be adequate?
		A.	Detailed modelling has been undertaken of the nature of population movement into the area and, despite increased house building, the size of the school building will be sufficient to serve the needs of the community. It is difficult to calculate in detail the impact on demand of a new building and it could be that some students who would normally attend Birley might want to come to the new Westfield School but, overall in the South East, it will be possible to accommodate pupil numbers.
		Q.	There has been a lot of effort put into maintaining the public footpath which is located across the proposed site. What safety precautions will be put in place for the many pupils crossing Eckington Road and what about pupils going into Mosborough village and Crystal Peaks at lunch time? In addition, there will be increased traffic in the area.
		A.	Detailed traffic impact studies have been undertaken which have shown that traffic will not increase significantly because of the School move. Various traffic calming and other road safety measures have been proposed and these will be considered as part of the planning process. The modelling also suggests that about 1,100 students will eat in the school premises and the rest will either go home or, with their parents’ permission, will eat elsewhere. The lunch break will be restricted to 45 minutes which will mean that it will be difficult for pupils to have sufficient time to go to Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre. Every effort will be made to ensure that the attractions at the School outweigh other venues.
		Q.	What if something goes wrong during the 25 year contract period?
		A.	The operating company will be indemnified for all the possible risks (such as the building burning down) and this is covered in the legal documentation.
		Q.	Will there be a youth facility in the School?
		A.	There is no dedicated youth facility but Sheffield will receive funding in 2005 to provide extended schools which will support a range of services for the community. Discussions have been taking place around the idea of providing a “9 to 9” facility to offer all ages opportunities within the building.
		Q.	Following the public exhibition in May, will there be an opportunity for any public concerns to be taken into considerable at that stage?
		A.	The public will have an opportunity to influence the design of the building through the planning process.
		Q.	Are the public exhibitions part of the planning process?
		A.	The exhibitions are intended to share information about the School and its design. The planning process will form an entirely separate consultation.
		Q.	Can you tell us more about the proposed traffic calming measures?
		A.	The traffic calming measures will take place on Eckington Road. New fencing is proposed on Eckington Way and improved crossing at the tram stop. Everything possible will be done to ensure the children’s safety.
		Q.	What about access and egress to the site? This is important for both pupils and residents.
		A.	Access and egress has been the subject of full discussions with the consortia and planning authority. It is proposed that there will be segregated vehicular and pedestrian access to the site, as well as provision for the school bus and parents dropping students off at the School.
		Q.	What provision will there be for community use of the building and will there be provision for people with disabilities and tactile notices for people with a visual impairment?
		A.	Sue Stones of the Westfield Disabled Swimming Group and the Access Liaison Office from the Planning Authority have been involved in discussions with regard to use of the building by people with disabilities. There will be visual and tactile notices in the School and the building will comply with the new Regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act so there was no reason why any of the sports and other facilities cannot be used.

		The Chair (Councillor Barbara Belcher) stated that there had been a clear indication that the new School building would serve all ages in the community and it represented an exciting prospect for the young people in the area.
		RESOLVED: That the information now reported be noted and Bob Porter be thanked for his presentation and for inviting the Area Panel to Westfield School.

7.		VOICE AND INFLUENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE
		Philip Ives-Owen, Sheffield Futures, submitted a report on the youth services provided for young people throughout the South East by the City Council through Sheffield Futures.
		He stated that the Area Panel had sanctioned the allocation of £15,000 via the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to use as “seed” money to develop a variety of activities such as the Young People’s Motorbike Group, a Youth Forum in Westfield, a Sexual Health Clinic at Crystal Peaks, consultation on sports, democracy forum trips to the Town Hall and Westminster, the “Baby Think it Over” project and school based young people’s anger management courses. He added that all of the projects were capable of engaging young people and assisting them to gain valuable experience. Some were capable of taking on the wider concerns of young people and he introduced Gail Kilner, Sheffield Futures, who worked with the Frecheville Youth Club and the Scowerdons’ Inter-Agency Group. She stated that around two years ago she became involved in work to tackle motorbike nuisance and also the issues faced by young people who were involved with motorbikes. Gail Kilner introduced two young people (Collette and Ashley) who were involved with the Young People’s Motorbike Group and they outlined the work that they had been doing with regard to motorbikes and produced a model of a motorbike centre which incorporated all the facilities which, in an ideal world, they would wish to see developed as a local centre. The model provided for activities at all age ranges and included a café, toilets, an adventure playground for younger children and environmental features.
		Philip Ives-Owen stated that most young people just wanted to be with their contemporaries but were not assertive and the Frecheville Connexions Centre was continuing to attract lots of 11/15 year olds and a Duke of Edinburgh Award Group had been formed. Connexions was keen to encourage more certification of young people’s experiences and he introduced Ben, who was very committed and had become involved in a project running junior clubs.
		April Ellis, Sheffield Futures, described the “Baby Think It Over” and the Sexual Health projects and stated that there was a high rate of teenage pregnancy in the Westfield area. She spoke about the confidential advice that was given at Crystal Peaks and Westfield School and added that over 100 young people had registered at the Crystal Peaks centre. The “Baby Think It Over” project was a six week course and had proved successful in changing perceptions about parenting.
		In response to a question from a member of the public, Philip Ives-Owen stated that there was a project to develop a motor cycle track in the South East.
		Councillor Marjorie Barker commented that it was gratifying to hear about the projects in which the young people were involved and she stated that the Area Panel would welcome future contributions from them.
		RESOLVED: That the information now reported be noted and Philip Ives-Owen, April, Gail, Collette, Ashley and Ben be thanked for their contribution.

