Agenda item

Central – held on 25^th April, and 24^th May, 2017

Dodworth – held on 25^th April, and 23^rd May, 2017

Kingstone – held on 3^rd May, 2017

Stairfoot – held on 8^th May, 2017

Worsbrough – held on 27^th April, 2017

The meeting received the notes of the meetings of the Central, Dodworth, Kingstone, Stairfoot and Worsbrough, Ward Alliances within the Central Area held in April and May, 2017.  Brief feedback was provided by each of the Ward Alliance Chairs.

Councillor Clarke provided an update on the work of the Worsbrough Ward Alliance, noting that the priorities for the Alliance had been long standing.  Numerous events had been held to engage the public, including with Green Fingered Wanderers.  An event had been held 2 weeks previously, focusing on residents clearing their own streets, fostering pride in their area.  This had been successful with 10 adults and 10 young people engaged.  The use of the refurbished Dale Park Pavilion by young people had also been encouraged.

With regards to Health and Wellbeing, Members heard how winter packs had been distributed in the area, and several other schemes such as yoga and healthy eating courses had been held.  Opportunities had been developed to bring groups together, and an event had been arranged to take place in September to this end. 

In addition it was noted that a communications strategy was being developed to target those not accessing services provided, a skills analysis of Ward Alliance Members was also being developed to see how the Alliance could be strengthened.  An analysis of Ward Alliance Expenditure would also take place.

Councillor P. Birkinshaw – updated on the work led by the Dodworth Ward Alliance and made Members aware that a number of events had already been held this year, including an Easter Egg Hunt in Gilroyd attended by 80 children.  In May and Enterprise event was held where over 40 business from the ward were in attendance.  Although fewer members of the public attended than was hoped for, but feedback from the event was positive, and it was hope that this could be repeated in future.

Members heard of other events held such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, and Dodworth Gala, which had been successful, with events in Penny Pie Park, in Gilroyd and South Road planned to take place during the summer.   The establishment of a number of groups had been supported, which were helping with planting, litter picking and increasing pride in their area.  A concern was raised with regards to the rise of graffiti in the area and it was agreed that the policy for removing graffiti be forwarded to Members.

Councillor Johnson provided an update with regards to Stairfoot Ward Alliance.  Highlighted was the success in supporting Barnsley Main Heritage Group, and the progress being made with Stairfoot Station Heritage Group, both helping to support the visitor economy.  CCC (Community, Commerce, and Council) was helping to engage businesses in the community, assisting improvements in the area.

Members noted that several events were arranged to take place in July, including the Picnic in the Park, Aldham Gala, and an event in Leslie Road Play area.  Thanks were given to Twiggs Grounds Maintenance for their work in general but specifically for ensuring areas were clear before events.

Councillor Williams made Members aware that many Love Where You Live events had been held, with mixed success.  Often after litter picks areas returned to their previous condition in around two weeks.  Therefore the Ward Alliance was looking at alternatives, where community groups would adopt an area in order to foster pride, and advice would be given on maintenance.  Also incentives such as providing street parties were being considered for areas that looked after their streets on an ongoing basis.  The Alliance was in the process of organising a cycle ride around the 5 wards of the Central Area and sources of loan bikes were being considered.

It was noted that the Alliance had decided to focus the smaller number of priorities of Pride in Kingstone, Health and Wellbeing, and Communications, with a focus on cohesion for the current year.

Councillor Bruff – made Members aware of the efforts to spend Ward Alliance Funds in a more strategic manner.  It was noted that groups were still funded; however this was with a view that they would be sustainable in the longer term.  Members heard of the celebration event recently held, which commended those who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Community lunches had been held at St. Peter’s Church, and they had been supported by family centres in the area.  In addition the Ward Alliance had funded a support worker who was working in the Polish Library, which would shortly have been in place for three months and the impact of this was due to be reviewed. 

A number of clean ups had been held, including at the Hen Pen, and the assistance of Twiggs had been greatly received.  A number of training courses had also been arranged for groups, including for Safeguarding, and Youth Work.

Members of Barnsley Road Club had been on training relating to leading groups of cyclists on the road and encouraging cycling.  It was noted that there would now be a cycling road race in Barnsley.

RESOLVED that the notes and feedback from the Ward Alliances be received.