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 10 March 2022.

The most recent Essex Police performance summary (to September 2022) was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 

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 2022 / 23 was attached as Appendix 2.

The Community Safety Manager took Members through the report and provided additional information and further detail.  A lengthy discussion ensued during which a number of points were raised and in response the following information was provided:

·                 Priority two related to driving down Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in public places and incorporated improvement to visibility.  Members were advised how some initiatives such as a youth worker around Tollesbury were proving more effective than if were carried out by the Police. 

·                 The Community Safety Partnership was dealing with ASB matters such as young people causing problems, neighbour nuisance etc.  A lot of the recently ASB complaints probably related to Covid breaches.  The Officer advised that this should still be an area of priority but further analysis of the data for this year was required.

·                 In response to questions relating to Rural Crime the Community Safety Manager suggested that Chief Inspector Terry Balding be invited to attend the March meeting of the Committee to provide a presentation on this subject.  It was noted that Officer numbers on the Rural Crime Team had doubled over the last two years which had enabled greater communication with businesses such as farms.

·                 It was acknowledged there had been an increase in Hate Crime, however this could relate to increased reporting following recent promotions.  These figures were monitored and discussed with community groups.  The Officer agreed to undertake further analysis the data and victims.

·                 The decision by Heybridge Parish Council to end their contract with the Community Enforcement Team was mentioned and Members were reassured that this would not impact the Community Safety Partnership.

·                 Safer Essex Partnership were responsible for traffic enforcement and the Community Safety Manager provided details of a recent event that had taken place in Maldon.  He agreed to get further statistics on this and take on board the comments raised regarding speeding specifically in Wickham Bishops.  If local communities were interested in undertaking a community speedwatch the Officer advised this could be raised with him outside of the meeting. 

·                 Sergeant (Sgt) Dalby explained that if there were Members of the Public that wished to become part of a community speedwatch they could sign up to be trained to use the speed unit.  He also reported that during Covid the community speedwatch had been withdrawn.  However, this was now being reintroduced with the training of new operatives being undertaken.

·                 A Member referred to the recent work undertaken in relation to hare coursing and thanks were expressed.  The Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 317