Agenda item
Deputations
Minutes:
The Executive agreed to hear at the start of the meeting contributions from members and members of the public relating to a number of items on the agenda.
Preston Manor High School expansion
Local residents addressed the Executive and spoke against proposals to expand Preston Manor High School, Carlton Avenue East. Mr Singer referred to the intolerable increase in traffic in the area particularly at the start and end of the school day exacerbated when refuse trucks were in the vicinity. Some motorists resorted to making illegal manoeuvres in a bid to make progress and Mr Singer expressed concern at the possibility of accidents taking place. Mr Musto referred to the existing covenants on the school’s playing fields that had been put in place to protect public and private life which he felt should be respected. He felt that the proposals would have a detrimental effect on quality of life and amenity value in an area said to be open space deficient and did not accept the assertion that the proposal was better than any other. Another concern was that the additional places at Preston Manor would increase demand for the nearby Preston Park Primary School. Mr Musto also felt that there had been a lack of consultation. Ms Hadlow questioned what alternatives were in place should the planned expansion not proceed as the government funding currently on offer would then be lost. She also stated that at the start of the consultation indications were that the proposals were for a one storey building however at a second meeting there was reference to a building two storeys high with a distinctive roof. There also appeared to be discrepancies between information given on the distance from the development to the nearest back gardens. Mr Freeson stated that issues raised previously had not been answered. Schools were being built in inappropriate places while existing temporary schools were only two thirds full. Mr Freeson felt that the all-through schools would have an unfair advantage over other schools, particularly those in the south of the borough. He also expressed concern over the appointed contractors. Mr Gordon referred to problems that residents were currently facing with the school which included street arguments between students, damage to residents’ gardens and litter from fast food.
Councillor HB Patel (ward councillor, Leader of the Conservative Group) referred to the issue of school places and questioned whether the area in the vicinity of the school was one of high local demand. He put forward the possibility that, as demand was borough wide, pupils living in the ward may still not be able to get a place at the school despite the expansion.
Restructuring of children’s centre buildings/provision in Brent
Ms Tait and Ms Quinn spoke against proposals to reduce service provision in children’s centres and referred to support they had received from the Three Trees Children’s Centre in Tiverton Road, NW10 at difficult times in their lives. They were grateful for the counselling services, professional advice and workshops that had helped them and increased their confidence. They commended the joint working between the professions.
Budget – library provision
Local residents spoke against library budget reductions and in support of retaining local libraries.
Samantha Warrington cautioned against implementing budget cuts without an appropriate level of scrutiny of the cost implications. She stated that the council was prepared to spend money on a new civic centre and a new library while no attempt had been made to get funding from the private sector to help keep libraries open or to negotiate funding from S106 agreements. She raised concerns on the accuracy of the figures quoted as part of the library transformation consultation, the absence of measurable outcomes, any debate on the need for larger libraries or an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposals. Ms Warrington reminded the Executive of the importance of local libraries for children and for community cohesion. James Hogan spoke in support of the retention of local libraries in particular Kensal Rise library which had a long history. He stated that some local authorities had been able to make budget cuts without closing libraries and emphasised the value of services to the community over and above financial costs. David Butcher cautioned against making decisions to close libraries based on the current financial situation which would be irreversible in the future and which would have wider adverse effects on the public. The possibility of losing a local library had served as a reminder to the community of their importance and Mr Butcher urged the Executive to have the courage to make decision to save local libraries. He rejected the view that the opportunity to buy books more cheaply was a comparable alternative. Anna Dolezal spoke in support of retaining local libraries in particular Cricklewood library as once the current economic crisis was over, money could only be pumped back into libraries that were still in existence. Ms Dolezal expressed concern for the continued employment of library staff and the need to adhere to the spirit of covenant that was in place to protect Cricklewood library and for it not to be given away to be run by volunteers or charities.
Councillor Lorber (Leader of the Opposition) put forward the view that the decline in library usage was due to the low number of books available to borrow. He also referred to proposals for Willesden Green Library which may not be beneficial to residents.
Charteris Sports Club
Ms Jessica Hynes (local resident) addressed the Executive on behalf of petitioners who were against plans to close Charteris Sports Centre as contained in the budget report. She stated that it was a highly valued community asset also used by schools with an above national average usage, the closure of which would have an adverse effect on crime statistics. Ms Hynes advised that the residents of Kilburn were willing to help run the centre as part of a partnership arrangement and to work on ways of reducing costs. They had already met with representatives of Sport England and were committed to retaining the facility.
Festivals
MrParesh Modasia addressed the Executive on behalf of the Hindu Council and spoke against proposals to reduce funding for the Navratri festival which was now out for consultation having been the subject of a report to the meeting of the Executive in January. Budget provision for festivals was included in the report before members. Mr Modasia said that Navratri was an important part of Hindu Culture bringing everyone together to share cultural learning especially children and hard to reach communities. The need for savings was understood however it was felt that the cost of the Navratri was relatively low and the schools used for the events benefitted throughout the year. Mr Modasia called on the council to conduct a fair consultation exercise.
Decommissioning the Brent Community Law Centre and the Brent Private Tenants Rights Group
Jacky Peacock spoke on behalf of funding for BPTRG so that it could continue to provide services for people in the private rented sector which she said was unregulated. She referred to the poor living conditions still in existence in some areas and the landlords many of whom were unaware of their responsibilities. She feared that central government initiatives to reduce housing benefit would not lead to a reduction in rent levels but rather increase overcrowding and the number in rent arrears. Jamie Richie addressed the meeting against proposals in the budget report to decommission the Brent Law Centre which he said would amount to closure. Demand for services was increasing while additionally legal aid funding was being reduced. He felt that the voluntary sector deserved better treatment, to be given clear and consistent information on funding arrangements and to be properly consulted. Giving the public advice saved money in the long run.
Councillor John (Chair) on behalf of the Executive, thanked members of the public for attending and for their contributions. She explained that the council was required to set a legal budget and all concerns expressed would be taken into consideration. The final decision on the budget would be made at the meeting of Full Council on 28 February 2011.