8.		NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL FUND LOCAL ACTION PLAN
		The Area Co-ordinator submitted reports which gave details of (a) the activities that had taken place through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Local Action Plan for 2002/2004 and (b) proposals for the Local Action Plan in respect of 2004/05 and 2005/06.
		Andrea Peers gave a presentation on the proposals for 2004/05 and 2005/06 and stated that Sheffield had been in receipt of Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF) for three years and the South East Area Panel had received £20,000 in year one, £73,000 in year two and £134,000 in year three. However, the emphasis on how the NRF Local Action Plan monies could be spent in years four and five had changed and it had been decided that these should be targeted at the Council’s “Closing the Gap” areas in order to allow the most needy communities to catch up with the rest of Sheffield and become successful neighbourhoods.
		The key priorities would include promoting a cleaner, greener, safer environment and engaging young people and to support the aims contained in the Area Plan and the objectives of partners within the Council, other agencies from the community and the voluntary and faith sectors.
		Consultation had taken place with partners in the South East and the item had been included on the agendas of the Area Panel meetings held in October and December 2003.
		Andrea Peers outlined the projects that were included in the Plan, as follows:-

		Voice and Influence of Young People
		This would build on the work done in years 1, 2 and 3 and sought to engage young people by outreach work in order to lead to their involvement in community planning and a youth forum. During years 4 and 5, the aim would be to engage young people through schools and their School Councils.

		Area Action Support for 4a communities
		This would offer support for needy communities and signpost access for funding, training and development. It would also undertake activity to allow community organisations to identify need, develop and plan.

		Active Communities
		This was a project to increase sport and healthy activity, support access to external funding for the community sector, develop volunteers and the growth and capacity of sports clubs.

		Mobile BMX Track Project
		The aim was to provide a mobile BMX track for the area during years 4 and 5 and also provide training in health and safety and a progress route for able participants.

		Environmental Projects: Mosborough Ward
		These were projects to improve open space, develop community resources and celebrate heritage. Community capacity would also be developed to safeguard employment.

		Community capacity development in Handsworth and Birley Wards
		These were “Closing the Gap” areas and the project aimed to employ community development workers, develop community capacity and activity plans and mirror activity undertaken in the Mosborough Ward Pioneer area.

		Andrea Peers added that the NRF funding in years 4 and 5 would amount to £120,000 per annum.
		Members of the public asked a number of questions, to which responses were given as follows:-

		· “Community capacity” was a term that was used to describe work to identify and develop the strengths of the community and the individuals within it.
		· In response to a plea that neighbourhoods that were not within the “Closing the Gap” areas should not be neglected, Councillor Barbara Belcher stated that the Area Panel was trying to look at the area as a whole and keep up the momentum of the various activities that were taking place. In reply to further questions about spending in the new Beighton Ward, she stated that the Members of the Area Panel worked together for the benefit of all the communities across the South East. However, particular emphasis would be given to “Closing the Gap” areas and, by improving pockets of deprivation, the whole community would ultimately benefit.
		· Andrea Peers explained that aim of the revised Traffic Regulation Order in Woodhouse Market Square was to prevent vehicles from parking there and return the Market Square to the pedestrian.
		· In response to a query about toilets in the Market Square, Councillor Marjorie Barker stated that the Area Panel would keep pressing for their restoration but vandalism had been a problem in the past.
		· In response to complaints about dog fouling across the area, Councillor Barbara Belcher stated that the Council had a robust approach to this nuisance and had started taking enforcement action against offending owners.
		· It was agreed that the Area Co-ordinator would be asked to investigate the complaints now made in respect of accumulations of rubbish on the path between Birley Moor Road and Silkstone Crescent.
		· A representative of the Shirebrook Conservation Group referred to a litter pick that had been recently been undertaken by the Group and he stressed the importance of educating children and parents.
		· In response, Councillor Barbara Belcher stated that the Area Panel recognised the valuable work that was done by the Shirebrook Conservation Group and other voluntary organisations to keep the environment clean, green and safe.
		· Work had taken place in Woodhouse to provide safe and accessible walking routes to the district shopping centre for people using trolleys, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

		RESOLVED: That (i) the information now reported be noted and Andrea Peers thanked for her presentation;
		(ii) approval be given to the proposals contained within the South East Local Action Plan and spending plan now submitted for 2004/05 and 2005/06 for onward transmission to the Technical Inclusion Board of Sheffield First for Inclusion; and
		(iii) the Area Co-ordinator be requested to submit further proposals for spending within the Mosborough Ward in line with the Local Action Plan priorities.

9.		BEIGHTON ROAD RECYCLING CENTRE
		The Area Panel received and noted an update on the issues that were raised by the Panel concerning customer care issues and disabled access to the Beighton Road Recycling Centre following its refurbishment .

10.		SOUTH EAST SHEFFIELD COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT GROUP
		The Area Panel received and noted the minutes of the meeting of the South East Sheffield Countryside Management Group held on 21^st January 2004.

11.		SOUTH YORKSHIRE PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE
		The Area Panel received and noted a leaflet which stated that, with effect from 24^th/26^th January 2004 changes had been made to a number of bus services in the Sheffield area.

12.		DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
		RESOLVED: That (a) the next meeting of the Area Panel be held on Tuesday, 20^th April, 2004 at 7.00 p.m. at a venue to be arranged in the Woodhouse Ward; and
		(b) a brief paper be submitted to the next meeting on the election arrangements (including Ward boundary changes) in respect of the Municipal Elections to be held on 10^th June 2004.

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