NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETING
Ward: Westborough
Date: Tuesday 6th December 2011
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
Location: British Legion Hall, Northview Drive, Westcliff.
Attendees:
Pc Alex Bossom – Neighbourhood Constable
Cllr Martin Terry
David Piercy – Chase School (Deputy Head teacher)
Steve Bright
7 members of the public
Apologies for absence:
Rev. Stuart Kimber – St Andrews Church
Mercedes Lancaster – Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS)
Cllr Paul Collins
AGENDA:
1. Review of previously agreed priorities:
a) Vehicle obstruction across ward: Pc AB reported that patrols had focused on problem
areas and that there had been 15 incidents reported in the previous 2 months, the
majority of which concerned obstruction of driveways. A number of fixed penalty notices
had been issued for vehicles blocking the footpath. SB reported on behalf of Cllr
PC to the effect that a request had been made for deployment of the SBC Smart traffic
regulation vehicle to focus on specified junctions within the ward. Pc AB and other
attendees reported that they had seen the vehicle patrolling the ward in the recent
past, at school times and late in the evening. Pc AB requested that further incidents
be reported via the Neighbourhood Police mobile phone 07817 968093 to enable a directed
response. Cllr MT informed attendees that local by-
2. Current problems / Information sharing:
a) Discussion regarding parking and school crossing issues, together with use of the Smart car linked to the DVLA to identify illegal vehicles on the road. One attendee undertook to email the ward councillors with a suggestion for a 1 way system near Chalkwell. One attendee had encountered problems in communication with the local authority and was advised to email Cllr Tony Cox direct regarding the suggested linking of Smart vehicle and DVLA computer.
b) Report of drug supply activity at an identified location, some information has already been passed to Pc AB. Update provided to attendees.
c) Reported problems regarding Chase School pupils who frequent the shops in Fairfax Drive during school times, the use of bad language being the most common issue. DP requested that any problems concerning the school pupils should be reported direct to him, to enable the appropriate and timely response of school staff. DP provided a mobile phone number to assist with easier communication and agreed to visit local retailers to advise them of required action. Pc AB agreed to circulate mobile phone number to attendees with the minutes. Request for IYSS staff to be made aware regarding possible street engagement.
d) Report of young people approaching adults and requesting that they purchase cigarettes on their behalf at the ‘Costcutters’ shop situate Westborough Road / Fleetwood Avenue. Pc AB agreed to visit location and advise Police licensing section of possible abuses.
e) Cllr MT reported on a recent news item in the Evening Echo concerning alleged drug supply activity and of the subsequent complaints he had received regarding its inaccuracy. Pc AB reported that information from the public was vital in combating crime and that the Police do respond to reports from the public, but was unable to comment on the press representation of such matters.
f) SB reported on drug supply activity at an identified location, details of which had been provided by Cllr PC via email.
g) Pc AB reminded attendees of the Age UK ‘Handy Van’ scheme where advice, help and provision of crime prevention and safety equipment can be made to the over 60’s. (Age UK 0845 026 1055).
h) Cllr MT reported that 3 extra dog waste bins had been acquired and would be located within the ward in the near future.
i) Enquiry regarding the wider circulation of future meetings, by use of church notice boards, library etc and Pc AB agreed to arrange for notices to be displayed.
j) SB reminded members of the IYSS reparation scheme that exists in Southend and of the need for the public to identify projects that may be suitable for the scheme. Any suggestions / further information – contact Tony Wagstaff 01 702 534300.
k) Discussion regarding reported spate of dwelling burglaries across the town and the need to circulate the current crime prevention advice:
1. Make your home safe and secure by fitting 5 lever mortise locks on all external doors and secure locks on all other doors and windows.
2. Lock and secure all windows and doors when you leave your home – take special care with UPVC doors (lift handle and lock door with key).
