Chair: Christine Thornton, 40 Cross Flatts Avenue, Beeston, , LS11 7BG. Tel 0113 270 0875 Secretary: Mr Robert Winfield,7 Allenby Gardens,Beeston,Leeds,LS11 5RW.Tel 0777 379 7820 E mail [email protected] Forum Website- www.beestonforum.btck.co.uk find us on Facebook at 'Beeston Community Forum'

BEESTON COMMUNITY FORUM Let's make Beeston Better Writing the Beeston Plan

Beeston Forum General Meeting - 4th July 2019 Agenda 1. Chairman's Opening Remarks 2. Apologies for absence 3. Guest Speakers ; Insp .Lucy Leadbeater, West Police and Mark Burns Williamson OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner, Police 4. Minutes of the Forum meeting held on 6th June 2019 5. The Beeston Plan 6. Correspondence 7. Committee Report - 20th June 2019 8. Any Other Business Minutes of the meeting of the Beeston Community Forum held on Thursday 6th June 2019

Attendance:- Christine Thornton (in the chair) Councillor G. Almass , Mr. R. Bell, Mr. W.J. Birch, Mr. K. Burton, Mrs. S. Burton, H. Carr, Mr. S. Casserley, Mrs. R. Casserley, D. Craven, Mr. J. Cunningham, Councillor A. Gabriel, Mrs. A. Gill, Mr. K. Hewson, Mr. J. Hook, Mrs. P. Jones, Mr. E. Leathem, Mrs. M. Munro,Mrs. I. O'Sullivan, Mr. M. Parry, Mrs. J. Poulter, Sgt. S. Saville and R.J.W. Winfield Esq

1. Chairman's Opening Remarks . Christine Thornton thanked those present for their attendance and pointed out that a small meeting was taking place in a side room. Anyone wandering in to the main hall would be likely to be attending that meeting . She noted that the day is the 75th Anniversary of the D Day landings when Allied troops went into battle to liberate France . She noted that no one present at the meeting has experienced war . Unless you have experienced war, you cannot imagine what it is like .Christine Thornton noted that she was a nursing officer in the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps. During the first Iraq War, he thought she might be mobilised . People said 'Has the letter come yet? ' Fortunately, the call up never took place , but some nursing officers volunteered and went to Iraq . It was poignant and emotional to hear veterans talking about war . Christine Thornton noted that her father had been called up for service during World War 2 but he was discharged due to ill health and then served in the Auxiliary Fire Service . He and his colleagues went on a fire engine down to Kent when the bombs were coming down. He spoke of sweets being stolen from bombed sweet shops . Christine Thornton noted that she was born after the end of World War 2 . The members present then observed a period of silence in memory of servicemen who lost their lives during the D Day landings .

2. Apologies for absence were received from Jean Birch, Colin Hendrick Ward , Lindsey Pearson and Councillor Andrew Scopes

3. Guest Speaker . Christine Thornton introduced the guest speaker; Rt.Hon. , Member of Parliament for Leeds Central

3.1 Hilary Benn thanked the Forum for its invitation . He intended to begin by referring to events which took place 75 years ago . It

1 was moving to see old veterans in Portsmouth and Normandy and at various services . Hilary Benn pointed out that his son, James wrote a book about the life of Hilary Benn's uncle, Michael , who was an RAF Flight Lieutenant who took off in a Mosquito with Bob Rowe . Their target was to bomb bridges in Normandy to slow the German advance and aid the invading forces . He returned safely but was killed two weeks later aged 22. His father, who was in Rhodesia received a telegram to say he had died. His grandfather was also in Africa. His mother was able to get to him 20 minutes before he died . Hilary Benn said that there is a wider lesson in terms of what international co operation has achieved . He noted that the grand daughter of Dwight Eisenhower had been interviewed on the radio. She explained how Eisenhower had drafted a letter apologising for the D Day landings , to be used if they had gone wrong. In fact, the D Day landings , though risky, proved successful , and had demonstrated extraordinary international co -operation. Forces from the UK, US , The Free Franch, Canada and Poland had taken part. Without that alliance, it would not have been possible to defeat Nazi Germany . Institutions were then created to avoid a return to conflict . He added that the first meeting of the UN General Assembly took place in Methodist Central Hall in Westminster . This is commemorated by a plaque . These are lessons which we would do well to reflect upon .

