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Decision Maker: South Area Committee
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Advise on the priorities to be adopted for the next period of Neighbourhood Policing.
The Committee received a report from Police Sergeant Jim Stevenson regarding the policing and safer neighbourhood trends.
The report outlined actions taken since the Committee on 15 July 2013. The current emerging issues/neighbourhood trends for each ward were also highlighted (see report for full details). Previous priorities and engagement activity noted in the report were to reduce the theft of pedal cycles in South Area, combat the supply of drugs in South Area; and anti-social behaviour around the Spinney School area.
The Committee thanked the Police for their hard work and dedication in the South Area.
Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set
out below.
1.
Raised concern about anti-social behavior by young people in the area
and the vandalism of the outdoor table tennis facility and the well used
fitness equipment.
The Police Sergeant acknowledged the concern but responded that there was
no evidence to indicate that the damage had been caused by young people.
Councillor Ashton confirmed that the fitness equipment had not been removed as a
result of the vandalism. The equipment had been put in temporarily whilst the
existing equipment was refurbished. If the temporary fitness equipment was well
used by the public Councilor Ashton agreed to look into reinstating it.
Mr Carpen responded that not all young people caused
anti-social behavior and highlighted the National Citizens Service as an
example of good practice across the country.
2.
Raised safety concerns about the junction at Neath Farm Court, and the speeding
vehicles and ‘rat-running’.
The Police Sergeant responded that the speed survey had highlighted
speeding and ‘rat-running’ as an issue. However due to the limitations of the
handheld speed camera equipment, and that the majority of those speeding were
in the 35-40mph range, it had been difficult to issue tickets to offenders.
Therefore unfortunately the issue did not warrant the use of a Safety Camera
Unit.
It was suggested that another speed survey could be undertaken by PCSO’s
to gather more data, but they would be unable to provide enforcement. Residents
were encouraged to become involved in the local Speed Watch campaign in order
to help address the problem.
In response to a further question regarding ‘rat-running’, the Police
Sergeant confirmed that without a Traffic Management Order, it would be
difficult to stop people using a public road.
The Police had also discussed the issue of the road layout with the
County Council and this dialogue would continue.
The Police Sergeant arranged to meet with local resident’s outside of the
meeting to discuss the issue, and possible solutions, in more detail.
3.
Raised concerns about public drinking on the recreation ground.
The Police Sergeant responded that, without a Section 30 Order in place,
it was not possible to stop people drinking in a public place unless they were
causing a nuisance.
A member of the public highlighted that a young child was present whilst
the drinking was taking place. The Police Sergeant responded that, if this was
the case, the issue could be tackled through other routes. He advised members
of the public to dial 101 and report any future incidents.
The Committee discussed the following policing issues:
i. Speeding in Queen Edith’s Ward, especially around schools.
ii. Bike theft in Newtown.
iii. Speeding on the Addenbrookes Access Road.
iv. Parking enforcement near to schools.
v. Parking enforcement around Mill End Road.
The Committee requested that parking enforcement in Mill End Road be specifically included in Police Priority 3.
The following priorities were unanimously agreed:
i.
Reduce the theft of pedal cycles in the Newtown area.
ii.
Combat the supply of drugs in the South Area.
iii.
Tackle vehicle parking offences around school premises across the South
Area, and in Mill End Road.
Publication date: 11/11/2013
Date of decision: 04/11/2013
Decided at meeting: 04/11/2013 - South Area Committee
Accompanying Documents: