Sep 10, 2014 - Residents also asked if CCTV cameras could be installed to prevent anti social behaviour. .... Mixenden O
Mixenden Ward Forum For more information, go to www.halifaxnorthandeast.com; email
[email protected]; or ring 01422 255402
M e e t i n g N o t e - Tuesday 10 September 2014 Venue:
Holy Nativity Church, Mixenden
Present: Councillor Barry Collins (Chair), Councillor Daniel Sutherland, Mark Brazil, Jon Medcalf, Steve Cooper, Sarah Richardson (Calderdale Council), PC Ian Harris (West Yorkshire Police), Andrea Wardell (Pennine Housing); Vicky McGhee, Heather Stout (Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative). 25 Residents. Apologies: Councillor Lisa Lambert 1. Welcome and introductions 1.1.
Councillor Collins welcomed everyone and explained the format of the meeting, and how people can raise issues and have their say.
1.2.
A Ward Forum for Mixenden – Vicky McGhee said that from September there is now a separate ward forum for Mixenden only, instead of the joint meeting for Illingworth and Mixenden. This will mean that Mixenden residents will now have a meeting in their area every 3 months and it is hoped that this will encourage more people to get attend and have their say.
2. Updates from the last meeting and Open Forum 2.1.
Nuisance motorbikes and quad bikes – PC Ian Harris said that this is clearly a big cause for concern for residents however the Police rarely receiving any calls from the public in Mixenden, despite Sgt. Haigh asking residents at the last meeting, who said they had information, to tell the police information like where bikes are stored and who is riding them.
2.2.
Residents said that offenders only come out when the police are not about. PC Harris said that it is more effective to visit an address where bikes are stored than trying to chase them on the streets. He stressed again that this is reliant on the intelligence provided by the public and asked again for residents to report to the police. He also said that he was willing to share his contact details with residents in order that reports about nuisance bikes could be made directly to him, rather than through the 101 number.
2.3.
Residents said that motorbikes are being driven on the snicket at Stanningley and gaining access through the kissing gates, which have not been repaired. They asked if the snicket could be closed or the gates narrowed.
2.4.
Andrea Wardell said that the snicket could not be closed as it is a public right of way. Also the gates need to be wide enough for pedestrians with prams to be
1|Page
able to access the snicket. Mark Brazil offered to look at the design of the gates with Pennine, to see if there is scope for changing the design. Action MB / PH2K UPDATE 11/9/14: Pennine Housing confirmed the gates had been repaired. 2.5.
Antisocial behaviour at Stanningley and Mixenden Library – Both Police and Fire Service report a massive decrease in ASB calls to this area since July. In comparison to the previous July ASB offences have decreased from 45 offences to 19 offences. Deliberate fires had reduced to zero.
2.6.
There have also been a number of diversionary activities targeted at young people, including the Mix Match Challenge, Ovenden Phoenix football and additional summer activities provided from Mixenden Initiative, Mixenden Library, Holy Nativity Church, Sure Start and Mixenden Parents Resource Centre, as well as the usual Youth Service provision from Mixenden Activity Centre.
2.7.
In addition there is now an ASB Action Plan for Mixenden. This plan takes an overview of the action taken by services working in the area and monitors progress towards the outcomes we all want.
2.8.
Residents at the meeting felt that antisocial behaviour is still a big issue. Groups of youths regularly congregate at the shops on Stanningley. It was suggested that people don’t report incidents because they are afraid of repercussions.
2.9.
Residents also asked if CCTV cameras could be installed to prevent anti social behaviour. Andrea Wardell explained that tenants at Dodge Holme pay an extra £7 a week to have the cameras on the estate. New cameras would mean a charge for residents in other areas and it may be that not all residents would be in favour. Another resident added that spending money on CCTV would be a waste as they will be damaged or stolen.
2.10.
Cllr Collins commented that because of budget cuts it was unlikely the Council would pay for new cameras. He will approach the school to ask if would be willing to direct their cameras onto Mixenden Road. Action BC
2.11.
