Issue - meetings

The committee received a report from Inspector Poppit, Sergeant Jayne Drury and Community Fire Safety Officer Jim Meikle, regarding policing and safer neighbourhood trends.

 

The report outlined actions taken since the West Central Area committee of the 23^rd August 2012. The pro-active work and emerging neighbourhood trends for each ward were also highlighted as below:

        i.      The Fire Service noted a successful reduction in incidents of arson. However, the nighttime economy and associated litter continues to present challenges.

      ii.      A recent cycle lights initiative had also produced good results.

 

Members welcomed the Task and Target multi agency approach to street drinkers and homelessness. The work of this group would be evaluated to gauge value for money and results achieved.

 

(Q1) Hugh Kellett

What measures can be considered for the more general enforcement of the 7.5t weight restriction in Newmarket Road and Maids Causeway, and indeed in Cambridge City generally? The restriction is endemically abused on a daily basis by a significant number vehicles driving illegally and with apparent immunity.

 

The committee considered adding this priority. However, Inspector Poppit stated that enforcing the restriction was a specialised task that would require additional resources. In order to evidence the need for such resources, he proposed that a traffic survey or a local lorry watch could be undertaken. 

 

Councillor Rosenstiel suggested that the North Area Committee should be invited to share the priority in order to include Victoria Road in any work undertaken.

 

(Q2) Richard Jennings

Over ranking of the City Centre Taxi rank continues to be problem.

 

County Councillor Whitebread agreed that this was a problem. Police had been seen taking action on occasions. The Better Bus programme is looking at the entire area. In order to keep the rank in its current location, it needs to be better managed. Consultation was planned for the near future. Adding over ranking as a priority was suggested.

 

(Q3) Richard Taylor

If crimes are reported in the local paper but not to the Police direct, is any action taken?

 

Inspector Poppit responded. The Police cannot act on crimes they are unaware of. However, if they are made aware of a crime they will investigate.

 

(Q4) Member of the Public

Is violent crime on the increase? Newspaper report would suggest that it is.

 

Inspector Poppit responded. The Police statistics reflect facts and violent crime is down.

 

The committee considered the suggested priorities. Members agreed that Emergency Vehicle Obstruction was being dealt with elsewhere and no longer needed to be a priority.

 

Councillor Smith suggested that ‘Anti-social Cycling’ should be amended to read Cycle Crime as a wider priority.

 

Councillor Bick proposed that the Christ’s Piece should be added to the Anti-social behaviour in the Grafton Centre area priority.

 

Resolved (unanimously) members agreed the following priorities:

 

                   i.      Cycle Crime

                 ii.      Over ranking of the taxi rank in St Andrew’s Street

               iii.      Anti-social behaviour in the Grafton Centre / Christ’s Pieces area