Agenda item

A presentation will be given at the meeting.

Rachel Henry, Anti Social Behaviour Co-ordinator attended the meeting to explain the work that was being carried out over the summer in relation to anti social behaviour across the borough.

It was explained that most of the occurrences of ASB reported over the summer months were carried out by youths. The Safe 4 Summer initiative was being run jointly with the Council, Police, Fire Service and other partners and was aimed at young people to help keep them safe and address certain behaviours.

The initiative was rolled out across Bury high schools and educated young people on issues such as grassland/moorland fires, water safety and enforcement that could be taken including behaviour contracts, restorative justice events, civil injunctions and closure powers.

Rachel explained that the enforcement carried out following incidents of ASB involved a large number of partners and included liaising with the young persons’ parents or guardians.

There was a safe 4 summer website available where activities were promoted such as youth clubs, zumba classes, family days out and football tournaments and young people could find out more about the initiative and enter competitions.

Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and the following points were raised:-

·         Phillippa McIntyre, the Chair of Summerseat Village Community explained that there had been ongoing issues with youths holding parties in the woods next to The Spinnings in Summerseat. This had been going on for a number of years and nothing had been done to stop it. It was explained that up to 80 young people would gather in the woods and light fires and drink. They would arrive after 11pm and stay until the early hours. There had been damage to vehicles parked in the car park and residents were disturbed by the noise. It was also very intimidating and frightening for residents. The police were aware of the situation but their shift allocation meant that there was no police presence in the area after 11pm. It was also explained that this coming weekend was likely to be the worst of the year as the exams had finshed and the school proms were being held.

Rachel stated that she would be able to set up a joint initiative with partners and get something in place but this would take time as there would have to be some work done around shift patterns etc. She would contact Bury's Security Service and the Police to advise them of the situation to see if something could be put in place in the short term.

Dave Thomas explained that this would also be reported to the next meeting of the Joint Engagement Team which brought together a number of partners to deal with issues affecting the Borough. The situation would be monitored by the team and initiatives carried out to deal with it jointly. 

Councillor Daly asked if Bury Council’s Security Service could visit over the weekend and it was also suggested that the Chief Executive be informed of the situation.

·         Phillippa also explained that the residents had been to the place where the young people gathered and had collected four big bags of bottles and cans. She asked whether it would be possible for these to be removed as the residents had nowhere to dispose of them.

·         Councillor Fitzwalter referred to incidents on Holcombe Moor with school leavers gathering and suggested that Head Teachers should be asked to help discourage this type of behaviour.

·         Councillor Gartside reported that he had received reports of youths firing airguns on the Kirklees Trail and asked that this be looked into.

Rachel asked for any incidents of this nature to be reported to herself, Damien Miller or Dave Thomas.

It was agreed:

1. That the Chief Executive would be informed of the situation in Summerseat on behalf of the Township Forum.

2. That Rachel be thanked for her attendance at the Township Forum.