A resident pointed out that Metro buses have onboard cameras. PC Harris said that only a third of the fleet have the cameras installed and the angle is such that useful footage would be very limited.
2.12.
Adventure Play Centre and the Bowling Pavillion at Woodbrook - Councillor Collins confirmed that the building at the Adventure Play Centre has now been purchased by a Halifax based company who provide services for older people and young people with learning difficulties. They already deliver similar services in other areas of Calderdale. They are intending the building to be a community resource and have requested permission to use the surrounding land. PC Harris added that on the 19 September he will be speaking to the School Council at Ash Green about what sort of facilities they would like to see there.
2.13.
A resident said that a condition of sale was that an 8ft high fence would be put up around the building; however he was concerned that this would block a public right of way, which is currently used by local people. Mark Brazil said he would look into this. Action MB.
2|Page
2.14.
Cllr Collins reported that demolition of the bowling pavilion is delayed by the demolition tender process, which can take up to 8 weeks.
2.15.
A resident reported that the lock and chain on the bowling green had been replaced but now needs replacing again. Mark will look into this. Action MB
2.16.
Hebble Brook grass cutting – Mark Brazil apologised that there had been some confusion about the site that needed cutting. This is now clarified and the grass will be cut before the next meeting. Action MB.
2.17.
Car parking on Hollins Lane – Police have spoken to Firstbus but they have received no reports of incidents from either their drivers or local residents they have spoken to. Officers have also patrolled the area and have seen no obvious obstructions. Residents disagreed and reiterated that cars are still obstructing the pathway on Hollins Lane. PC Harris advised residents to report concerns directly to the police or the bus company.
2.18.
A resident reported cars for sale on the road obstructing sightlines on the road. Another resident also reported a similar situation on Crag Lane at the junction of Mixenden Road. PC Harris said he will look into both areas. Action IH
2.19.
Mixenden Road SID results - PC Harris said that he is planning to carry out a evening/night time operation using the speed gun to check the speed of buses as well as cars. He will also be working with Ash Green School on a speeding project. He added that the main culprits of speeding in Mixenden are often residents of Mixenden so it could mean that drivers stopped are issued with warning leaflets written by their own children.
2.20.
He confirmed to residents that Police are unable to enforce the 20mph all the time but that the aim of the 20mph limit is to reduce average speeds.
2.21.
A resident asked if Straight Lane could be made a one way street. Cllr Collins said he will put in this request. Action BC
2.22.
Bin on bus stop on Mixenden Road – Mark Brazil said that the Council can install a post mounted bin. These can be bolted on or concreted in to prevent damage.
2.23.
Community Wardens – A residents commented that they hardly ever see the community wardens on their street and asked what they do.
2.24.
Vicky McGhee explained that there are just two wardens covering the whole of North and East Halifax area (Ced and Jonny). They spend 95% of their time on foot patrol dealing with environmental and antisocial behaviour issues, liaising directly with the Council, Police, Pennine and the Fire Service. They also have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for dog fouling. During the school holidays they also delivered ‘Playing Out’ sessions, and litter picks with young people attending the library. PC Harris added that the police rely a great deal on the information that is passed to them by the community wardens.
2.25.
Cllr Collins said that in the past whenever there have been talks about cutting back the community wardens there is huge support to continue the service. He added that by 2018, Calderdale Council will have had to make cuts totalling £100m and that all services have been hit by these budget cuts.
3|Page
2.26.
Mixenden Tenants and residents meetings - Police and Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative staff now attend these meetings regularly.
2.27.
Bedroom tax rebate question – This rebate is for tenants who have paid or were liable to pay the tax, but were not offered a smaller property because none are available. Councillor Sutherland replied that there were no exact figures as yet
2.28.
