REDBOURN PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of Police Gypsy Liaison Group held on 20thJune 2011 at 9.30am in the Council Chamber, Redbourn Village Hall.

PRESENT:Councillors David Fenton and David Mitchell

Candice Irving and Mick Donaldson, Hertfordshire Gypsy Section

Sergeant James Twitchett and PC Christine Clayton, Hertfordshire Police

APOLOGIES:Inspector Ruth Dodsworth and Councillor V Windle

IN ATTENDANCE: Pauline Allcroft, Administrative Assistant

1.Minutes of the Previous Meeting

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting be signed as a true record.

2.Disclosures of Interest: None

Before receiving the Gypsy and Police reports the following points were raised:

  • What is this meeting about and is it necessary?
  • It was agreed that a neighbourhood watch representative present? Barry Welch is willing to attend
  • Is it necessary to hold separate local/ward meetings?
  • Issues to be discussed at this meeting should be identified at full Council and specified on the agendas
  • Reports from Youth Council/Youth Club/Health representatives should be included
  • Membership of the committee should be inclusive - all Parish and District Councillors to be invited
  • Meetings to remain quarterly
  • Traveller children should attend the Youth Club

3.Gypsy update

The traveller who employed European workers has now moved off the site and has taken some of the workers with him. His plot has been allocated to one of the squatters. The site is now looking much tidier.

There are problems of alcoholism and anti-social behaviour on site. Complaints continue to be received regarding defecation outside the site. It is thought that the European workers are doing this as they are not allowed to use the facilities on site

A rubbish bin has been placed on the site and this is being well used. Waterend Lane residents are picking up litter in the Lane. It was agreed that litter bins should be installed in Waterend Lane which would be emptied by the site officer three times a week. Candice will monitor this to ensure that it is emptied regularly.

Candice reported that there are incidents of domestic violence on Ver Meadows -probably because the residents are all young. Candice is working with Nickey Walters, the manager of the children’s centre, to run sessions on domestic violence during Domestic Violence Week which is in November or December. It was suggested that these could be run at the Parish Centre.

6.Police update

Members requested a copy of the police statistics before the meetings so that they had an opportunity to examine these and have some understand of what is happening in the village. It was agreed that these would be sent before the full council meeting in July.

Sergeant Twitchett reported crime statistics from May to July. Once the statistics for Batchwood are removed there is nothing outstanding in the statistics. There have been a small number of thefts from vehicles and commercial properties. Plain clothes policemen have been working in Redbourn. A camera has been requested for Lamb Lane.

It is not possible to install a camera by the Bus Stop in Lybury Lane as there is no suitable place to locate it. A representative from the Harvesters Football Club has offered to talk to the youngsters who are kicking a football against the bus stop and endeavour to get them engaged in football at the Recreation Centre. He is working with Paul Sands over this issue. Christine Clayton has the names of three/four youngsters who have been playing football near the bus shelter. It was suggested that the Parish Council should fund this to ensure that it happens.

A new officer has been appointed to deal with fly tipping and the police will support any prosecutions that may be made. If fly tipping is reported whilst it is happening the police will respond immediately.

County served an enforcement notice on Kane Haulage and the stone crushing equipment was removed last week. The rubble is yet to be removed. Tyres are now being burned on the site.

An appeal on Tullochside is to be held in August.

7.Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Chair will be elected at the next meeting which is to be held on 19th September at 9.30am.

Minutes of the Gypsy Police Liaison Group – 20th June 2011 – remain draft until signed