CWMNI: COMMUNITY SAFETY THEME GROUP


Youth Diversionary Projects
The Community Safety Group and CwmNi have purchased the following for local youth groups:

Training footballs for Treherbert Boys & Girls Club; Full Cricket Set and 4 footballs for Penyrenglyn Project; Woodworking tools for Treherbert Youth Club.

Present:
Jo-ann Banner, CwmNi Community Advocate
Rhys Burton, CwmNi Regeneration Manager
Amanda Davies, Mount Libanus T&R Assoc
Anne Heir, Rhondda Crime Prevention Panel
Susan Hopson, Local Resident
Islwyn Jones, Blaenrhondda Community Forum Rep
Theresa Parsell, Rhondda Housing Association/CwmNi
Dorian Rees, Blaenrhondda Neighbourhood Watch
Tariq Sardar, CF Ethnic Minorities Support Officer
Julie Spiller, Penyrenglyn Project Co-ordinator

Apologies:
Barbara Doughty, Treherbert Steering Group Rep
Roger Hughes, Crime Watch Co-ordinator
Sarah Wheatley, Local Resident

1. Presentation by South Wales Police Authority
Andrea Jones and Cerith Thomas from the South Wales Police Authority gave a presentation on the recently conducted “Building Safer Communities Consultation”. The main areas of the consultation which respondents thought needed to be changed were: Improvement of Police & Authority profiles within communities; To much paperwork “bogging” officers down/ too bureaucratic; Installation of a new non-emergency phone line; Increase officers on the beat.

Further copies of the presentation can be obtained from the CwmNi Office.

Following from the presentation Cerith took questions on the Authority, some of which showed that few people within the community were aware of its role or existence. He did explain that anyone from the public can attend Authority meetings by contacting the Bridgend Offices. Cerith also agreed to keep CwmNi informed of any further consultations or different means in which CwmNi can help determine objectives. JB to ask the Authority to forward us copies of minutes invites to meetings etc. Cerith informed the group that he will be taking back all our comments and reporting to the Divisional Commander.

2. Election of Chair for Meeting
Islwyn Jones was requested to Chair the meeting.

3. Items to be added to the agenda
Theme Group Election Process

3. Minutes of the last Meeting
Minutes of the last meeting were recorded as an accurate record with the following amendment being made:
(Minute 7.1) Tariq had spoken to only TEDS not other drug agencies.

4. Matters Arising from Minutes
4.1 Police Surgery (Minute 5.1)
Natasha held her first surgery at the CwmNi offices last week and 6 people turned up to see her. It was only advertised within the Treherbert area, and it is hoped that with larger scale publicity the surgery will be a success.

4.2 CCFC Soccer School (Minute 5.3)
JB apologised for not obtain this information, and will prepare it in time for the next meeting on May 27th.

4.3 Neighbourhood Watch (Minute 5.7)
RH has now forward a newsletter article to JB. It was greatly appreciated.

4.4 Racial Harassment (minute 5.10))
JB has contacted Alan Crockham for an update on this report, but unfortunately he’s away on holidays for two weeks. In the meantime JB has met with Claudia Moscatiello, Minority Support Unit Officer, South Wales Police who has agreed to work with CwmNi to look at possible measures to attempt to tackle racial harassment within the area. Claudia has agreed to conduct a presentation at our meeting in June.
Next week, JB will be meeting Sandy Clarke at VALREC.

4.5 Communities First Funding Update (minute 9.1)
RB gave an update on the current funding situation. To date there has been no change since the last meeting and RB informed that letters have been sent to the Council asking them to consider “bankrolling” Communities First monies for the first quarter until the Welsh Assembly agrees its budget allocations. RB has now received a response from Cllr Jarman, stating that if CwmNi draft a list of all essential budget/ spends for the forthcoming quarter, they will consider bank rolling these projects.
RC to keep us updated.

