Agenda item

The North East Area Manager introduced this item, providing a current position statement for the North East Area Council. 

It was highlighted that the tender opportunity for the procurement of an Environmental Enforcement Service went out to tender on 19^th October 2018, with a closing date of 19^th November and  tender evaluation on 27^th November 2018, the outcome of which will be reported at the next meeting on 7^th February 2018.  It was reported that the tender figure did not include the cost of leasing a vehicle, which is essential for the effective operation of the service.  This will be an additional £5,000.  It was also highlighted that the North East Area Council should consider proactive methods of encouraging members of the community to be responsible dog owners, to complement this initiative, encouraging dog owners to pick up after their dogs and for dog bags to be distributed at volunteering events, galas and community events.

The satisfactory performance of the Stop Smoking initiative was highlighted, with a recommendation that Councillors consider an extension to this commission with SWYFT for a further 12 months, from May 2019 until May 2020 at a cost of £30,000.

A discussion took place regarding devolving funding to Ward Alliances for 2019-2020, and the current Ward Alliance balances were outlined.

Members were asked to note that the bowling green in Royston Park had been vandalised and the roof to the bandstand was in need of repair.  Furthermore, the skate park at the Dell in Grimethorpe is in urgent need of repair, with young people consulted about the repairs to encourage ownership.

Several publishing problems had been experienced with the latest edition of the Village Life Community Magazine.  It was felt that it would be beneficial to have a ‘stand-alone’ community magazine, published once a year.  Discussions are ongoing with the Head of Stronger Communities and Corporate Communications regarding a way forward.

Voluntary Action Barnsley (VAB) currently provide online accredited short courses from CLC for community groups and organisations, geared to the needs of the voluntary and community sector.  It was felt that this would be of great benefit to Ward Alliance members, who would be able to complete as many individual courses as they felt they would benefit from.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            Members note the update;

(ii)          An additional £5,000 be provided for the Service Level Agreement with Barnsley Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods Service to cover the cost of leasing a vehicle for the service;

(iii)         The responsible dog owner project be taken forward and managed by the Environment Steering Group of the North East Area Council at a cost of £1,000;

(iv)         The Stop Smoking Initiative is extended for a further twelve months, at a cost of £30,000;

(v)          A further £10,000 be allocated from North East Area Council funds  to each of the four Ward Alliances at a total cost of £40,000;

(vi)         The Health and Wellbeing Steering Group identify and consider initiatives and projects for delivery in their local communities with a Health and Wellbeing focus and report back to a future North East Area Council meeting;

(vii)        The repairs listed to improve the park areas in Royston (£1,475) and Grimethorpe (£9,000) be approved;

(viii)      That a single, annual ‘stand-alone’ edition of the community magazine is published at an annual cost of approximately £5,000, and

(ix)         The Area Council trial the CLC online training package for use by Ward Alliance members at a cost of £300 per year, with take up reviewed and fed back following a 12 month period.