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MINUTES OF THE WIVENHOE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH GROUP Thursday 27th May 2010 Before the meeting opened it was agreed by the group that, in the absence of Ken Rogers and Nick Rowlands, this meeting would be chaired by Steve Ford. Present Margaret Currell, James Eborn, Karl Douzier, Cllr Steve Ford (Stand-in Chair for one evening), Ernie & June Hatch, Keith & Pauline Hunt, Cllr Penny Kraft, Erwin Lammens, Cllr Jon Manning, Dave Mathias, PCSO Louise Neville, Terry O’Brien, Elke Ray, Linda Rutledge (secretary), Guests- Katherine Barnes, CBC Animal Warden & Colin Rand, CBC Animal Control Manager 1 Apologies Austin Baines, Cllr Mark Cory, Dennis Bullard, Cllr Ken Rogers, Nick Rowlands, Helen Johnson, Cllr Julie Young 2 Matters arising from previous meeting. There were no matters arising from the meeting and the minutes were agreed as correct. 3 Meeting with Kathy Barnes & Colin Rand, CBC Animal Control Services Colin Rand, Animal Control Manager, opened the presentation by explaining that Street Services are currently under review and Street Care Officers may be taking on the problem of dog fouling, which will free up the wardens to follow other issues. At present they are concentrating on Dog Control Orders across the Borough for fouling and keeping on a lead when directed to do so. Other measures may be implemented in the future but the legislation is very complex. Penny Kraft, Wivenhoe Town Councillor and representative on NAP, asked what response and feedback one should expect following making a complaint. She had recently reported an aggressive dog off lead on the Wivenhoe playing fields. Kathy Barnes explained that a complaint (about dog fouling/behaviour etc) will go through the contact centre, who e-mails the wardens who then either contact the informant or go directly out to the incident. Kathy agreed to check her records and report back to Penny regarding the progress of her complaint. Penny also asked how often a dog warden visits Wivenhoe. Kathy explained that currently she is the only Animal Warden for the area but there is also a temporary officer, who primarily works in pest control, who is patrolling the King George playing fields in the evenings. At this time of year Kathy is dealing with a lot of stray dogs who need to be transported to kennels in Suffolk which is very time consuming. Penny will also e-mail Kathy with details of a Labrador type dog which she has frequently seen fouling. Karl Douzier asked what residents can do to aid the work of the wardens. Kathy said if there is a problem then it is very helpful if the informant can report a route, regular times and give a description of dog or owner; then someone can sit in wait. Steve asked what the sanctions are for anyone caught. Kathy explained there is an on the spot £50 fine or a £1000 fine following a successful prosecution. Steve then asked who can issue fines. Colin explained that, as well as the Dog Wardens, PCSO Louise Neville has authority to issue tickets and others, for example Town Councillors and Street Wardens, can be authorised following a training course. Colin was requested to let both the Town Council and Linda know the details of these training courses. Colin cautioned that unless someone is used to dealing with confrontation they should think carefully before requesting authorisation as some dog owners can become very belligerent when challenged. Steve asked for clarification regarding keeping dogs on leads in public areas. Kathy confirmed a dog can be off a lead in a public area although if it is causing a regular problem the wardens can talk to the owners and advise them to use a lead and explain the possible consequences should an accident occur. Colin confirmed there is no new legislation pending, although the Dangerous Dogs Act is currently being reviewed, for example to decide if all dogs should be micro chipped to identify the owner. At the end of August (precise date to be confirmed) there will be a micro chipping and educational day at the King George Playing Fields. This will be advertised and Kathy agreed to e-mail details to both this group and the Wivenhoe Town Council. Karl raised the issue, discussed at the last CSNW meeting, of owners using plastic bags to pick up their dog poo but then disposing of these bags in the bushes. Colin said that a dog fouling fixed penalty ticket could be issued because the faeces has not been removed from the area and also the owner can be fined for littering with the plastic bag - but this is all dependent on catching the offenders. Kathy clarified that if someone doesn’t want to directly confront an offender they can make a written statement and the Dog Wardens will issue a ticket, although if it goes to court the informant will have to give evidence as to what they saw. Steve thanked Kathy and Colin for coming along and answering the many questions from the group. The Dog Wardens can be contacted on 01206 282581 or e-mail kathy.barnes@colchester.gov.uk. 4 Chair’s Report Steve Ford read out a report prepared by Nick Rowlands: It is good to see the traffic-activated speed limit sign on