Agenda item

To receive updates from ward councillors from Hoober on the activities supporting Thriving Neighbourhoods across the Borough.

Further to Minute No. 55 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19th November 2018, consideration was given to the Ward update for Hoober as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy. An update report had been provided as part of the agenda and each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Brent moved the report and spoke about the geography of the Hoober and its population. He stated that listening to residents and holding surgeries was a vital part of the role of Ward Councillors. The issues regularly raised at the surgeries included speeding, traffic, parking, weeds, overhanging trees, hedges, house repairs and anti-social behaviour.

Two particular projects that the Hoober Councillors had worked on were the traffic calming measures in Wentworth and the planned crossings on Manor Road in Brampton. Residents of Melton Green had also been supported in their fight for road safety schemes. Improvements had been made to green spaces and recreational areas, such as at West Melton Park, Brampton Bierlow Park and Cortonwood Recreation Ground.

Councillor Brent praised the partnership working, particularly with Parish Councils. He also praised the work being done across borders with Barnsley Council regarding bikes causing havoc in parks.

Councillor Lelliott seconded the report and highlighted the use of CIL money to provide free resources for communities who would not otherwise be able to join in with structured sports like football. Work also continued to create play areas and green spaces for the local community. Councillor Lelliott was very proud of the work done on community celebrations. A networking group had been established so that all the different community groups could share resources and ideas and signpost people on.

Councillor Lelliott thanked all the partners that worked in Hoober ward such as the schools, police and parish councils. She particularly thanked Neighbourhood Co-ordinator Tracey White.

Councillor Williams highlighted road safety improvements. This included the new 20 mile per hour scheme on Harley Road, and the installation of a vehicle activated speed sign in Melton Green. Work had been undertaken to install bollards in West Melton to protect the green space and prevent grass verge parking. A public meeting had been held, and the formation of a community speed watch group is underway. Ward Councillors were looking into how equipment for the group could be funded.

In relation to Anti-Social behaviour, Councillor Williams spoke regarding the aftermath of the riot at Manvers which occurred in 2024. He was very proud of the way residents and the Council had responded, particularly in relation to the drop-in session that had been held. Regarding the off road bikes referenced by Councillor Brent, Councillor Williams confirmed that meetings had been held with the Deputy Mayor for Police in South Yorkshire and some small scale measures had been introduced. CCTV had been installed on the Wath Road entrance to the park and work was underway to reduce entrance points to the park. It was also confirmed that work continued in relation to the Cortonwood Retail Park issues.

Councillor Williams also thanked the neighbourhood officers for their invaluable work.

Councillor Currie highlighted the collaborative working done across Hoober and Keppel wards.

Resolved:

That the update report be noted.