3.2 Hilary Benn referred to Brexit . He noted that the nation is waiting to see who the new Prime Minister will be and the House of Commons is in suspended animation and the government is bringing forward no controversial legislation as it has no majority . We should know the identity of the new Prime Minister by the third weekend in July . He also referred to two local issues; the Snooker Hall at Concourse House Dewsbury Road. He has taken this matter up with who have , in turn taken up the issues which he raised. Additionally, he has written about this matter in his column with South Leeds Life. Another local issue concerns a block of flats by the river . This was a residential block whose new owner evicted all the tenants except for one leaseholder. The flats were then advertised for nightly rent ; neighbours then found themselves in the middle of a hotel with people coming back at all hours drunk and noisy. These are similar problems to those which have been demonstrated in relation to Concourse House . The Council has acted on planning and enforcement notices . In the case of Concourse House , Hilary Benn noted that the operators of the snooker hall have the right to appeal . Leeds City Council have now done everything they can do but the matter now goes to the Planning Inspector . It is not right that the system is such that people can play it , knowing that if there are long delays in dealing with the appeal, they can get away with it . In the residential block, the owner decided not to go through these processes , but the experience was still traumatic for residents . Hilary Benn said that we must deal with this , because justice delayed is justice denied . He added that there is a long wait for appeals for PIP and ESA assessments . The most striking and unfair feature of these is that the majority of cases going to the tribunal in Leeds are overturned . Hilary Benn recalled that he met a man on Brwery Wharf who was waiting for his case to be heard and waiting for a payment . He spent 11 months living with an unsound decision which was eventually overturned by the tribunal. Hilary Benn noted that claimants who are not on the higher rate of PIP can lose their mobility car. He noted that he recently received a letter from a constituent with a severe disability . The car enables the constituent to work; and work enables mortgage payments to be made. The loss of a car means that there are fears of losing a house . Hilary Benn said that those responsible for assessments must stop getting decisions wrong , and reduce waiting times. More wrong decisions means more appeals and more delays.

3.3 Hilary Benn referred to the debate about air quality. He noted that there had been a debate about the Park and Ride facility , which was thought to be a white elephant , but is now well used and about to be extended . Leeds City Council is also bringing in a low emission zone . We face a problem in relation to dangerous climate change . There is a risk of failing to do what is required with scientists warning of serious consequences, such as sea level rises and sharp rises or falls in the amount of rain . Poor air quality in the city leads to ill health and death . The worst polluted area is close to the Corn Exchange with large amounts of soot and Nitrogen dioxide . We must change by accelerating the change to using electric vehicles which have no carbon dioxide emissions , and are ideally powered by renewable energy . Children in pushchairs are at a lower level whee pollution is coming out. The low emission zone has led to controversy, notably in the form of objections from taxi drivers . Hilary Benn noted that the M621 runs right through the middle of the city . Leeds City Council can do nothing about the M621 as this is controlled by Highways so the low emission zone does not apply. It should apply as the M621 is a busy road .Leeds City Council is responsible for air quality in Leeds. It is envisaged that by 2040, here will be no manufacture of petrol and diesel cars. At present, change is slow. There are more electric cars . They are expensive but the range is improving . Hilary Benn noted that 1700 people at Ford in Bridgend are likely to lose their jobs whilst Honda is closing in Swindon. Nissans new model will not be made at its plant in Washington. There is uncertainty as a result of not knowing about our future economic relationship with the EU .

