Issue - meetings

The Head of Licensing and Community Safety submitted a report on the progress achieved against the East Herts Community Safety Partnership 3 year Community Safety Plan.  The Committee was advised that the report summarised 3 years worth of work, which would be of particular interest to the new Members.

Members were advised of the background to the Community Safety Action Plan, as well as the priorities of the Community Safety Partnership.  The Committee was referred to pages 50 and 51 of the report now submitted for details of the most recent summarised crime figures for East Herts.

Members were advised that the opinions of the public had shaped the priorities of the Community Safety Partnership.  The Committee was further advised that there had been a low response rate to the most recent on-line public consultation.

In response to a query from Councillor E Buckmaster, Members were advised key staff were accredited Officers with authoritative status to address anti-social behaviour.  They are permitted to confiscate alcohol and to request the address of anyone committing anti-social behaviour, for example. Powers for individual officers varies depending on nature of job.

Councillor C Woodward queried whether there were plans to train any more Officers to carry out this work as staff changed.  Members were advised that training was carried out by Hertfordshire Police in groups as it was not cost effective to train individuals. Potential Officers were vetted by the Police then given specific training in the appropriate use of the available powers.  There were 29 Officers across the Council who were currently permitted to carry out such work.

Councillor P Ruffles sought and was given clarification on whether 71 anti-social behaviour contracts was a low figure.  He also received a response in relation to the role of street pastors in East Herts.  Councillor N Symonds and the Executive Member for Health, Housing and Community Support spoke positive of their experience of going out alongside the pastors for an evening.

Councillor Symonds commented on the frequent changes in police officers assigned to cover her ward.  She stressed that this made it challenging for the police to be aware of the specific problems affecting the District.  Officers undertook to provide feedback to Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Councillor S Bull appealed to Members to ensure they completed the Community Safety Questionnaire that had been circulated.  He also urged the Committee to encourage the public to complete the questionnaire. 

Councillor J Wing referred to ongoing problems of graffiti in Ware.  Members were advised that graffiti was always removed from East Herts Council property and was also promptly removed from other premises with the owner’s permission if graffiti was of a racist or offensive nature.

The Committee received the report.

RESOLVED – that the report be noted.