Issue - items at meetings - Deputations

(The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 4 May 2010)

(copy attached).

121.1          The Cabinet Member reported that two deputations had been submitted.

121(a)    Deputation – parking in Tivoli Crescent

121.2          The Cabinet Member considered a deputation from Mr Mark Dyson concerning parking Zone A and a proposal to extend it to include Tivoli Crescent. Mr Dyson explained that the residents of Tivoli Crescent had previously voted against being included in a controlled parking scheme, but that problems of displacement parking by commuters using Preston Park Station had caused residents to change their mind; it was hoped that the council would be able to take steps to include Tivoli Crescent in Parking Zone A as soon as possible.

121.3          The Cabinet Member explained that he understood that displacement parking was a serious concern for residents in Tivoli Crescent. He advised that he was aware residents had spoken with officers and that there was consensus that the approach suggested by residents seemed sensible. He confirmed that the proposal would be seriously considered due to the amount of support from residents in the road.

A report was currently being prepared by officers through discussions with Members and the aim was to present a report to an Environment Cabinet Member Meeting later in the year to discuss the way forward for future parking proposals. The request from Tivoli Crescent residents would be considered within the report.

121.4          RESOLVED – That the deputation be noted.

121(b)   Deputation – 137-147 Preston Road

121.5          The Cabinet Member considered a deputation from Ms Hengameh  Dadkhah concerning problems in relation to the occupants of 137-147 Preston Road. Ms Dadkhah reported that travellers had moved on to the unoccupied site in March 2010 and had been causing ongoing problems for residents living in the area. She advised that the travellers appeared to have keys to the site. She stated that the site was not suitable for travellers, particularly as there was no sanitation.

Ms Dadkhah reported that the travellers regularly burned materials and that rubbish was accumulating on site, and that residents were concerned about the potential health risks. She highlighted incidents involving joy riders and uncontrolled dogs and stated that the police had been called on a number of occasions; tensions were building between residents and the travellers and residents no longer felt safe in their homes and gardens.

Ms Dadkhah called upon the council to take action to remove the travellers from the site and consider a longer term solution to the ongoing problems arising in relation to the site.

121.6          The Cabinet Member advised that he fully understood and sympathised with the residents. He explained that the site was privately owned and that action needed to be taken by the owners in relation to the travellers, however the ownership situation was extremely complicated. He reported that that the council was working jointly with the Police and other agencies to assess the most effective way of resolving the situation as quickly as possible. A multi-agency approach was required and the council would play a full and active part in pulling this together. The Cabinet Member advised that the council would continue put pressure on the owners to find a resolution.

121.7          The Director of Environment confirmed that meetings were taking place at the highest level with the Chief Executive of the council, the Police and other agencies to resolve the situation. The council was also monitoring the ongoing environmental health issues. A long term resolution would take time, but residents could be assured that the council was investigating ownership of the site and all of the legal powers at its disposal.

121.8          RESOLVED – That the deputation be noted.