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COMMUNITY
SAFETY THEME
GROUP
Committee ~ Meetings
~ Minutes of the Last Meeting ~ Achievements ~ Image
Bank
LATEST INFORMATION:
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.
Your
committee are:
To be announced.
MEETINGS .... Return to Top
To be announced.
ACHIEVEMENTS .... Return to Top
Will appear here.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING .... Return to Top
Community
Safety Meeting .... Top
Thursday 22nd April, 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
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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