3.4 The meeting then opened up to questions and comments from the floor. Stuart Casserley asked whether electric vehicles are so silent that thy will be knocking people over and wondered whether it might be sensible for them to make some sort of artificial noise. Hilary Benn said that some vehicles can have a noise and a warning for pedestrians . This is sensible considering that electric vehicles are quiet. He wondered whether the police have seen any accidents . Sgt. Saville said that they had seen no such accidents . Hilary Benn said that technology in cars will become better and there is a debate about self driving cars . We are not there yet but technology will improve. The first place where self driving cars will take off is on motorways . If all vehicles are self driving, and connected , it will be possible to maximise the use of a motorway. Stuart Casserley noted that no one could smell North Sea gas and it was necessary to put an artificial smell in it. He added that during the winter, there had been indications of a poor electricity supply. Would the electricity supply cope with electric cars? Hilary Benn said that we need infrastructure to charge cars . They can be seen at motorway service stations , with slow charges taking eight hours and fast charges , in which a battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in 25 to 30 minutes. We cannot have wires across a house and pavement into a car as this constitutes a trip hazard . There is a debate between the manufacturers of electric vehicles and local authorities as to whether vehicles should be charged from pads in pavements , or a wireless form of charging. The two must match . Some people may take the view that they will not buy a vehicle if it will not charge at

2 home . Other types of motor are charged by driving the vehicle . Hybrid vehicles have a shorter electric range . Hilary Benn noted that there is a debate about hydrogen cars . Hydrogen generates its own power and the only by product is water vapour . It remains to be seen which technology will win out . He noted that pavements were dug up when cables are installed .

3.5 Rosemary Casserley asked whether anyone has thought about the raw materials used for batteries and recycling . She noted that a battery for an electric bike is guaranteed for two years and costs £400- £500 . A battery can last for four years but would then be on its last legs . If all car owners switch to electric vehicles , we need more electricity . We would need gas as there is little potential for hydro electricity in the UK . We may well end up importing electricity from countries which may not be generating it from renewables . Hilary Benn noted that we are falling behind on emissions . Home heating is 80% reliant on gas. After 2025 , no new homes will be heated by gas. Hilary Benn referred to a recent newspaper article about where raw materials come from , highlighting unstable countries such as the Congo which has an awful state of government. He noted that one part of the UK has lithium underground ; Cornwall . This hopes to be the centre of expertise in battery production. Elon Musk is a great innovator and is working hard . He noted that electric vehicles are like mobile phones ; they are charged all the time when the battery life goes and this drives a replacement phone market rather than putting in a new battery , but this dos not work for a business model. Hilary Benn noted that offshore wind power generation has been a fantastic success , but onshore wind has not been so good because of objections from communities . The choice is about where energy will cone from. For the first time ever , we have had days where no coal has been used for the generation of electricity . This would have been thought extraordinary 30 to 40 years ago. There is an enormous coastline but this has not been tapped; there is potential for tidal and wave energy . There is a lot of wind blowing and we are in a good position compared with other countries . However, what do we do when there is no wind and we need electricity? We need a base load capacity ; for example , gas or nuclear fired . Is there an easy way of storing electricity for peak demand ? There is a scheme in North Wales in which water is pumped up at Dinorwic . The water then falls to the bottom and is then pumped up using generated electricity . There is also a barrage scheme but this has environmental consequences .

