Issue - meetings

The Parks Development Manager - Mr Baker introduced this item which updated the Board on progress on the HLF refurbishment of the park as detailed. 

In response to concerns of Councillor Egan in respect of the access gate at Redston Road Mr Baker advised that this matter would be reported back the Board.

Mr Liebeck referred to the recent incidents raised at the inquorate meeting of the Advisory Committee on 20 June 2006 (inquorate due to non-attendance by Councillor Representatives) in respect of the recent security incidents around the Redston Road area, particularly an incident involving a gun.  Mr Liebeck expressed the concerns of the Advisory Committee with regard to the need for better policing and action as the current and recent past had indicated a lack of presence by both the Park Police and the local constabulary. A number of residents had been extremely concerned at the recent disturbances in particular and the need for action now.

Mr Baker responded that as a result a public meeting the previous week, at which the General Manager and he had been in attendance at, there had agreement with the Police and local residents as to a course of action to be embarked on in terms of enforcement.  Discussions had centred on the action that could be taken to curb the nuisance.  Representatives from the Metropolitan Police, and the Parks Police had also been in attendance. As a result it had been agreed that there would be monitoring of the area in question and names and addresses of youths would be taken and the use of dispersal orders to clear the area was to be put in practice and monitored over the next few weeks and reported on.  In terms of improved lighting and CCTV monies had been allocated from the HLF but this was subject to approval.  Mr Holder also advised that as a result of the meeting there had a been a strong police presence the previous Friday evening and a particular ‘gang’ of youths had been rounded up and their addresses taken and that parents would be contacted.  With regard to improving CCTV Mr Holder reiterated Mr Baker’s comments that whilst this was being looked at there was no guarantees as to whether funding would be granted.

In noting the concerns expressed by Mr Liebeck and the action being taken by the Police and officers the Chair asked that an update be given at the next meeting of Board, and commented that this was a work in progress and a positive commitment to working to ensure that such disturbances were dealt with and overcome.

The Chair then summarised and it was:

RESOLVED:

i.                    That the report be agreed and noted; and

ii.         That the action to monitor and address the overall problems be noted and that a progress update be given at the next meeting of the Board.