Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Committee received the report of the Director of Service Delivery reporting the progress of activities undertaken by Maldon Community Safety Partnership (CSP) since the last meeting held on 28 October 2021. 

The most recent Essex Police performance summary (to 31 January 2022) was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.  An update following the re-election of Roger Hirst as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) was provided along with details of the ongoing work to support related work.

Members noted the continued good work of the CSP and the liaison it had with Essex Police and other statutory partners.  The current Maldon CSP Plan on a Page for 2021 / 22 was attached as Appendix 2.

The Community Safety Manager provided Members with an update on a number of areas related to the Partnership set out in the report.  Members’ attention was drawn to the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit and it was noted that the full funding for this work would be received from the Home Office for the following year.

In response to questions raised, Officers provided the Committee with the following information:

·                  In response to comments about drug dealing, Members were reminded to report any activities observed to the Police or Community Protection Team.  Receipt of such information was of great importance so that the Police could respond accordingly, for example by directing patrols into the area, executing warrants etc.  Members were advised that there had been a number of operations undertaken following receipt of community intelligence which had resulted in arrests and recovery of drugs.

·                  There would be a Community Engagement Event taking place on 8 April 2022 at the Promenade Park.  A number of partner organisations would be attending and the event would enable the public to come and chat with partners and also assist in identifying any areas where improvements could be made etc.  Members were encouraged to attend this event, further details of which would be forthcoming.

·                   The work to engage with young people was highlighted including reference to a listening project carried out for the last three years by Essex voluntary Service for Young People.  The project engaged with young persons to identify their concerns and what they wanted e.g. more street lighting and provisions being open later. 

·                  Neighbourhood Watch had seen a reduction during the pandemic despite meetings being migrated to MS Teams.  However, this was now increasing again and Officers were looking to schedule some face to face meetings.

The Chairman put the recommendation as set out in the report and this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED (by assent) that the current progress of the initiatives undertaken by the partnership to date be noted.