4.6 Police Meeting (minute 9.3)
JB/ RB still attempting to arrange a meeting with the Chief Superintendent – ongoing

The meeting moved onto agenda items

5. Auto Project Proposal
Following on from its introduction at the last meeting, a copy of Keith Addis’ proposal was forwarded with the minutes. Following discussion it was agreed that at this present moment in time the community safety group didn’t have the capacity to deal with such a large project, and in addition felt their agenda was already busy with current agreed projects form the action plan. The group also thought that this project would need deeper considerations, ie educational teaching from grass roots level. The final conclusion of the group was that the project should be “shelved” until such time when CwmNi has the capacity and funding means to look to progress further. The group thanked Keith for his report, and agreed to write a letter of response to him and the business group with the above answer.

6. Theme Group Elections
JB distributed a paper recently passed by the Board on the process of theme group elections. JB introduced the background, gave a brief synopsis of the paper and asked people to take the paper away and thoroughly read in preparation for the next meeting.

Only “official reps” can put themselves forward for election. Official Reps can be members of Forums, Agencies or local residents To become an official rep you must attend at least 3 meetings out of 5. Elections will take place with 4 meetings advance notice (1st Notice May, Elections will be held in September). Decision on whether voting will be by secret ballot or show of hands. Decision on minimum no of votes (with ref to no of people on mailing list). Meeting must be quorate (average attendance/3). Can only stand for one place on the Board (ie cannot stand to represent Safety & Health). If elected to the Board, you only represent one seat (ie Elected to serve the interests of the theme group, not your particular forum or agency). CwmNi staff members cannot seek nomination to theme group or any other elections. Financial powers are give to theme group up to specific amount.

Basically it is hoped that this paper will give clarity and transparency to each of the theme groups. At the next meeting decisions will be taken by the group on the format that the Community Safety Group wishes to adopt for the election which will take place in September’s meeting.

A paper has been distributed to all on mailing list to ensure wide spread notice is given. Should anyone wish to gain further clarify before next meeting please feel free to make an appointment with a member of the CwmNi team.

7. Summer Festival Update
JB informed that to date there have been two meetings of the task and finish group. To date the group have agreed a provisional list of activities, which will be finalised at their next meeting on 4th May, this list will then be sent to print, in time for the June edition of the CwmNi newsletter. There are approximately 20-activities on the list, which range from storytelling, football, kite making and forest trips. Once finalised list has been established, JB to present to group.

8. Agency Partner Update
Nothing to report this month

9. AOB
9.1 Your Voice Feedback
Presentation tonight at 7pm in Treherbert Infants School on the results of the recently held “Your Voice” Community Survey. The event is open to the public – all welcome.

Date of Next Meeting Thursday 27th May, 5pm
(Unless otherwise stated, meeting will be held at CwmNi Office)

Community Safety Meeting .... Top
Thursday 25th March, 2pm at 156 Bute Street, Treherbert

Present:
Jo-ann Banner, CwmNi Community Advocate
Rhys Burton, CwmNi Regeneration Manager
Amanda Davies, Mount Libanus T&R Assoc
Barbara Doughty, Bute Neighbourhood Watch/WI
Susan Hopson, Local Resident
Roger Hughes, Crime Watch Co-ordinator
Roger Nott, Blaen-y-Cwm Community Forum
Dorian Rees, Blaenrhondda Neighbourhood Watch
Tariq Sardar, CF Ethnic Minorities Support Officer
Julie Spiller, Penyrenglyn Project Co-ordinator
Sarah Wheatley, Local Resident

Apologies:
Anne Heir, Rhondda Crime Prevention Panel
Vera Williams, Tynewydd Community Forum

1. Welcome & Introductions
JB opened the meeting welcoming all present. A brief round of introductions took place.

2. Election of Chair for Meeting
Sarah Wheatley was requested to Chair the meeting.

3. Items to be added to the agenda
Change of meeting times was added to the agenda

3. Minutes of the last Meeting
Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record.

5. Matters Arising
5.1 Police Surgery (Minute 4.1)
JB has spoken to Paul Atkins who confirmed that due to increased responsibilities and other time commitments he would be no longer able to run the outreach surgery at CwmNi. The following day I was then approached by Natasha Foster, Police Community Support Officer, who was looking for a base to hold a surgery!

So Natasha will now be running the session on a monthly basis, 11am – 1pm on the first Wednesday of each month. She will also be helping to roll out the alternative reporting mechanisms within the local ward.