Calderdale Citizens Celebration Awards – It was agreed at the last meeting that although nominations would be open to new nominees, the 7 North Halifax Neighbourhood Awards winners from the Illingworth and Mixenden area would be included. Voting slips will be left in the church and the library for residents to vote for their preferred nominee. The winner will be announced when the Mixenden and Illingworth votes have been counted and added to the total. UPDATE: Irene Mullhal received the highest number of votes and will be put forward as the overall nominee representing the Illingworth & Mixenden ward. All nominees will receive certificates recognising their achievement.
2.29.
Steps to Morrisons – it was reported that these are cracked and dangerous. Mark Brazil said he would look into getting them repaired. Action MB
2.30.
Gas pump on Mixenden Road - a resident reported a hole in the grass next to the gas pump on Mixenden Road. Mark said he would look into it. Action MB
2.31.
Street lighting - Residents reported issues with a number of street lamp. Cllr Collins said he will ask the Council to survey the whole of Mixenden. Action BC.
2.32.
Litter – residents reported increased litter on Sunnybank Roa, Ash Tree Road and the park. Mark said the street cleaner would clear this up. Action MB
2.33.
Residents complained that there is always litter after the recycling collection. Cllr Collins informed the meeting that the recycling contract is up for renewal and this issue will be raised when appointing a new contractor. He added that overall satisfaction rates are good for the rubbish and recycling collection.
3. Demolition and Development – Mixenden Hub – 3.1.
Steve Cooper gave an update on the demolition of the empty shops on Mixenden Road and the plans for the new development. He said that once both the gas and electricity to the street is cut off then demolition can begin, hopefully by the end of September. Once demolition has taken place, the site will be blocked off to prevent access by vehicles.
3.2.
Terms have been agreed to purchase the three remaining properties and CMBC is consulting with stakeholders regarding the future development. Councillor Collins commented that this showed commitment on behalf of the council in seeing this development through to fruition. Cllr Collins confirmed that the council has been in continued talks with the owner of the Jumples site but no decisions have been able to be made yet.
3.3.
The doctor’s surgery is intending to be situated within the new development, but agreements are ongoing. If the surgery comes over then a pharmacy will also be included. A new library will also be part of the development. Cllr Collins added that the development will look slightly different to the original design
4|Page
consulted on in previous years because there is less money available now but the Council is committed to the scheme. He added that they will not make the same mistake as last time and give out a date for the development until they know exactly when this will be. He reiterated that Calderdale Council was going ahead with this development on its own, as a sign of its commitment to the project. He congratulated Steve on the good job he has done so far in such a short space of time.
4. Youth engagement and summer activities 4.1.
Mixenden Library and Playing Out - Vicky McGhee gave an update on activities that have taken place in Mixenden over the summer running from the library. These have included arts and crafts, and reading challenges in the library, Bus Oasis and Halifax Rugby League sessions, and ‘Playing Out’ at the Ash Green School Multi Use Games Area at the top site. These activities have been delivered by library staff, Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative, Community Wardens and supported by local police, and housing officers. Overall 95 children have been engaged (ages 2 – 15 years). In total there were 248 attendances in the library and 85 attendances at ‘Playing Out’ sessions.
4.2.
MixMatch Challenge – The MixMatch School Challenge Day involving 64 local youths from Trinity Academy and Park Lane Learning Trust took place at Mixenden Outdoor Centre in July. The event was intended to break down barriers between uniformed services and young people and the Fire Service, Police, Pennine and youth workers were all involved in planning the event and on the day.
4.3.
The organisers are next planning to take the runners up team from Park Lane Learning Trust to the Birkenshaw Fire Station Community bonfire and firework display on the 7 November. There will be 8 young people from the school in total. As well as the Park Lane Team, they will be taking a group of 15 young boys who are currently engaging with the Youth Service at the Mixenden Activity Centre, and/or attended the library or ‘playing out’ over the summer. The outing is to demonstrate to these young people that by positively engaging with services, good things can happen. There will be a strict behaviour policy and young people who misbehave will be excluded from the event
4.4.
Ovenden Phoenix Football Team – Some of the players attended the meeting to give an update but unfortunately had to leave the meeting before the end. Vicky McGhee gave the update in their absence:
4.5.
