PRESENT: Vice-Chair Pam Freegard, Treasurer John Freegard, Secretary and Archivist Kevin Leakey, Diana Banner, Muhammad Chaudhry, John Clark, Vi Clark, Paul Izquierdo, Kate Johnson, Brian Jones, Kath Jones, Cluniford Mason, M. Philpott, Ishmael Stevens, Madge Sutton, Ros Timlin, Roy Townsend, Pat Townsend, Bob Walter, Robert Williams
ALSO PRESENT: M Ahmed, Frances Barrone – SBC, A Chowdhury, Tim French, Azim Khan, Mansoor Khan, Fyar Khan, A Khan, Mahmud Paswal, Fozlur Rahman, A Yaqoob, M. Yasin, plus 3 other people
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Chair Karen Leakey, Kay Malko, Evelyn Mason, Rebecca McIntosh, Mark Walker - Town Centre Locality Lead, Councillor’s - Bob Wright and Julie Wright, PC Atkinson - Broad Street Area Beat Manager
The following issues and points were reported, raised and discussed
There appeared to be some confusion about a non-existent parking meeting being held at the Broadgreen Centre, resulting in a larger than expected turn out of people attending the Community Council drop-in instead.
Although the evening was planned to be a drop-in for residents to talk about their problems and concerns in the area and to enjoy a pre-Christmas quiz and view historical images of the area, due to the unexpected extra attendees, who were welcomed to attend the drop-in, the evenings plans had to be cancelled, resulting in the majority of the time being taken up as a semi-formal meeting spent discussing inconsiderate and illegal parking in the Broadgreen Area endured by residents and members of the Mosques. To further air concerns, it was suggested that a more formal meeting with Councillors and SBC Officers might be the best way forward, although no fixed arrangements to undertake this were agreed or a date set.
Concerns were also raised about commercial wheelie bins on pavements, the continual dumping of rubbish and furniture around the area, and how fed up many residents were, having to constantly clean up after other people’s irresponsible acts.
Ishmael wanted to put on a tea party in 2014, for older and vulnerable residents.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM STATISTICS: 01 to 30 November 2013
Criminal damage – 3. (2012 – 5)
Assaults – 11. (2012 – 7) (6 relate to domestic incidents, 2 relate to assaults on Police Officers)
Theft – 22. (2012 – 18) ((6 relate to commercial premises)
Drugs – 3 (2012 – 7)
Dwelling Burglary – 4 (2012 – 3)
Robbery – 0. (2012 – 1)
Anti-social behaviour – 5 (2012 – 5)
All crime year to date in the town centre is down 0.2% compared to last year. In Broadgreen victim based crime is down 5.7%. This equates to 26 less reported crimes in the 12 months to November 2013 then in the 12 months previously. Incidents of anti-social behaviour are also down from 13 calls in August and September to 6 calls in October and 5 calls in November.
Since the last meeting 50 additional patrols have been carried out in the area specifically targeting ASB in addition to routine patrols. Alcohol has been confiscated and groups either causing Anti-social behaviour or those suspected of doing so have been dispersed from the vicinity. The Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) is still in operation and has been working extremely well.
As above, since the last meeting Wiltshire Police have received 5 calls relating to anti-social behaviour taking place in public areas in Broadgreen. Anti-Social behaviour incidents in November include youths setting off fireworks around bonfire night, two incidents of street drinkers in alleyways and a female arrested for breaching an anti-social behaviour order.
There are currently 6 females on active sex-worker cautions, which has resulted in a marked reduction in the number of girls in the area. Five are currently complying well with their conditions; however one has breached hers and was subsequently arrested.
A recent successful speeding operation has been carried out in the area of County Road and Broad Street by Central sector staff with the assistance of members of the Special Constabulary. We will be looking to carry out more of these in the future.
The alleyways and public places in Broadgreen are still subject to a targeted patrol plan but as we are not able to be in the area 24/7 The Police ask that Residents continue to make use of the 101 telephone system so that they are made aware of ongoing incidents of ASB and can respond. Alternatively please approach the Police when you see them out on patrol with any issues or concerns.
Policing is an Intelligence driven business and the NPT would urge you to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 if you have something you need to tell us. Or alternatively email Community Beat Manager PC 2410 Luke ATKINSON on luke.atkinson@wilthire.pnn.police.uk
COUNCILLORS REPORT :
Due to personal reasons neither Julie nor Bob Wright were able to attend the drop-in, however they informed the Chair that they were continuing to work on all the issues raised at previous meetings.
CORRESPONDENCE
SENT – None
RECEIVED –
Apologies Cllr. J. and B Wright.
Apologies France Barrone. - The lack of 20 mph signs in Graham St. and lack of no entry sign in Corporation St. were reported to Highways, who were not aware of any issues surrounding these issues. A walk around the area to look at the signage was offered
PLANNING –
S/13/1404 - 7-9 Corporation Street SN1 1DS (Vegland) - Change of use from greengrocers (Class A1) to takeaway and restaurant (Classes A3/ A5) and installation of extractor fan/ flue to rear (Sammy’s Turkish Pizzas) - Application Refused – The proposed Class A5 use (takeaway) is likely to encourage the parking of vehicles on the public highway, which would interrupt the free flow of traffic and prejudice the safety of road users and pedestrians at this point, which is in close proximity to a major junction, crossings and busy bus route. It is therefore contrary to the NPPF (2012) and Swindon Local Plan 2011 policies DS6 and T1 (2006).
S/13/1693 - Tesco Superstore Ocotal Way, SN1 2RH, Erection of Dry Cleaning, Key Cutting, Shoe and Watch Repairs Pod - Application Pending Consideration
TREASURERS REPORT - to 04 December 2013: John Freegard
Drop-in closed 8.30pm
