Minutes:
Members welcomed C Fairweather the Community Safety Coordinator who gave an update on Community Safety.
C Fairweather gave an update on the work being carried out, and it was explained that how they are operating has not changed. Wardens are still dealing with issues such as fly tipping, with dog waste problems going to enforcement. There has been a report on joining forces with the Warden’s which should have been sent out. However, if this has not been received C Fairweather will forward it to Members.
Last week a Warden issued an almost instant £400 fixed penalty fine in New Lodge following a fly tipping report. The offender was also issued with a Duty of Care Notice. As part of Operation Duxford, the whole team spent time in New Lodge and Athersley North being visible, visiting addresses and dealing with non-complying tenants. Furthermore, several community protection warnings and final notices were issued.
The police team is still active in all areas and some key operations are being carried out dealing with drugs and stolen goods. There has been a property in Old Town identified as causing many issues. PAC meetings have started up again at the Roundhouse Library in Athersley North and other venues are being explored to host these meetings.
Bradley (Housing and Cohesion Officer) is currently covering some cases for a colleague and has a few cases ongoing. More officers are becoming centralised for ease of management but are still based in their areas. There used to be 2 managers working on dedicated cases but there are now 4 to 5 managers for escalated cases. Heather is also in place to provide support to vulnerable victims and witnesses. If anyone would like to know more about the work the team is carrying out under the new arrangements, this can be organised.
In the ensuing discussions reference was made to:
How the perpetrator of the fly tipping incident was identified and if it was the wardens who issues the fixed penalty notice. It was confirmed that a member of the public provided a statement. The warden visited the complainant and the perpetrator, who was issued with the penalty as a first offence. The wardens always go through the fly tipping to see if there is any identifying information, and the message will be put out that someone has been caught and fined. This will be on posters and will give out the message that people are being actively watched.
At present the team is very interested in waste carriers as quite often they are unlicensed, and this can lead to vehicles being crushed. When reports of these are enforced it is put out on social media for the public to see that the team is being proactive.
Members were provided with information on how the wardens work is prioritised and despite being centrally managed they are deployed to where the need is greatest. Although they focus on their allocated areas, they do cover other areas when team members are on leave. At present there is a priority case in Barugh Green, the Environmental Agency are involved, as it is having a significant impact on the community.
In regard to anonymous reports such as a fly tipped mattress which will most likely not have any identifying information, this will go to neighbourhood services for clearance and disposal. Additionally, if not on council land the team will liaise with the landowner to dispose of it.
The wardens for the area are:
When the wardens are on a late shift, they cover the whole area and priorities at present include parks and open spaces.
Cllr Lofts stated that on the West Road mini orchard all 6 cherry trees had been stolen. Furthermore, the trees in the quarry off Wakefield Road which were planted by YMCA have also been stolen.
C Fairweather shared with Members that she is trying to organise a McMillan coffee morning in every area, and she is looking for sponsors and raffle prizes for this.
RESOLVED – that C Fairweather will send out the Joining Forces Report.