3.6 Bill Birch said that has become worse as a result of the managed prostitution zone , and that there has been a tidal wave of sex and drug related litter not just inside the managed zone. More of the litter is outside the managed zone according to figures supplied by Leeds City Council in response to Freedom of Information requests . During a 48 hour period, there were three assaults on women and one on a man. Bill Birch said that there will be a big confrontation soon as locals are fed up with being ignored by Leeds City Council . He noted that Hilary Benn had called for an inquiry and Bill Birch noted that it was expected to report within three months in November. Bill Birch noted that he agreed with Hilary Benn but added that Leeds City Council has procrastinated and had still not appointed someone to carry on the review . This is now urgent. If it is not done, something bad will happen. Hilary Benn noted that this is a big issue locally , and that he had come to the conclusion, after representations that that there must be a means for all those having a view to contribute to the review. An independent person is not far off being appointed . He had no recollection of any mention of the three month period and insisted that Leeds City Council has listened. There is now a dedicated policing team with four officers devoted to this . Some people say that this has led to an improvement. He noted that the purpose of the managed zone is to keep prostitution out of residential areas , as people do not want prostitution where they live . If some women are in residential areas, the scheme is not meeting its objective . Some of the women have endured drug and alcohol problems ; Hilary Benn has met some of them . Contact with the police is better. If assaults occur, the police want to know . The police are stating to pick up the men involved and are taking them to Elland Road Police Station . The sessions were having success as the men were not returning . The independent review will make recommendations but there is no easy solution. If Leeds City Council were to say that the managed approach is over, what would happen tomorrow. We would still have a problem. What about licensed brothels? Hilary Benn noted that they are illegal but he has no view as to whether they should be legalised. He noted that prostitution has occurred in different parts of Leeds over the years . In our part of South Leeds, we have done our bit . Sovereign Street was a big problem when Hilay Benn was first elected to Parliament . Businesses did not want it in this area , so it moved . Prostitution has always taken place on Water Lane . Hilary Benn recalled that on one evening , he went out talking to women between 10pm and 2 am .He remembers the evening very well ; most of the women were up front about their drug habit . The motives of Leeds City Council and the police in coming up with the managed zone are to be praised . Hilary Benn supported this approach but acknowledged that it must command public support . Hilary Benn added that he has sympathy with businesses in the area who have never asked for this .He noted that people have been using a corner at the back of a building as a toilet . Bill Birch accepted that the managed zone was an attempt to solve a difficult problem . However, after five years, the experiment has hopelessly failed . There is no redemption for prostitutes ; this keeps them in a state of having to take drugs, thus creating a market worth £3 million to Leeds drug pushers . Bill Birch said that we should look at the Nordic approach which involves offering care and counselling but cracking down hard on kerb crawlers and drug pushers . This has eradicated street prostitution. Bill Birch noted that there is a difference between pretty women in hotels and street prostitutes , 95% of whom are on drugs . He noted that some groups supporting women have a specific aim of having them come out. Others take a different approach . Hilary Benn said that he had thought about this issue when he was Minister of Prisons . People must have the chance to live their lives in a different way . The independent review will show whether other approaches have been shown to work . Lots of prostitution is hidden not in the streets but in shops and offices . He saw a series of photographs of urban streets . Women were being prostituted in each building unseen in the middle of the community . Police are worrying greatly about those women ; anything which can be done to help women stop taking drugs and do something else is good , but the issues are very complex . Hilary Benn spoke about when people hear stories , and he says that something is not surprising . Do you understand the point? Is there an explanation for doing something ? He hopes the process will assist. He noted that he had recently attended the Listening World project at Holbeck Working Mens Club an he was also at St Mathews the previous week . He recalled that a person was sat at the same table , and shared his experience. He was not shouting . If the problem was easy to solve, we would have cracked it. Prostitution has been here since the dawn of time. It is responsible to see the way forward through the independent review . If the Council and the police knew what the

3 answer to the problem is , it would be really easy.

