NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETING
Ward: Westborough
Date: Tuesday 4th October 2011
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
Location: St Andrews Church, Westborough Road.
Attendees:
Pc Alex Bossom – Neighbourhood Constable
Sgt Gary Lane – Neighbourhood Police supervisor
PCSO Helen Humphris
Rev. Stuart Kimber – St Andrews Church
Dave Batter – Resident
Alan Grubb – Resident
Irene Grubb – Resident
Tania Painton -
Cllr Martin Terry
Cllr Paul Collins
Sandra Brett -
Mercedes Lancaster – Integrated Youth Support Service (IYSS)
Steve Bright
Apologies for absence:
Debbie Martin – St Andrews Church youth worker
Sylvia Sookias – Resident
Lydia Sookias – Resident
Brenda Smith – RAW
Matthew Wildish – Resident
AGENDA:
1. Review of previously agreed priorities:
a) Drug activity and antisocial behaviour at a specified location: Pc AB reported that high visibility patrols had been conducted in the specified area and in the alleyways adjacent to the London Road and that no suspicious activity had been seen. Cllr PC enquired as to whether covert patrols may be more productive and Pc AB informed attendees that the purpose was also one of public reassurance. Ps GL explained that the use of high visibility patrols was more effective in the current situation, with officers being deployed elsewhere. Cllr MT enquired if CCTV may be beneficial and Ps GL explained that legislation enforces strict controls of the use of CCTV. Pc AB updated that no new information has been received other than to corroborate that already known. TP reported that a clear up of rubbish and graffiti at the rear of the library had proved successful several years ago, by increasing visibility of the area.
2. Current problems / Information sharing:
a) Cllr MT reported on recent damage to vehicles in Ronald Park Avenue and to a post box in Brightwell Avenue.
b) Cllr MT had recently attended a resident’s group meeting where the subject of these minutes had been raised. It had been mentioned that the recording of some items may lead to reprisals and that they should not be available to the wider public, but restricted to those attending. Ps GL informed attendees that the meetings were open to the general public and as such it is for individuals to be aware of what is being said. SB reassured those present that he ‘sanitises’ the discussions to avoid the risk of people being identified or targeted.
c) Cllr MT had been asked by a Southend Youth Council member if a Police officer could be stationed outside Westborough School to ensure public safety during attendance / departing periods. Ps GL stated that he was not able to deploy an officer in the light of current priorities.
d) ML introduced herself and explained her role within the Integrated Youth Support Service and that of the street engagement team. Staff had recently been deployed in Fairfax Park, following reports of young person antisocial behaviour and were also covering the area of Chase School between 8am – 9am two days a week for the same reason. ML requested that information concerning young people antisocial behaviour could be reported direct on 01 702 534300 (01 702 534785 direct line) or via email mercedeslancaster@southend.gov.uk .
e) SandraB reported that the issue of Chase pupils obtaining cigarettes from Ronald Park News shop had been raised at a recent school meeting. Pupils had been reportedly pestering adults outside the shop, in attempts to get them to purchase cigarettes on their behalf. SandraB enquired if ML could deploy staff to this location to engage with pupils. Cllr MT reported that the owners of the shop appeared to be acting in a responsible manner and refusing / checking on customers prior to cigarette sales. Ps GL reported that there have been incidents of damage at the shop, which are suspected to be reprisals for the responsible action taken by the shop proprietors.
f) IG reported that during the school summer holiday adults had been approached to purchase cigarettes for under age persons at the Chalkwell News shop on the London Road.
g) AG distributed information booklets regarding ‘scams’ printed by the Office of Fair Trading. Additional copies are available by calling 0800 389 3158.
h) AG reported on continuing problems of vehicles being parked and obstructing junctions, reducing visibility and encroaching on the footpath, citing Westbourne Grove / Westborough Road as a persistent problem. Cllr PC had received complaints concerning a vehicle being parked with all 4 wheels on the footpath overnight next to the bus stop in Fairmead Avenue. DB reported on similar problems along Fairfax Drive. Cllr MT agreed to liaise with Derek Kenyon at SBC to arrange for the smart car to patrol the areas mentioned. Ps GL informed attendees that Police will deal with individual parking offences on merit when they are reported. Cllr MT made reference to the new parking controls at Southend Hospital being a contributory factor in displacing parking problems into the ward. Cllr MT informed attendees that a resident parking control scheme was being considered for Fairfax Drive area, but that it required capital investment and would take some time in the current economic climate.
i) Cllr PC reported that there were a number of mattresses at the rear of Westcliff Free Church in Ronald Park Avenue with signs that people may be sleeping rough. The matter had been reported to Karon Grant at SBC and Cllr PC was awaiting a response regarding clearance of the mattresses and other rubbish. Ps GL would cause area to be targeted by patrolling officers. TP enquired if vagrancy was on the increase and Ps GL responded by saying that it appeared to be increasing within the town, but not specifically in this ward. There is a Police operation being implemented over the next couple of weeks to combat vagrancy / begging.
j) Cllr PC had received reports of noise nuisance emanating from identified premises in Fairfax Drive. Ps GL reported that Police were aware and monitoring the situation. Cllr MT reported that SBC were aware and dealing with the matter by way of planning enforcement.
k) SandraB reported on suspected drug activity witnessed by a friend on a neighbouring ward and agreed to discuss with Pc AB outside of meeting to facilitate Police meeting with the original informant.
l) SandraB promoted a discussion regarding Police attendance at Chase School meetings and involvement of the IYSS in networking. Ps GL updated that while Essex Police have a dedicated officer for the school, she has responsibility for the other senior schools in the western half of the town. There is a Police officer attached to the Youth Offending Team and he may be better placed to focus on specific issues at the school. ML agreed to liaise with SandraB to obtain update on current problems.
m) SK reported that planning for severe weather accommodation was ongoing with a proposal that St Andrews offer to cover Sunday evenings during November – March. It was believed that Westcliff Free Church would also be offering one night. AG referred to the vast quantities of food that is wasted when it reaches ‘sell by’ dates and wondered if the church could access some of this produce to assist with the scheme. SK thanked AG for the suggestion and would include the information in future planning.
n) SK reported that Debbie Martin had started her engagement work with some young people in the area and was working toward opening the church premises one night a week to offer a safe meeting place. The proposed room had been refurbished with a previous grant from SMAART. Debbie is contactable via email: StAndrewsYouth@mail.com.
o) Pc AB reported that there had been recent antisocial behaviour at the disused premises situate Fairfax Drive / Springfield Drive, which are boarded up and awaiting construction work to begin. There had been reports of theft from motor vehicles and damage and the area was now included in targeted Police patrols.
p) 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) Vehicle obstruction across ward.
4. Any other business:
None
5. Date of next meeting:
7pm Tuesday 6th December 2011 at St. Andrews Church.