Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kilby-Shaw, Birch, G Eales, Aziz and Jane Bunce, Co-Optee

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

Councillor Roberts addressed the Scrutiny Panel on agenda items 5a), 5b) and 6.    She advised that she had received reports of drug use around the University area and there had been reports of  increased smell of cannabis around University too.  People coming into area and she felt that students were being demonised for drug use. Councillor Roberts had received reports that drug “pushers” were using the area around the University to drop drugs.   In respect of agenda item 5(b) Councillor Roberts asked whether any other responses from other groups had been received and queried what the University was doing in respect of pollution.  Councillor Roberts concluded her address by welcoming  the report of NCC Highways (agenda item 6).

Councillor Roberts was thanked for her address. 

Councillor Davenport addressed the Scrutiny Panel commenting that is really important that lessons are learnt from the University and direct neighbours, especially from residents in  Malt House Close. She acknowleged that the University is working very hard to rectify any  problems.  She did express the opinion that problems should have been noted from Planning Stage.  She said the impact of any problems that occurred in  Kingsthorpe should have been measured. She went on to refer to:

·         Halls of residence built in a residential area

·         Referred to abandoned trolleys – 35 picked up from the University and the local supermarket had run out of trolleys.

·         Students making a noise coming back through residential roads at night

Councillor Davenport highlighted that there are problems with parking, anti-social behaviour and noise.  She felt that the parking consultation would rectify the parking problem.  She then referred to perceived drug problem and that residents were concerned.  Far Cotton experiencing anti-social behaviour.   

Councillor Davenport was thanked for her address. 

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 22 November 2018.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a response to its core questions from a number of Expert Advisors:

The Executive Director, Town Centre BID presented his written response to the core questions to the Scrutiny Panel, highlighting the salient points.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

• Freshers event this year is a good example of joint working. Agencies and organisations need to work together. 
• Although it is early days, so far there is better movement through the town. 
• It must be ensured that students are attracted to buy from shops and attract staff from the University to use the town centre.  The University provides an excellent opportunity for the town.
• In response to a query, Rob Purdy advised that integrating students into community activities in the town is very important.  They should be able to use Market Square and then move into pop up shops.  He saw great opportunities for students coming into the town.
• The Scrutiny Panel referred to Berlin where there is a huge youth centre for age 8-25, it offers a range of services, youth parliament etc.  It was felt something similar would be fabulous on the old M&S site.
• A potential recommendation of the final report was suggested that the University looks at the possibility of using one of the empty retail units in the town centre. 
• It was noted that the University and partners are looking to put in a bid for Government funding to make a difference in the town centre. Graphic design students from the University are liaising with the BID regarding showing their work and speaking with existing traders.
• The Scrutiny Panel commented on the need for a Womens’ centre in the town and the need to find a way to communicate with all community groups.
• A potential recommendation of the final report was suggested that the BID, University and NBC look into ways of generating initiatives to bring into force community use of buildings in town
• The University has already made an impact on the town centre, for example the Platform bar and most of the shops in Far Cotton and also a negative impact on parking.

Rob Purdy was thanked for his informative address.

AGREED: That the information provided informs the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

At this point Becky Bradshaw, University of Northampton, addressed the Scrutiny Panel and provided information how the University is dealing with any issues that arose.

Becky Bradshaw advised:

·         Residents’ Forum  was set up  in the Summer 2018, learnt lessons and a schedule of further meetings has gone out.

·         A lot of attention had been focussed on parking – looking to be resolved in Spring.

·         Environmental issues – surveys on wildlife being undertaken – early indication  no negative impact.  Full findings will be shared.

·         Littering – trying to help in this respect.

·         There have been a number of positives e.g. safer routes home.

·         It is aimed to focus student foot traffic over new bridge.

·         University security staff rescued two members of the public from the river.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         Only a small percentage of students behave badly

·         The University is working hard to address issues with drugs.  It has invested in its own Police team – A leader in this Model. The University hosted an open day with 36 Universities interested in this model.

·         The work that the University is doing was acknowledged by the Panel.   

·         The University bar located in the town centre, has excellent reports with good security.

At this point,Councillor Larratt, in the capacity of Deputy Leader of the Council, presented his written report that highlighted the work that the   Administration had undertaken and the work it had carried out with the University that enabled smooth operation.  A copy of the written response is attached to the agenda.  Councillor Larratt highlighted the salient points:

·         CCTV and lighting

·         Officers had worked tirelessly to identify Park & Ride site.  Have not yet identified site in East of town but still looking to identify a suitable site.

·         Parking is a big issue.  The Council is actively working with residents and others and working with NCC.  The Council offered Park & Ride at Christmas, found it was used by several people; it would be  positively advertised next year.

The Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         The written report of the Deputy Leader was supported it showed good collaborative working.  There are negative impacts as well. 

·         It is good that the public can use the café, restaurant etc at the University.

·         In response to a query regarding HIMOs, it was acknowledged that HIMOs are an issue but the research paper by University of Loughborough will be taken forward.

·         The quality of student accommodation is subject to licensing.

·         Regarding the Freshers event that had taken place on the Market Square it was acnlowleged that a lot of lessons had been learnt.  Overwhelmed by the numbers attending. There needs more staff next year.  The Impact on the town centre economy had been significant which was excellent.

·         The bar “Platform” is an excellent venue.  This is great support for students, excellent security.

·         It was acknowledged that the Friends of and Delapre Abbey have begun working with the University. Student welfare is key.  A neighbourhood watch scheme around the University is being investigated

Councillor Larratt was thanked for his address.

The Scrutiny Panel considered the written responses from the various Community Groups and commented:

·         Buddies of Beckets (BOB)      has been working with the University from the outset.  A good relationship  has developed. There is a need for such a relationship with the Buddies of Far Cotton.  BOB doing great work.

·         Positive report on the impact of the move of Uni.

·         Support was given to the clear bag initiative.

·         It was suggested that dual use highways are introduced, they work well in other towns   This was suggested as a potential recommendation of final report –  to enhance the top part of Bedford Road.

·         It was noted that the traffic lights, at Bedford Road are  managed by urban traffic control and these can be altered.  Certain drivers are blocking exits and causing tailback. A potential recommendation of the final report was suggested   as the installation of a yellow box in this location

·         It was noted that  Victoria Promenade is where the majority of foot traffic takes place – over bridge – Victoria Promenade and into town centre.

AGREED:      That the information provided would information the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive information regarding the consultation process and other details regarding parking in the nearby area to the University

The background information was noted and would inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.