3.7 A member of the audience raised an issue connected with Universal Credit. Last year , a doctor determined that she was unable to work. She later went into a work assessment in which a person who is not a doctor deemed that she is fit to work. The matter is going to appeal , and is waiting to be dealt with by a tribunal. She noted that she suffers from an invisible illness which results in her being unfit to work. Hilary Benn noted that he hears similar stories at his constituency surgery . The member of the audience noted that she had seen Hilary Benn twice last year . Hilary Benn noted that it is terrible when a doctor says one thing , then someone who is not a doctor who had barely looked at her and was simply ticking boxes takes a different view. Hilary Benn noted that there are physical disabilities and conditions but added that two days previously, he had met a man who has a Blue Badge but was reluctant to use it because he appears to be fine. However, if he had no disability, he would not have been given a Blue Badge. He suffers from depression which is of such a nature that he can be okay one day but not the next . Hilary Benn said that we should support people to work to the maximum extent capable . A system in which someone is either considered fit to work every day , or deemed to be unfit to work is wrong. Looking at people to see what they can do , and helping them to do it is right in principle . He criticised the lack of skill and training of assessors . He criticised a situation in which a doctor or neurologist says that someone is unfit to work, but someone who has seen the person only for 25 minutes says otherwise. We must persuade the government to make changes. He was also critical of the waiting time to get money. It is all very well that it is possible to get a loan, but this is repayable at a high interest rate . Hilary Benn referred to an advertising campaign in the Metro by the Department for Work and Pensions. The advertisement states that anyone who has no money can obtain a loan, but this fail to mention the high interest rate at which the loan is repayable . Hilary Benn criticised the advertisement and asked who authorised it . It is misleading to people reading the advertisement as it does not tell the whole story. The member of the audience said that she must go back for a further assessment in November . She suffers from regular seizures. Hilary Benn asked her to come and see him again

3.8 John Cunningham said that he has seen how soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are not looked after . He asked whether it worries Hilary Benn that John Bolton is urging the US to take on Iran . Hilary Benn said that he has no time for John Bolton and added that any idea of a conflict with Iran will not be supported in the House of Commons. He noted that there are two Irans struggling for control of the country . There is a theocratic Revolutionary Council , but half of Iran wishes to live in a liberal country. The recent Presidential election was a sign that the liberals are in the ascendancy. Everything we do should encourage an outward looking, secular liberal Iran . This is another example of international co-operation. Europe, the US and others worked together to secure the nuclear deal with Iran . International monitors took the view that Iran was keeping to the deal although proxy forces are destabilising . However, Donald Trump pulled out of the deal and imposed sanctions , resulting in a boost to hard-liners advocating 'Death to the US' . Hilary Benn asked what they are doing and noted that with Donald Trump you never know. He is unpredictable ; he gets up and tweets. Hilary Benn said that conflict with Iran would be terrible . Turning to the experience of veterans, Hilary Benn said that the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder had improved a lot. A relative had never spoken about his experiences in World War I . He added that war is the most awful trauma. He recalled veterans discussing mates being mown down by machine guns .He added that during World War I soldiers were shot for what was described as cowardice, but this was not cowardice but Post Traumatic Stress Disorder . We have come on a long way. Hilary Benn paid tribute to charities which are dealing with the situation and visiting affected servicemen . Hilary Benn has visited charities in Portsmouth working in Portsmouth on physical and mental rehabilitation . Servicemen are expected to come back and make adjustments . They can be under fire one day, then two days later back home shopping in a supermarket . Hilary Benn noted that a three day breakout period has been introduced to enable servicemen who have been in the conflict zone to 'come down' before going home.