the Alresford Road near the top of Rectory Hill is finally operational. Regarding the anti-social behaviour near Broomgrove School Nick has written to the principle of the Colne Community School who replied that the school has developed good working relationships with the Wivenhoe Police and they continue to stress the importance of respect for others and responsibility for actions through their citizenship curriculum and pastoral programme. Nick suspects matters will have died down until the dark evenings return when vigilance will again be needed. On 4th May at around 1pm two boys from the Colne were spotted truanting and climbing the fence by the Broomgrove Junior school field; they were recognised by the staff and reported to the police, the Colne and their parents. Many Wivenhoe residents are concerned about the proposed sale by Elmstead Market Parish Council of the green space opposite Millfields School to a property developer. Penny Kraft stated there was a covenant on the land designating it as green space for the use of the residents of the housing estate but Elmstead Parish Council wants to revoke this. Jon Manning questioned how this land is designated in the LDF (Local Development Framework). Steve thought it does not have a high priority for development. Penny explained that Elmstead Market Parish Council approached Wivenhoe Town Council about a year ago asking for support of their proposal for planning permission for about 10 units on this land - in return for about £100,000. Wivenhoe Town Council declined because they think it morally wrong to enter such an agreement, open spaces should as far as possible be kept as such and the current Wivenhoe infrastructure can not support any more housing. Millfields School is hosting a community meeting about this issue on Wednesday 16th June at 7.30pm. The County NW Co-ordinator has asked groups to warn vulnerable people about the danger of “Boiler Room Scams”; people are cold-called by phone, offered shares at a supposedly fantastic price and their bank details requested. Needless to say, their accounts are promptly emptied. These callers can be very persistent. The advice is to hang up at once and to be as rude as possible if they ring again; those called should also report any such calls to the Serious Fraud Office on 0207 239 7388. It is strange that, just because these things happen on the phone, people don’t treat them as seriously as cold-calling at one’s front door. For those who didn’t meet the new Rector of St Mary’s at the last meeting Steve introduced and welcomed Erwin Lammens to the group. Erwin has moved from Harwich and is enjoying getting to know Wivenhoe, its people and all that is happening here. 5 Secretary’s report Linda Rutledge asked if the group would be interested in having a stall at the Wivenhoe June Market with a view to promoting the NW group. This will require some volunteers although it is not necessary to have a stall for the whole day. Karl Douzier offered some of his time and will speak to the committee on behalf of the group to negotiate terms for a table. Nick Rowlands is trying to get some up to date leaflets/stickers etc to hand out. If you are able to give up 30 minutes of your time on Saturday 5th June perhaps you could let Linda know. 6 Police Report Louise Neville ran through some things that have happened over the last few months to keep the group up to date. Over the winter period the main ASB problems were under age drinking and gathering on the fields behind Field Way. When they were found the alcohol was confiscated and parents informed. The police are also in touch with the managing agents of the land so they are aware of the situation. University students, especially the 2nd years who move from Hall to private accommodation in the community, need reminding that partying until 4am is not acceptable and neighbours may need to get up early for work or have young children in bed. She is working closely with the University and is producing some literature to help with the transition from Halls of Residence to community housing. If anyone has problems with student housing, or knows of anyone who does, please let Louise know as she can work with the Anti-Social Behaviour team and the Landlords as it is their responsibility for the behaviour of their tenants. Back in February there was an assault in Vine Drive. Serious assaults are investigated by CID in Colchester. The latest information that Louise has is that there are a couple of people who CID are interested in but she has no news of any arrests. There were a number of burglaries at the beginning of the year, the culprit was caught and admitted to several more! The end of year, unofficial, celebration of year 11 students of the Colne is due any day now. This is when a large number of these students, together with many who are considerably younger, gather at Lower Lodge Farm park and get very drunk, loud, rowdy and consequently anti-social. The police have worked closely with the school and a letter has gone directly to all parents of year 9,10 & 11 via e-mail or post explaining the problems and possible consequences of this gathering. One problem is