Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, People

NOTE: Councillor B Singh, a Whoberley Ward Councillor and the petition organiser have been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item.

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Executive Director, Place which provided an update on action taken to improve security to open land at rear of 2-66 Brookside Avenue.

A petition bearing 11 signatures, from 6 households was submitted on 25^th March 2014 by Councillor Singh. A report in response to the petition was presented to Cabinet Member on 3^rd July 2014. The report detailed initial action taken by officers in response to residents’ concerns about environmental and nuisance behaviour on an open space at the rear of properties 2-66 Brookside Avenue in Whoberley Ward.

The report provided an update on progress against further recommendations made by Cabinet Member.

The land is an open stretch of green space measuring approximately 900 metres in length which is owned by the City Council and managed by the Parks Service in the Place Directorate.

The petition organiser attended the meeting and spoke in support of the petition. He described the problems faced by residents and stated that the measures being suggested only provided short term solutions to long term problems. He also circulated photographs at the meeting.

Officers reported that the overhanging branches will be trimmed to raise the canopy of trees to enable a clear view and to remove any places for youngsters to shelter.

With regard to the fencing, it was reported that this was being considered separately and that funding was being sought from the Community Fund. The finer detail such as location etc. would be determined when the funding has been secured.

The Cabinet Member requested the following:

·  Officers to explore the feasibility of installing CCTV equipment to act as a deterrent

·  Signs to be erected as reminder that littering will incur a fine and that CCTV cameras are operational in the area.

·  An officer from the local policing team be invited to attend the meeting when this matter is due for consideration.

·  Test purchases of illegal sales of alcohol and cigarettes to be undertaken within the immediate area (1.5–2 mile vicinity) and provide a report back.

·  The Head of Community Safety to send a letter to all licensed premises reminding them of sales of alcohol and cigarettes to underage youngsters.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member:

1.  Endorses the additional action taken by officers.

2.  Directs officers to request the Police, by letter to be drafted by the Head of Community Safety to be sent to the Chief Inspector, to continue to patrol the area, responding to any issues raised or identified and to exercise their powers to obtain identities and disperse groups of individuals that are likely to cause nuisance or offending behaviour.

3.  Requests Community Development Officers to continue to work with the community in tackling local issues including litter and environmental issues and to assist residents in seeking funding that they could use on private land to improve the security of their properties.

4.  Requests officers to continue to monitor incidents of crime and nuisance together with the effectiveness of their action and to respond appropriately to any such issues.

5.  Directs officers to submit a further progress report to the Cabinet Member meeting scheduled for 18^th December 2014.