Agenda and draft minutes

Join your Ward Councillors, Police and associated colleagues to discuss issues of Anti Social Behaviour, the community impact and constructive ways of addressing the problems.

Cllr J Crawshaw welcomed residents and the panel to the meeting and stated that this meeting is a non-political committee of City of York Council for residents of the Micklegate Ward. .

In attendance on the panel:

·      Ward Councillors: Cllr J Crawshaw; Cllr J Burton

·      Insp Jen Stockwell,

·      PC Martyn Hind,

·      PC Nicola Elliot, Youth Justice Service Police Officer

·      Kate Bryan, YJS Victim Liaison Officer

·      Paul Morrison, Neighbourhood Safety Manager, Safer York Partnership

In attendance in the room:

·      Jess Ward, Inspire Youth Yorkshire (operates a mobile youth club on Wednesdays on the Green).

·      Colin Smith, YACIO

·      Scarcroft Allotment Site Secretaries

·      Hospital Fields Allotments Site Secretary

·      Friends of Rowntree Park

Cllr J Crawshaw recognised that the tensions resulting from recent acts of vandalism and arson have generated many intense emotions. Whilst it was acknowledged that some of the young people involved maybe known, he requested that no names were mentioned during the meeting. Any information should be reported directly to the police who would then assess it and share it with relevant agencies including schools.

Cllr J Crawshaw stated that whilst the councillors were aware of many incidents involving arson and damage to property, verbal abuse they may not be aware of all incidents. It was acknowledged that in the beginning of September there seemed to be an escalation in ASB including the burning of sheds and damage to property on allotments; the release of hens, damage to trees, bin fires. This also extended to Rowntree Park and possibly included a shed fire in Fulford.

Cllr J Crawshaw acknowledged that some allotment holders had lost or experienced damage to highly valued and personal items. However, Cllr J Crawshaw asked that it was also noted that some the young people had experienced difficult adverse life experiences, so discussions should be managed sensitively. The attacks of arson could present a threat to life especially to rough sleepers in the sheds.

Cllr J Crawshaw introduced the panel and opened the discussion about potential ways to address problems in relation to the recent spate of ASB on Scarcroft Allotments and around Scarcroft Green.

Cllr J Crawshaw acknowledged a lot of concern in the community – and so a lot of strong feelings but stressed that they were all taking this issue very seriously and there may be some things happening in the background that we are not able to discuss publicly.

Questions:

A resident questioned the panel to ask if the damage to sheds was considered less important than damage to cars.

Insp Stockwell stated that it was important to acknowledge that the damage to the sheds was considered an important offence and encouraged residents to call 999 if the event in occurring at that time, or 101 to report incidents retrospectively. If incidents are reported, even as ASB, then if the police have resources, they will be deployed to the area.

A resident spoke stating that they had had their back gate kicked in on South Parade/Blossom Street. Stated that the businesses in this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.