3.9 Richard Bell pointed out that there is a massive brothel on Dewsbury Road . A new brothel , advertised on facebook, has opened in . Rrichard Bell expressed concerns as to how decisions are made and said that small groups are over influential in setting agendas . Such groups benefit from these agendas. He noted that Leeds City Council is throwing lots of money at South Leeds Charities members of which serve on governance boards and preside over a growth industry which they are influencing . Hilary Benn noted that Leeds City Council supports lots of voluntary organisations . Richard Bell said that they exploit people running voluntary services . Hilary Benn asked Richard Bell whether he has any cases and suggested that these could be raised either with himself or the councillors . He noted that Leeds City Council has had its income reduced by 40% , and works with a lot of voluntary organisations as it cannot deliver all services. Decisions which Leeds City Council make about funding are open and transparent . Richard Bell said that the decision to set up the managed zone was not properly scrutinised . However, Hilary Benn said that the decision was scrutinised quite a lot . Richard Bell said that there have been leaks about bad outcomes. Hilary Benn said he did not know what Richard Bell was talking about . Councillor Angela Gabriel said that Safer Leeds took the decision to introduce the Managed Zone , and all of its minutes are published . She recalled that Councillor Mark Dobson was the Executive member responsible . She added that there are three levels of decision making including the Board which includes leaders of organisations such as the Council and the Police. There are no representatives from charities. There is then a middle board with no representation from charities . Charities do however attend the lower board which represents the bronze tier of decision making One representative from Save Our Eyes serves on this board. Angela Gabriel added that money from public health goes out to open tender ; public tender . All charities can apply for such funding and no decision is taken behind closed doors. The minutes of bodies such as the Leeds City Council Executive Board and Safer Leeds are published . The minutes explain who was at the meeting and who took decisions . This includes every decision in relation to the Managed approach, although Angela Gabriel noted that she does not serve on Safer Leeds . Richard Bell said that people are benefiting from decisions which they influence . Angela Gabriel said that people believe it as they want to believe. She added that there are 6 or 7 women constantly on facebook . It is chaotic when the police arrest them . They take them in and they go back out . Most women are abiding by the rules. How do you manage uncooperative chaotic women? They can only go to prison. Sgt. Saville

4 noted that someone had breached an order three times during the past week and was arrested twice. The person will be in court this week and will probably go to jail. A small proportion of women do not know how to follow the rules . Richard Bell said that these individuals have a disproportionate impact . Sgt Saville said that the Neighbourhood Policing Team have had three males in for interviews and cautions , but what Richard Bell has said is right . There is a small nucleus of disruptive women . A member of the audience suggested that we should look at mental health services . She noted that she had to wait nine months for stress relief , and even then her problems were not sorted out . Angela Gabriel noted that mental health will not allow women to access services unless they are affected by drink and drugs. Bill Birch noted that a key charity is in favour of the Managed Zone , and had demonstrated outside Leeds in favour of prostitution. The turnover of the organisation has increased from £250000 to £650000 . The organisation has no commitment to solving the problem of prostitution . Sgt Saville asked why Bill Birch has not spoken to the charity involved. Bill Birch said that he would do that

3.10 Rosemary Casserley asked whether we are included in the Low Emission Zone . She noted that if a small accident occurs , Beeston, Holbeck and Hunslet are gridlocked . Hilary Benn noted that we are not included in the low emission zone and noted that Leeds City Council originally wished to introduce a larger zone. They consulted , and in response to this consultation , a lot of businesses in South Leeds with lorries and wagons said that if their premises are included they would not manage as they are running on tight margins. Leeds City Council has secured transitional funding from the government , and this is being paid to taxi drivers and others . He noted that Hackney carriages have requirements for larger vehicles and disabled access. There is a second hand market for compliant vehicles . Smaller vehicles are more expensive. Leeds City Council decided that the zone will not cover south Leeds. However, all buses must meet the relevant emission standards as they are going in and out of the zone . Hilary Benn suggested looking at travel patterns . The emissions rules do not include cars . Leeds City Council noted that many people on low incomes cannot afford to change their car to a compliant one. However, buses , goods vehicles and taxis are required to comply with the new emissions rules . Leeds City Council have taken these measures and the introduction of Park and Ride schemes in order to meet the standards for air quality . If Park and vehicles are parked they are not driving into Leeds .

4. The minutes of the Forum meeting held on 9th May 2019 were accepted as a fair and accurate record of the meeting . A discussion took place about the circulation of minutes. A discussion took place about the publication and circulation of minutes . Robert Winfield pointed out that it has been his consistent practice not to publish minutes on the Forum website until they are approved as a fir and accurate record of the meeting . He noted that although he has a good record for accuracy; until the minutes are so approved there is the potential for minutes to be altered . Robert Winfield stressed that he does not object to any errors in minutes being pointed out ; it is in the best interests of everyone for minutes to be accurate. Angela Gabriel suggested that minutes could be e mailed out. After some discussion, it was agreed that Robert Winfield would publish minutes (clearly marked as a draft ) on the forum's website in advance of the meeting and also e mail these to members on the same basis .