3. Remove keys from locks and place them out of sight.
4. Never leave tools or implements outside the property which thieves can use to forcibly enter your home.
5. Use automatic light timers / sensors to make your property look occupied and consider leaving a radio on.
6. Ensure the perimeter of your property (gates, fences, and hedges) is secure, to prevent access to thieves.
7. Avoid leaving car keys on view near windows and doors and secure vehicles in garages or behind gates.
8. Photograph and record serial numbers of valuable items (laptops, computer consoles, satnav systems, TV’s etc), use an ultra violet marker pen to security code your property, to assist with later identification.
9. Where possible hide smaller valuable items in unusual places where thieves might not look (laundry baskets or food containers). Jewellery is stolen for its metallic value and is rarely recovered.
10. Do not leave packaging on view as it may highlight a recent purchase of valuable items, dispose of it carefully.
11. Do not advertise that you are away – ask a trusted person to check on your property and remove mail. Cancel milk & newspaper deliveries. Ensure light timers and burglar / fire alarms are working.
12. Suspect callers should never be admitted to your property – always check identification and if necessary verify with a telephone call to the agency concerned. If you are still concerned call for advice from friends / relatives / Police. Remember that opportunist burglars usually knock on doors to check whether the premises are occupied and may use an excuse by asking for a named person. If you are unsure close the door and ring for assistance.
l) SB provided details of proposed CDRP (Crime & Disorder Reduction Panel) road shows for early 2012:
Saturday 7th April 10am – 2pm @ Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh
Wednesday 11th April 10am – 2pm @ Cliffs Pavillion
Saturday 21st April 10am – 2pm @ Westcliff Library
m) Reminder for attendees to spread the message regarding reporting problems to the
Police at the time they are happening, to enable the most appropriate Police response.
In situations requiring urgent attendance the 999 system should be used. For non
– emergency situations requiring Police attendance then calls should be made via
the new national non-
1. Set new priorities:
1) Drug supply activity at identified location
2) Antisocial behaviour at identified location.
2. Any other business:
None
3. Date of next meeting:
7pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 at St. Andrews Church.
Saturday 7th April 10am – 2pm @ Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh
Wednesday 11th April 10am – 2pm @ Cliffs Pavillion
Saturday 21st April 10am – 2pm @ Westcliff Library
b) Reminder for attendees to spread the message regarding reporting problems to the
Police at the time they are happening, to enable the most appropriate Police response.
In situations requiring urgent attendance the 999 system should be used. For non
– emergency situations requiring Police attendance then calls should be made via
the new national non-
1. Set new priorities:
1) Drug supply activity at identified location
2) Antisocial behaviour at identified location.
2. Any other business:
None
3. Date of next meeting:
7pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 at St. Andrews Church.
Saturday 7th April 10am – 2pm @ Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh
Wednesday 11th April 10am – 2pm @ Cliffs Pavillion
Saturday 21st April 10am – 2pm @ Westcliff Library
b) Reminder for attendees to spread the message regarding reporting problems to the
Police at the time they are happening, to enable the most appropriate Police response.
In situations requiring urgent attendance the 999 system should be used. For non
– emergency situations requiring Police attendance then calls should be made via
the new national non-
1. Set new priorities:
1) Drug supply activity at identified location
2) Antisocial behaviour at identified location.
2. Any other business:
None
3. Date of next meeting:
7pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 at St. Andrews Church.
Saturday 7th April 10am – 2pm @ Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh
Wednesday 11th April 10am – 2pm @ Cliffs Pavillion
Saturday 21st April 10am – 2pm @ Westcliff Library
m) Reminder for attendees to spread the message regarding reporting problems to the
Police at the time they are happening, to enable the most appropriate Police response.
In situations requiring urgent attendance the 999 system should be used. For non
– emergency situations requiring Police attendance then calls should be made via
the new national non-
3. Set new priorities:
1) Drug supply activity at identified location
2) Antisocial behaviour at identified location.
4. Any other business:
None
5. Date of next meeting:
7pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 at St. Andrews Church.