5.2 School Safety Signage (Minute 4.2)
BD asked if there were any further updates on this, as she believed that work may possibly have commenced. JB stated that the works are due to take place in the new financial year.

5.3 CCFC Soccer School (Minute 4.3)
RN requested a breakdown of participants into village, so as the take-up rates could be analysed in preparation for future events, so publicity could be targeting accordingly. Action: JB to analyse and report back to the group

5.4 Forestry Commission, Tackling Mountain Fire Scheme (Minute 4.5)
JB distributed a pack to each member showing examples of the literature that has been circulated to local groups/residents.

5.5 Voting Procedures (Minute 4.6)
This should be approved on Monday 29th March, at the next board meeting. Providing approval, a discussion will take place at the next meeting.

5.6 Youth Diversionary Project (Minute 5.1)
Letters/ calls of thanks have been received from all the organisation recently funded by the safety group. JB has arranged for photographs to be taken, as publicity for the next newsletter.

5.7 Neighbourhood Watch/ Ringmaster Update (Minute 6)
RH confirmed that the system is definitely operational (after it’s relocation) and a message was sent out last week relating to a bogus scam targeting old age pensioners. The two persons involved have now be arrested and charged, and RH thanked the Neighbourhood watches for helping in this arrest. As an awareness raising exercise RH has agreed to write an article on the above for the next issue of the CwmNi newsletter. Action: RH to draft the article before 29th April, and forward to JB

5.8 Building Safer Communities Consultation (Minute 7)
JB has chased up South Wales Police relating to the above, and unfortunately our name was overlooked on the register, and the consultation process has actually taken place. The officer – Gaynor Howell – could only apologise to the group, and offered to keep us informed should similar opportunities for consultation arise in the future. A copy of the final report has been forwarded to CwmNi, and RB suggested inviting someone to present the findings at the next meeting.
Action: JB to forward copy to members, and request for a presentation at a future meeting

5.9 Rat-on-a-rat campaign (Minute 8)
The scheme appears to be running well. All members commented on the success of the advertising campaign. RH reminded that all posters must be taken down on March 31st (next Wednesday).

5.10 Racial Harassment (minute 10.2)
JB informed that this problem has been reported to Allan Crockham, Crime Reduction Officer who was looking into the matter further. TS suggested CwmNi contacts Valrec’s officer – Sandy Clarke who works closely with Claudia, and they may be able to help set up some schemes in the area. The meeting moved onto agenda items

6. CwmNi Summer Festival
JB explained that CwmNi are looking to run a Summer Festival during the 6-weeks holiday, mainly targeting youths & children, but also looking to work with community groups and partner agencies to have a full programme of events and opportunities. A task & finish group is to be formed to map all the activities that will be taking place during this time, then CwmNi will identify any shortfalls and look to provide the relevant events. All the events will be encompassed in one marketing scheme, and will accompany the next edition of the newsletter which is due out in June. The first Task & Finish meeting will be taking place on Monday 29th March, 5pm and SW volunteered to be the Community Safety Rep at these meetings.

The group also noted the importance of including sports for disabled members of the community. BD noted that the Deaf Community should be included in this.

7. Partner/ Agency Updates
7.1 CF Ethnic Minorities Support Officer/ VALREC Update
TS has now spoken to Pat at TEDS and some other drugs support agencies who was interested in working with VALREC to start up small projects in specific areas. TEDS were interested, but stated that their resources are stretched, but they would do everything in their capabilities to help out. JB informed that she has a meeting with TEDS next week, so would further these talks then.

7.2 Crimewatch Co-ordinator Update
RH spoke of a new piece of equipment that has just been launched called “Smart-box” which can be installed in homes of vulnerable people. It is a set of 2 boxes which link to other units within a 80-100yard radius, and can be used as reassurance or to report instances of bogus callers or emergencies to neighbours. The units costs approx £150 and the person responsible will be contacting all CF areas soon, to inform of their availability/ details.

