Agenda and minutes

The chairman welcomed everyone present and went over some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B S Beale MBE and V J Bell.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2023 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2023 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor M S Heard disclosed that his son is a serving Police Officer and also a member of the Police and Crime Panel.

To receive the views of members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the day of the meeting).

Should you wish to submit a question please complete the online form at: www.maldon.gov.uk/publicparticipation.

There was none.

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 20 October 2022.

The most recent Essex Police performance summary (to January 2023) 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 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 four related to promoting road safety and challenging irresponsible driving. The Community Safety Manager (CSM) suggested that Mr Pipe from Essex Police attend the next Committee Meeting to give greater detail on the work being carried out.

·                  Priority Two related driving down anti-social behaviour in public places with an emphasis on youth nuisance and improving partnership visibility.  The CSM made members aware that from a District point of view, the reduction of 42% wasn’t highly visible due to previous stats being high due to COVID breaches and hoped that by this time next year there should be a true representation of statistics.

·                  In response to questions regarding greater clarity around statistics the CSM suggested it would be a good idea for more analysis to be completed as this would highlight areas that need attention going forward.

·                  It was acknowledged that fly tipping had seen an increase in the District and that the environmental agency is still trying to tackle this.

·                  In response to questions around point 3.3.5 a new knife amnesty bin was installed at Promenade Park on 16 January 2023. The CSM ensured Members that he would obtain local figures from the Police Commissioners Office regarding how much weapon waste was collected from the bin when it was collected and moved from outside the Council Offices.

·                  Members were made aware of the work being carried out in schools in the District. The CSM wanted Members to know of his intentions to bring forward a strategy around violence towards women and girls to Maldon schools in the future.

·                  The Director of Service Delivery responded Members regarding potential fly tipping as a result of the new Essex County Council recycling center scheme and reassured Members that CCTV is used near frequented fly tipping sites to catch offenders.

·                  The Director of Service Delivery and CSM reassured Members that the Community Engagement team and this service is offered out to Parishes and whether a Parish is using those services the CSP will still operate within those areas.

·                  Members Commended the work of Community Engagement Officer Police Constable Rosie Smith.

The Chairman thanked the Community Safety Manager for his presentation.

RESOLVED that the current progress of the initiatives undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership be noted.