Agenda item

Wembley Brent Connects Meeting

Minutes and Action Log

1

Highways Management Service – Tony Kennedy, Head of Highways Management

Tony Kennedy provided an overview of the work the Highways Management Service was doing across Brent and the Kingsbury and Kenton district around road and footway maintenance. Overall, it was explained that the Highways Team were working to maintain over 500 kilometres of roads and 847 kilometres of pavements in Brent.

It was also noted that funding from Transport for London (TFL) had been reduced following the Covid-19 pandemic, which had added to the operational and budgetary pressures of the department. 

Following the presentation participants were then invited to ask questions which are captured below:

·        It was clarified that road maintenance projects were prioritised based on footfall, with any defects or potholes in roads taking emergency priority.

·        In a query around issues at Grove Way and Park View, the Highways Team detailed how to report maintenance issues online, which could be done through contacting Brent customer services or by emailing Highways.management@brent.gov.uk.   Cllr Benea also shared her email address in that chat and said residents could email her directly regarding any issues.

·        Issues were raised regarding wooden bollards which had been erected in the Wembley area, with residents giving examples in the ward of Tokyngton where this had been a success. The Highways team explained that the bollards had been installed to prevent vehicles from parking on footways and damaging parking areas and grass verges.

·        An enquiry was made about the resurfacing of the Wembley Triangle; the Highways team stated that the Highways maintenance was an ongoing problem and issues were evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

With no further issues raised the Chair drew the item to a close, noting the actions captured below.

Actions

·        Highways team to assess and evaluate the Wembley Triangle resurfacing with an evaluation of traffic flow and footfall.

·        Community Engagement team to share slides of presentation with the audience

2

Community Safety – Simon Egbor, ASB Nuisance & Crime Manager

The meeting was provided with an overview of work the Community Safety Team was undertaking in partnership with the police to tackle crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the Wembley area, through the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), as well as the use of new CCTV units equipped with data analysis features. The meeting was also updated on new measures which had been enforced around the Aura Lounge Club. 

With no further issues raised the Chair drew the item to a close, noting the actions captured below.

Actions

·        Community Engagement Team to Circulate PowerPoint to attendees and those that registered to attend.

3

Soapbox – Chaired by Cllr Teo Benea

Key Points in section

·        A member of the audience spoke about a local project that was funded by the Young Brent Foundation providing advice and guidance for young people, as well as tackling youth Anti Social Behaviour. They updated that the project had now come to an end due to a lack of funding. The Director of Communities offered to reach out to the Young Brent Foundation, as well as updating that there would be future programmes of grants available in the upcoming months. 

·        Another resident highlighted a litter picking initiative in the community, asking if the council could support in sourcing volunteers. Councillor Krupa Sheth offered to support the resident with coordination of volunteers. 

·        A resident spoke to publicise the community space in Alperton which was part of the Canalside Community Hub, updating that this was a space which could be used for community events and projects.  . 

·        A representative from the Blue Ocean Waves project spoke about an ongoing creative arts project taking place at Chalk Hill Community Centre, offering to share any information with the relevant Councillor.

·        The Brent Neighbourhoods Team provided the meeting with a brief update on the Community Skips scheme, which was due to be rolled out over the coming months.

·        In closing, the Director of Communities updated that the Borough Plan consultation would be closing on the 10^th January at 11:59pm, and encouraged the audience to complete the questionnaire before the deadline to make their voice heard. 

Action

·        Community Engagement team to reach out with the resident around the volunteer litter picking project and signpost him on to colleagues in environment.