Issue - meetings

(i)                 Mr Wastell referred to recent incidents of muggings and violence in the park and in particular an attack on an 11 year old boy on his way from school.  Given this and general concerns expressed, and recent reports in the press on crime analysis in the area he asked whether the General Manager was able to comment.

Mr Holder responded that he had been given no prior notice of this issue and given that the reported crime analysis was over a period of some months he did not see how this constituted an urgent business item.  Reports were generated in the press without reference back to himself as General Manager and he was therefore unwilling to comment on their content. In response to further questions Mr Holder advised that he had no knowledge of the incident referred to by Mr Wastell.

Councillor Oatway advised that security issues had been raised with the Safer Neighbourhood Team and the issue of park security was raised.  In response to further questions from Members the General Manager highlighted the mobile patrols and security in the Park but commented that it was not possible to be everywhere in the Park at all times.

The Chair thought that it would be of use to have a report on the issue at the next scheduled meeting.

RESOLVED

That a report on security and the recent external audit be considered at the next scheduled meeting of the Advisory Committee.