Subject - HMR, Resident and Contractor (Lovell) liaison meeting - 13 Feb 08

Notes of the HMR, Resident and Contractor (Lovell) liaison meeting

13th February 2008

Present:
Joseph Noi (JN) - HMR
Tracy McNulty (TMc) - HMR
Rob Ashcroft (RA) - Lovell
Ray McGrath (RAM)- Warden - Tel: 0161 370 4216
Michaela McPherson (MM)- Neighbour Nuisance Team - Tel: 0161 274 2175
PCSO Molly Barnet (MB) - Tel: 0161 872 5050
PC Natalie Barlow (NB) - Tel: 0161 856 3583
Steve Lewis (SL) - Community Safety Manager - Tel: 0161 230 2100

Residents:
S. Meehan (SM)
D. McCourt (DM)
T. McCourt (TM)
I. Jones (IJ)
M. McCourt (MMc)
R. Barber (RB)
P. Clancy (PC)

1.0 - Introductions were made

2.0 - Action Points from previous meeting on 16^th January
2.1 - Item 1.3: Footpaths around Myrtle St had been cleared.
2.2 - Item 2.0: Several agencies had representatives at this meeting in order to inform residents of actions taking place to address the concerns regarding security on the estate. See 3.1
2.4 - Item 2.3 MM: Had arranged for a home link alarm to be fitted at the Ralph’s home.
2.5 - Item 2.6: Site visit had taken place.
24 - Item 2.7:Mr & Mrs Clewlows problems have been resolved.

3.0 - Matters Raised
3.1
* Residents were still concerned regarding the ongoing problem with youths congregating on the area. NB: Has recently returned to duty so was catching up with issues, but will respond to complaints if she is made aware of the incidents as and when they arise. Important that incidents are logged so they can be monitored and any patterns of behaviour can be detected and combated information is also shared with partnership agencies. Will provide her contact number that can be used to report incidents. MB: Can also increase her patrols as she now has use of a bike, which will give increased flexibility and mobility and therefore be better able to target pro blem areas.
* Residents felt that wardens were only patrolling around the perimeter of the estate. RM: Wardens were patrolling through the estate and had only recently been instrumental in the arrest of youths on the estate, they had also recently been provided with a mobile CCTV which will be useful for identifying instigators of anti social behaviour.
* Residents felt that security on the estate had not improved and in some cases were wary of venturing out at night. MM: The Neighbour Nuisance officer and PCSO had called on those residents who had requested it during the course of their last Friday night patrol; Friday/Saturday night patrols up to 11pm would be ongoing under "Operation Pike".
* Residents felt that Group 4 were not effective over the period they had been employed on the estate, as they never seemed to get out of their van. TMc: Had contacted Group 4 and was awaiting their response
* SM: Was aware that boilers and pipe work were being targeted on empty properties - could these be removed as quickly as possible when properties became empty. TMc: Was arranging for stickers to be put on empty properties advising that boilers had been removed.
* Residents had asked if they could have a 24-hour emergency number that they could contact. JN: Contact telephone numbers for the partnership agencies at this meeting were given out and would be sent out with these minutes.
* Street lighting was still defective on the estate. TMc had chased up with Amey and most lighting was now fixed, would check that they have logged the defective light on Harry Thorneycroft.
* DMc/TMc: There was a concern from residents regarding apparent drug dealing taking place on the estate. NB: Vital that residents should phone in, If people could be identified either by name, description or even some distinctive clothing worn then it would help in apprehending people involved.
* SM/IJ felt that residents were vulnerable to repercussions if seen to be helping the police. NB would be happy to speak in confidence to individual residents; identity would be protected wherever possible.
* SM: Residents worried that several fires had been deliberately started on the estate on the run up to Christmas: MM. As part of the strategy in combating arson there is a "firefight" project ongoing which involved referrals taking part in a course which explained the consequences and repercussions of fires, being taken round the local fire station and meeting with fire-fighters, help with names/descriptions in catching offenders is also important. Lots of work going on behind the scenes to try and alleviate the problems residents are having with this and other forms of Anti Social Behaviour.
* RB/SM: Felt that ASBOs didn't achieve anything and were used like some badge of achievement by youths. NB: Had seen several examples of where ASBOs had been effective and the issuing of the ASBO did generally modify behaviour, but we have to guard against ASBOs not being monitored and enforced effectively. MM: East Manchester had a slightly different approach to the issuing of ASBOs than some areas, which has resulted in fewer ASBOs being issued; these can then be policed more effectively. Cases for intervention are identified before they have reached the issuing of an ASBO, then support packages are put in place and monitored; this cuts down on the number of ASBOs, which can then be policed more effectively. The Courts will specify length of ASBO and review at intervals.
3.2 - IJ: Congratulated the police for their responses on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
3.3 - SL: Pointed out that there was a fortnightly Local Tasking meeting, chaired by the local police inspector to discuss relevant issues in the area. Information would be shared between the members of the group and actions identified. They would update and monitor actions agreed upon. Local residents could feed their concerns and issues into this group through SL and his team. There was also a Neighbourhood partnership meeting which was an evening public meeting, which residents could attend. These meetings are held at the NEM building on Grey Mare Lane. Details are available from SL.
3.3 - NB: Is in the process of producing a newsletter which will go out to local residents and give an update on appropriate information and contact details.
3.4 - IJ: Has been told that a member of a family living on Gillingham Square had an ASBO and were to be given a new property on this development phase. TMc: There was not an ASBO on this family member or anyone associated with this address, but in any case, they would not be moving onto this phase. Policy is that we don’t give new properties to families associated with Anti-Social Behaviour, but it was stressed that action can’t be taken if we are not made aware of bad behaviour. People can ultimately be evicted if there is continuous refusal to modify their behaviour
3.5 - JN: Important that residents realise that they have a responsibility to report incidents as soon as possible and not wait for meetings to report, otherwise a danger that resources will not be targeted effectively.
3.6 - IJ: Asked would there be splashbacks to basins RA: Would be stainless steel to rear of kitchen sink and bath would have a white tiled border.
3.7 - RB: Queried if the new showhouses would be the same design as the properties that they would be moving into and when would they be open to view. RA: Designs would reflect this phase, and showhouses are due to open by mid April.
3.8 - Residents asked for an update on completion dates: RA
Plots 522-526 for end of March 2008
Plots 603-605 for end of June 2008
Plots 606- 611 for end of July 2008
3.9 - PC: Felt that the empty property at 16 Harry Thorneycroft still had furniture in it. TMc: All Properties should be emptied before boarding up but will check. - TMc
3.10 - IJ/RA: Asked if St Jeromes was coming down. RA: The aim is to redevelop the building not demolish it but no further news as yet.
3.11 - TMc: Queried what the plan was for the Arches. RA: There would be remedial works but no final plan have been decided.
3.12 - IJ: Was concerned about access to Ashton Old Rd to her new house. RA: There would be access via Lloyd Wright Avenue.

4.0 - AOB
4.1 - Residents had found it helpful that the representatives from the various agencies had attended and clarified the fact that their concerns were being addressed

5.0 - Next meeting
2pm Wednesday 19th March in the Lovell meeting room