5.Police Report 5.1 Sgt Saville noted that he has been accompanied by a student officer who is seeing how a public meeting works. He noted that burglary dwellings and burglary others are down and that there is a downward trend in south Leeds . There were five burglary dwellings and three burglary others (commercial buildings). There were six thefts of motor vehicles including three motor bikes . People are targetting motor bikes and quad bikes around south Leeds . There have been 26 thefts from motor vehicles including 11 around the Cross Heath area . The police are working out who is responsible and who has recently been released . There have been three or four thefts of number plates which are typically used in other offences . Sgt Saville said that people are leaving items of property on show. Extra patrols are being carried out to try and find who is responsible for the thefts of motor vehicles

5.2 Sgt Saville referred to the snooker hall (Cuedos) . He noted that everyone is trying to put a stop to this . He has seen reports but the police are not getting any reports . Mrs Poulter said that issues are not being reported to the police as no one is taking any notice. A neighbour has a camera focussed on the premises . This had identified brawling which has been reported to the police both by phone and e mail . There has been no acknowledgement or other reply . Sgt Saville asked where the e mail had been sent to . Mrs Poulter said that this had been sent to the Inner South Leeds e mail address . She added that she had sent a letter on 12th April with a copy of a leaflet advertising the snooker hall. She had seen Hilary Benn but the police just ignore residents . Sgt Saville said that Environmental Health had visited the building on the day before the meeting and the Leeds City Council Planning Department was also putting in work. The police are trying to disrupt the operation. The fire service has also visited the building . Christine Thornton stressed that local residents must send information to the police. Unless the information is logged, the police will take the view that it has not happened . Even if reports are not acknowledged the police would still have them. . It was noted that information had been sent to three e mail addresses, none of which had sent a reply . Sgt Saville said that he would give out the correct e mail address. Robert Winfield reminded the meeting that the next Forum meeting will host the new Police Inspector, Lucy Leadbeater, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson

5.3 Bill Birch said that there is a huge amount of drug litter in the streets , as shown by a Freedom of Information request which he had submitted to Leeds City Council . He asked how many suppliers have been arrested . Sgt Saville said that one person was recently jailed for 8 ½ years , and the police recently executed a warrant on a building just outside Beeston .

6. The Beeston Plan. Pam Jones noted that at the last meeting , it was noted that a meeting with the Leeds City Council Project team would be taking place . At the meeting the project team gave the representatives of the Forum a large amount of information , including a 33 page document incorporating a base plan report. There was also a 15 page green space report . It was noted that the

5 committee needs to work through the draft plan although nothing has been set in stone . The committee will be validating a lot of information and putting it to the forum for consultation . Some of the information has obvious omissions as it has not been collected by people living in the area . It is not possible to fix a date as a lot of checking and cross checking of an intensive nature is required . It is easier to look at things in this way than to put something on blank paper. If anyone wishes to volunteer assistance in validating the information ; this is not a long term commitment but two hours should be sufficient .

7. Correspondence – Robert Winfield noted that the Leeds City Council Planning Department had notified him that the operators of the snooker hall at Concourse House had appealed against the refusal of planning permission. Bill Birch noted that they had objected to the enforcement notice , not the planning application. He said that the law is crazy . Councillor Angela Gabriel said that she is frustrated that the operation of the business is causing problems. She noted that residents are putting up with it . It was noted that water is coming in . Robert Winfield noted that following the decision of the committee , he had made a formal complaint about Leeds City Council's handling of these matters but had received no response. It was agreed to chase up a response and also make an objection to the Planning Inspectorate

8. Any Other Business

8.1 Angela Gabriel noted that the Beeston Festival will take place on Saturday 22nd June

8.2 Christine Thornton noted that Beeston in Bloom had won a gold award in the Spring judging . Summer judging will take place on 11th July.

8.3 Angela Gabriel noted that bands in the park will start on 30th June at 1.30p.m. There are four bands this year .

6