that the police and school do not know exactly when this will happen and although there are many extra officers currently on standby, they cannot remain for days on end. With the improved weather there has been an increase in number of thefts from cars, gardens, sheds, garages etc. Please lock windows and doors, take out the sat nav etc. Although Wivenhoe has a low crime rate this is no excuse for going out and leaving the back door unlocked! Home insurance will not cover theft of items if your house, or windows, were left unlocked. Simple precautions prevent crime. Penny raised the issue of youths congregating in large groups at the top of the King George playing fields. Louise has spoken to them about this, but in the school playground they congregate in groups of 10 or 15 so therefore it seems natural to them. When she asks how they think they may be perceived by members of the public they agree they could seem a bit loud, rowdy and scary. She has moved them on and they happily go and sit in the dark by the skate park. Jon Manning said that motorbikes have appeared over the last couple of months in the fields off Field Way which he has reported. Louise’s problem is that she patrols on foot and when they see her coming they drive off. To actually catch them requires greater man power but in the scheme of things this is low priority. Karl informed Louise of a house near him that has regular gatherings of motorcycles who speed around the local roads wearing no crash helmets. Louise requested Karl to phone in the details. Louise can be contacted in the following ways: Tel. 0300 333 444 extension 438130, mobile 07966 197245, fax 01206 717856 or Email louise.neville@essex.pnn.police.uk 7 Reports from group It is always good when there is not too much to report. Ernie Hatch reported the footpath at the end of Almond Close is being used once again by motorcycles. Jon Manning mentioned the loss of several political signs during the run up to the recent general election. This was across the political spectrum and no one party was particularly targeted. Terry O’Brien mentioned the parking on pavements around Cap Pillar Close/Broome Grove/Spring Case area. Also, he has concerns about a student rented property in Cap Pillar Close. Louise Neville said she would keep an eye on it. Steve Ford had reported to Louise some noisy activities along Valley Road. Louise attended but no action was taken. She reminded the group that ‘unsociable hours’, for loud music etc, are 11pm until 7am. Karl Douzier continued the parking on pavements discussion by saying the whole of Park Road suffers with this problem. He asked what could be done. Louise said she was aware of the parking problems but the narrow streets and older housing of Wivenhoe were never designed for cars. She explained that if a car is parked on the path but a pram or mobility scooter can pass through then that is not an obstruction. If a vehicle is completely blocking the path Louise can ask a Police Officer to deal with If a vehicle is parked on double yellow lines or in a restricted area it is no longer the responsibility of Essex Police but needs reporting to the Traffic Enforcement Officers at Colchester Borough Council. 8 Wivenhoe Housing Trust Donation Linda Rutledge re-capped that the Trust would like to donate £50 to the group to be spent on something tangible and not just used for general administration. One suggestion was a key safe to be given to someone in need but held in stock until required. Penny Kraft agreed to research the cost of these and to look in the office to see if there is a catalogue of security equipment. Jon Manning suggested security marking equipment for which £50 could be used to cover a lot of people. Ernie Hatch said he has a stamping kit (numbers & letters) and an engraver. He is no longer able to do this but would like to pass it on to a younger member to carry on the good work. The problem with stamping is that it could be considered as damaging cycles leading to rusting and there is a long disclaimer needing to be signed but there are no funds to compensate in a claim for damages. Linda will ask Heather if she remembers seeing a catalogue of security/safety items. The finale decision was deferred to the next meeting. The group would like to record their gratitude to Ernie Hatch for all his past work in security marking and hope that someone will offer to take on this undertaking. 9 Future Meetings The next meeting will be on 24th June 2010. 10 Any Other Business Thanks were expressed to Steve for chairing the meeting. Linda reminded the group that a volunteer would also be needed to chair the next meeting. Penny Kraft extended an invitation for all to attend the NAP (Neighbourhood Action Panel) which overlaps with the Neighbourhood Watch remit. The next meeting is Tuesday 6th July in the Council Chambers. The matter of the original hard, a concrete jetty into the river, down to low water mark, at the end of Quay Street was raised. This is now covered by a build up over many years of mud and silt and is in need of a good clean/hose down. Steve Ford agreed to investigate who is responsible for the maintenance or cleaning. |