7.3 Penyrenglyn Project Update
7.3.1 Youth Drug Project
JS informed the group that the Penyrenglyn project is currently trying to establish a drop-in centre for youths who have drug problems, where they will be able to sit and chat with friends, representatives from drug agencies and will be offered help and advice whilst waiting to be referred onto a drug rehabilitation programme.
It is hoped that this project will start in April - May and she will keep the group informed of its progress.

7.3.2 Chris Bryant Meeting
Chris Bryant held a focus group session at the Penyrenglyn project recently, where he listened to the children’s views on crime and safety within the community. JS did say that Mr Bryant responded well to the group’s comments, and has said that they will be included in a report which will eventually be presented back to the Government.

8. Times of Future Meetings
JB informed the group that CwmNi would like to trial the community safety meeting at a new time slot of 5pm, in an attempt to encourage other community members to attend. It is hoped that this will increase participation in the group, and will have the group have a wider community knowledge of the whole area.
Decision: group agreed to change meeting times to 5pm starting with the next meeting – PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL THE 27TH MAY (See note on last page of these minutes)

9. AO.B.
9.1 Communities First Funding Update
RB informed the group that the funding confirmation has now been received for staff posts, but only for a period of one-year. To date none of the other budgets have been approved, but it is hoped that the running costs, training monies and premises budgets will be approved within the coming weeks, but again it is uncertain for what timescale this will be. Until official confirmation is received no projects can have committed budgets, so this does hold back some of the groups proposed actions.

RB did state that an emergency meeting was called on Wednesday for all RCT communities first co-ordinators, and it was decided that letters would be written to Edwina Hart and Leighton Andrews. Additionally RB stated that should the difficulties with the funding continue, co-ordinators suggested letters of concern be written from members of the public. All groups will be notified should any changes/ updates occur.

9.2 Police Patrol (Blaen Rhondda & Blaen-y-Cwm)
Following from our previous discussions on the above topic, RN has spoken to Inspector Vaughan at Ton Pentre Police Station, as since our enquiry to change patrol times, the vehicles have actually stopped coming! RN has since been speaking to Inspector Morgan who has said he’ll look into the matter.

9.3 Youth Annoyance and Vandalism
RN suggested that CwmNi and the Community Forum’s undertake a small survey in their respective areas to monitor/ identify the hotspot areas where vandalism occurs.

RB said that this may be a good project, but spoke on how we would need to have backing from such agencies as the Police to issue guidelines/ orders where such repeat cases could be taken to the children’s parents etc.. RB suggested the project of A.B.C.D’s (Agreed Behavioural Contracts & Diversionary Methods). These are contracts drawn up by the Police and are taken to parents/ youths to “sign up to” and then their behaviour is monitored accordingly. It is hoped that such contract then stop the youths from repeating the offence/ vandalism etc.

After a lengthy discussion the group decided that Treherbert would be a suitable area for a possible pilot scheme of ABCD’s and decided to try and arrange a meeting with the Police to gather their opinion and attempt to forge closer working partnerships with the Police.
Action: JB & RB to speak to the acting Chief Superintendent Sue Hayes, to attempt to arrange a meeting. Also to look into invite the Community Support Officer and Police Officer to speak at a forthcoming meeting.

9.4 Auto Project
RB informed the group that he has received a proposal from Keith Addis, Chair of the Business & Economy theme group, asking the Community Safety theme group, to consider an Auto-project on the site of Treherbert motors. The idea has come from a similar project in Merthyr Tydfil. RB reminded the group that they would need to consider whether or not this project is on the groups Action Plan, and also to consider the insurance, planning and other regulations of a project of this scale.
Action: JB to forward a copy to each member and the item will be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

9.5 Community Thank-you!
RB wished to remind the group that CwmNi will be hosting a community event in the Treherbert R.F.C. on Friday 26th March 7pm onwards, as a way of saying thank you to the community and our volunteers for all the help and support they have shown CwmNi over the past year. There will be split entertainment for adults and children, and there will be a registered crèche for those persons wishing to take children.

Date of Next Meeting: THURSDAY 22nd APRIL @ 2PM. At the CwmNi Office

Please note this meeting had to remain at 2pm due to a CwmNi event that evening. The meetings will change to 5pm from 27th May onwards.

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