Minutes of the meeting held at Pateley Bridge Council Offices, on 2nd September 2009.
Attendance:
G. Linehan (V. Chairman), Insp. S. Breen, Sgt. C. Turner, J. Galloway (H.B.C.), S. Render (Fire Services), K. Gay (N.Y.C.C. Youth Services), Dacre P.C. x1, Pateley P.C. x1, Bewerley P.C. x3, Birstwith P.C. x1, N. Rigton P.C.x1, C. Henderson (C. of Trade), Hartwith P.C.x1 and A. Kent (Secretary).
Apologies:
K. Sewell, P.C. D Tetley, R. Grange, L. Ellington, M. Sims, Bishop Thornton P.C. and C. Hall.
The acting chairman welcomed everyone. The meeting was declared open.
The 3rd June 2009 Minutes were signed as a true record, proposed by E. March and seconded by K. Gay.
Matters Arising: The trip to Newby Whiske was successfully arranged, and enjoyed by those whom attended. G. Linehan thanked the police for their hospitality. Insp. Breen suggested that another visit could be arranged and Parish Council chairmen/clerks could also be offered places. (Probably will be in November).
Police Report: Sgt. C. Turner distributed copies of the Safer Neighbourhoods Newsletter, which concentrated on updates of her team since the last meeting, particularly in relation to the issues raised. There was a request that larger print to be used for future copies. Recent visits to Pateley found the teenagers polite and conscientious-they will re-visit and be high profile and at weekends. The business community welcomed the regular police visibility. Scrap metal prices are increasing so Please use immobilisers and ‘smart water’. The same applies to stone, whether it is quarried flagstones or actual building stone. Sgt. Turner emphasised that stone theft is difficult to prove, due to identification, therefore mark when in situation, if at all possible. Crime figures were discussed.
This area has a low crime rate, (The lowest in England and Wales, which is judged with similar areas of basic command units.), which is the envy of other forces. We also have a good detection rate.
Questions: * N. Rigton indicated that they still found it difficult to comprehend a decrease % of crime in their area. Insp. Breen commented that there was a national prediction of crime increase due to the financial climate in Great Britain. (Government ‘Think tanks’, regarding the economy issued this information,)
Government Neighbourhood Beat Officer Report:
Given by Sgt. C. Turner. A summary of crime figures: Washburn down 11.6%, I.E. by 7 crimes. P.B. up 31%, I.E. by 8 crimes. Lower Nidd, up 33% from 18 to 24 crimes. Within the Pateley Bridge ward the figures were: Auto Crime-1, Burglary-dwelling 0,Burglary other1, Criminal Damage-11, Other Crimes-0, Theft-5, Violence-5. Total 23. The detailed full figure crime sheets are on file. The %figure sounds shocking, but in actual fact increases were only of small numbers. It was noted that there were very few burglaries, especially on dwellings, however violent crime had increased.
It was emphasised that we are a very low crime area, and that ‘Smart Water is an essential deterrent
Questions asked about a ‘Flat-bed Truck Gang’- included if they had been released from prison, the police crime trend figures not adding up, and traffic patrols/checks at night. The police are not empowered to stop all traffic, unless a serious crime/accident has occurred.
Fire Service Report: Simon Render the manager from Harrogate up-dated the meeting on current issues. There are multi agency initiatives, which are targeting vulnerable groups, such as farmers, regarding the access of fire engines and H& S issues, especially after the caravan fatality on the 6th August at 23.25hours. There are not many of these incidents in the country, but when they do occur it is usually serious. Three fire fighting crews attended, and at a post review it found nothing further could have been done. Seven vehicles cover this area, with three concentrating on Nidderdale. (Grassington to Greenhow, Greenhow to Summerbridge and Lofthouse to Masham). The agencies are especially concentrating on where caravans are sited, such as the holiday parks and farms, (whom often use caravans for temporary workers), to assess access and water supplies, in readiness for all eventualities. The information is then stored on their computers so that a predetermined attendance can be devised regarding necessary equipment requirements. 30 Smoke detectors have been installed over two days.
The recent ‘Bike Safety’ event on the 28th June, advised 1,500 motor - cyclists, and deemed successful overall. Up to June there were 7 fatalities and the following week two more. The safer communities attended the auction mart and the ‘Young Farmers’ show recently. They will be present at the Nidderdale Show later in the month, where Community safety and advice will be issued. Locally Sgt Turner and S. Render organize ‘Siren Events’, which include the police with radar guns, and fire safety hazards and advice. Such events are to be held throughout the country. The ‘Matrix Signs’ were recently used in Birstwith. P.C. has to request the findings. The signs have to be requested through the P.C., Police and Fire services to Peter Broadwith, whom organizes their placement. Summerbridge station is desperately short of retained fire fighters. Recruitment leaflets were issued for people to distribute. Details given regarding age and benefits to all. On 23rd Sept. Harrogate fire station are holding an event for new and young drivers, with 6 interactive workshops including road safety, vehicle maintenance, legislation and motoring experiences. It was suggested that ‘bad weather driving tips’ should be included, as recently many younger drivers haven’t driven in inclement conditions.
Questions were asked about the requirements of fire extinguishers on farms and in caravans. All are encouraged to have them, and to ensure that they are serviced yearly.
Neighbourhood Watch;
In the absence of Mike Sims the secretary updated the meeting. The full report, from M.S. is on file and will be forwarded with the minutes. As he is standing down from N. Watch at the A.G.M., for the records he wished to thank the police, (especially P.C. D. Tetley), for their support during his term of office. He hopes to attend our future meetings as a member of the public.
Youth Services: K. Gay, the Harrogate area youth worker responsible for the development of services in the Nidd Valley reported that Pateley still did not have it’s own premises, which N.Y. were happy with. Grant applications were successful for renovations and equipment, but the intended site at the auction mart doesn’t meet their criteria, even though an asbestos survey was carried out. N.Y.C.C. had worked with the auction mart owner hoping to secure tenure, but he had undertaken building works himself, which had not met the council’s credentials. It is hoped that these monies can be now used to source accommodation. Skipton have a spare porto-cabin, which has been used for youth clubs, however a suitable site with the relevant services is required. The youth mobile unit vehicle will be deployed to Pateley, attending fortnightly. (It will also visit Hampsthwaite, where the village rooms are not an ideal venue).
Questions were voiced over all the restraints, but at the end of the day, the council are legally responsible for their employees and the people whom use the facilities. Safety is paramount.
A.O.B: *The N. Rigton delegate informed about a charitable organization, of professional people whom could work for groups such as the Youth Services for no fee, and could be helpful. * ‘Emergency Coverage’ in the dale by helicopter. Sgt. Turner stated that N. Yorkshire have access to other forces helicopters as due to the area and the population it would not be cost effective to own one. The ‘Air Ambulance’, usually based at Newcastle or Sheffield now has use of a base near Thirsk for landing and re-fuelling. The R.A.F. also assist, for example in moor fires to assess progress etc. * The Hartwith delegate commented about gridlock situations in Summerbridge due to large heavy goods wagons and parked vehicles. Insp. Breen recommended they contact their county council representative. *Please distribute the newsletters from the police and the fire service requests for fighters.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, The Meeting closed at 8.35 pm.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 25 th November 2009. 7.30pm. At Christ Church Community Centre, Darley.
Apologies: Ann Kent. Tel. 01423780495.
Reference:
The priorities were:
*Caravan fires.
*Access to farms/residents by the emergency services.
* Crime deterrents- e.g. Smart Water useage.
* Youth services in the dale.
Reports will be given at our next meeting.