Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report on the findings and recommendations from the investigation undertaken by the Anti-Social Behaviour and Alcohol Free Zones Task Group.  The Portfolio Holder briefly introduced the report, stating disappointment with some of the content of the report and in particular the general misconception of Alcohol Free Zones. 

The Leader welcomed the Chairman of the Task Group, Councillor C. B.  Taylor to the meeting.  Councillor Taylor referred to the approach the Task Group had taken and thanked those Members and officers who had supported the Task Group.

During the discussion, with regard to Recommendation 4 (CCTV), the Executive Director – Partnerships and Projects informed the Cabinet that he had received a response from West Mercia Constabulary and unfortunately no funding would be available for additional lighting / CCTV cameras.  

The Leader also expressed his thanks to all Members and officers who had contributed to the Overview and Scrutiny process.  In addition, the Leader urged Members to make every effort to attend Task Group meetings that they volunteered for as their contribution and input was crucial for their success. He also requested that Task Groups were supported by the appropriate officers.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that approval be given to Recommendation 1, that the District Council work with its partner agencies to enhance lines of communication to inform the local media of events and good news stories with a view to encouraging more good publicity about young people, and thereby reduce the negative judgements placed on younger people in general;

(b)       that approval be given to Recommendation 2, that whilst both the increased number of Police Community Support Officers and the enhanced powers granted of the District Council’s Neighbourhood Wardens are to be welcomed, the North Worcestershire Division of the West Mercia Constabulary be urged to present a more visible presence in both the local community and at public events in order to maintain a low level of anti-social behaviour within the District;

(c)        that Recommendation 3 be not approved due to the fact that since the recommendation had been agreed by the Task Group, the Council had agreed that Fixed Penalty Notices be ranked as a medium term priority and therefore funding was not included as part of the Medium Term Financial plan;

(d)       that in relation to Recommendation 4, officers be tasked to carry out a review of the lighting around CCTV to identify if there are any issues and report back to Cabinet; and

(e)       that Democratic Services be tasked to provide details of attendance at

            Scrutiny and Overview Board meetings and Task Group meetings.