Issue - meetings

The Head of Community Safety and Health Services submitted a report on known crime trends in rural locations in East Herts, responses to rural crime and highlighted gaps in rural crime types and locations.  The Head summarised a number of relevant details from the report.

Inspector Chris Hunt from Hertfordshire Constabulary addressed the Committee in respect of new legislation regarding anti-social behaviour.  He referred in particular to Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and the increasing utilisation of closure notices for individual dwellings where the occupants were causing anti-social behaviour.  He also referred to the annual Standon Calling music festival and the fact that there were far fewer incidents than was the case at other similar events such as Knebworth.

The Head of Environmental Services responded to a number of questions and queries from Councillor G Cutting regarding fly tipping.  Councillor Cutting detailed the types and location of recent fly tips that he was currently aware of in and around Bishop’s Stortford Central ward.

The Head of Environmental Services advised that a report would be submitted to the next meeting of Environment Scrutiny Committee which would include a section on whether there was a correlation between reduced opening hours of household waste recycling sites and the number and location of recorded fly tips.  Members were reminded that some fly tips contained material which could not have been taken to a household waste site.

The Head of Environmental Services, the Head of Community Safety and Health Services and Inspector Chris Hunt responded to a number of other questions from Members regarding diversionary activities for young people and legal highs. 

Members received the report and supported the recommendations now detailed.

RESOLVED – that Members’ concerns as now detailed, be forwarded to the Executive Member for Environment and Public Open Spaces and the Community Safety Partnership.