A police representative will report at the meeting (Police attendance is subject to officer availability at the time of the meeting).
Minutes:
Inspector Vicky Shaw and PC Chris Boardman attended the meeting to introduce themselves and give an update on the work being carried out by the Police across the three wards within the Township.
It was explained that Vicky had taken over responsibilities for Inspector Eddison on a temporary basis.
· Councillor Fitzwalter explained that there had been a number of reports of dogs being poisoned in Nuttall Park. Councillor Fitzwalter explained that the poison was being left in treats around the park and the dogs were eating them. She had been made aware of one dog that had died and four others that had been poisoned.
PC Boardman stated that he wasn’t aware of any reported incidents of this type but he would speak with the local beat officers.
· It was suggested that notices could be put up in the area to warn dog owners using the park that this was happening.
Inspector Shaw stated that this would not be recommended as it could scaremonger. Once an investigation had been carried out, the best course of action could then be agreed.
Inspector Shaw asked Councillor Fitzwalter to ensure that the incidents were reported to the police so that they could be investigated.
· Mr Booth referred to the incidents of youth nuisance in Summerseat and asked if this had been dealt with.
It was explained that the Police and Council security services had worked together to try to reduce the incidents of anti social behaviour in the area. The residents had also had an input into this and it had seen a reduction in reported incidents.
It was also explained that joint ‘Be Safe, Be Cool’ projects would be carried out with Community Safety and the schools in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire night.
· Dr Binns reported that there had been incidences of cars driving onto fields around Holcombe late at night and the occupants then letting their dogs run around in the fields. There had also been 6 to 8 wheelie bins knocked over and rubbish strewn all over. Dr Binns reported that registration numbers had been recorded and she had also reported the incident herself.
· Councillor Gartside asked what was happening about including PACT meetings in the Township Forum Meetings.
It was explained that this would be something that would be incorporated into future meetings. It was anticipated that a drop in session/market place would be held half an hour or an hour prior to the start of the Township Forum meetings. Other services and partners would be invited to attend these sessions to set up stalls which would provide the opportunity for residents to have an input into consultations or to ask questions. No minutes would be recorded during this time to allow any issues of concern to be raised. There would still be a public question time/open forum in the body of the meeting to allow for questions and comments relating to council services.
· Councillor Fitzwalter referred to the Ramsbottom PACT meetings and stated that there had not been one in Ramsbottom for around a year.
· Councillor Gartside referred to the vandalism of the table tennis table in Townside Fields and asked whether there was any news around this.
It was stated that the police were aware of the issue and work was being done in the area to reduce all types of anti social behaviour.
It was agreed:
That the Police be thanked for their attendance.