Players are made up of young men from Illingworth, Ovenden and Mixenden mostly between the ages of 16 – 24 years. Earlier in the year the lads had started playing informal matches but were using local pitches without permission. Local resident and Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative officer Karen Scanlon approached the lads to see if she could help. Since then, with lots of support from West Yorkshire Fire Service, they have formed a strong team and have just commenced playing in the Halifax Sunday League. They train weekly at Beechwood Park, and currently use Savile Park for home games but are looking at facilities within the North Halifax area for next season.
5|Page
4.6.
Over the summer the team have supported community events like Pennine Housing’s Grove Fun Day, and undertaken various fundraising events for Ovenden Phoenix and the Fire-fighters Charity. They have also attended local ward forums to tell people about the new team and get support.
4.7.
A number of the players have started volunteering with Pennine Housing, Happy Days and Ovenden and Mixenden Initiative, 2 of those recently progressed into apprenticeships with Pennine Housing.
4.8.
At a fun pre season match against West Yorkshire Fire Service on 24 August, Ovenden Phoenix received a new kit sponsored by Community First and West Yorkshire Fire Service. Police Chief Superintendant Angela William attended and the lads got a good write up in the Halifax Courier - and they won 8-1!
4.9.
PC Harris commented on the success of the work done by partners in engaging with this group, some of which he said were previously known to Police or at risk of being known. The young men involved are trying to turns their lives around and many are starting to see the benefits of working positively with local services. He added that some of these young men would never have previously engaged with services or indeed each other.
5. Calderdale Council website: Improving the customer experience 5.1.
Sarah Richardson gave a presentation on improvements that have been made to the Council’s website and plans for the future. The website currently gets 2.5m visits and collects £4.5m in revenue through the site each year. A live web chat facility was launched the week commencing 25 August. It is available between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
5.2.
The Council is asking for volunteers to be part of a web improvement group. Volunteers will be emailed links 2 or 3 times a year to spend 5 – 10 minutes testing the site. Sarah asked for anybody interested to give their email address to Vicky at the end of the meeting.
5.3.
Cllr Collins added that the council is trying to modernise and encouraged residents to use the website, and also the North and East Halifax Blog. Residents also praised the Friday Flyer as a really good way of finding out what’s going on in the area and encouraged others to sign up to the mailing list.
6. Anything else 6.1.
Cllr Collins said that Trinity Academy 6th Form had among the best exam results in Calderdale. Further to recent reports about exclusions in the Courier he said, Ash Green had not excluded any pupils, and Trinity were very low on the list.
7. Dates of next meeting 7.1.
Mixenden Tenants and Residents – Tue 11 Nov, 6pm at Holy Nativity Church
7.2.
Ward Forum – Tue 2 Dec, 6.30pm for 7pm start at Holy Nativity Church, Mixenden.
Follow us on Twitter @hxnorthandeast
Find us on Facebook! Hxnorthandeast 6|Page
Actions for next meeting
Responsible
2.3
Mark Brazil and Pennine Housing Cllr Collins Mark Brazil Mark Brazil Mark Brazil PC Harris Cllr Collins Mark Brazil Mark Brazil Cllr Collins Mark Brazil
2.10 2.14 2.16 2.17 2.19 2.22 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35
Repair of the kissing gates at Stanningley and look at improvements to the design of the kissing gates. Ask Ash Green School about CCTV Look into Rights of Way question at Adventure Centre. Lock on the bowling green gate needs replacing again. Grass cutting at Hebble Brook Cars for sale on Hollins Lane and Crag Lane causing obstruction Request to Highways if Straight Lane can be made one way. Cracked and dangerous steps leading to Morrisons Hole in the grass next to the gas pump on Mixenden Road Streetlight repairs in Mixenden Litter on Sunnybank Road and Ash Tree Road and the park
Follow us on Twitter @hxnorthandeast
Find us on Facebook! Hxnorthandeast
7|Page
