Minutes:
163 UPDATE FROM PARTNERS
Kent Police
Sergeant Daniel Worthington introduced himself as the newly appointed Community Sergeant. He reported that inconsiderate parking in towns and villages had been identified as a priority through the PACT process. Both Iwade and Kemsley had been identified as particular problem areas. Residents were concerned that double parking would obstruct emergency vehicles from gaining access to some areas. The Sittingbourne neighbourhood policing team had therefore conducted an operation in Iwade whereby any car inappropriately parked had been issued with a warning notice. He stated that few tickets had been served and generally on speaking to the offenders, they only had to move their vehicles a small distance, to remove the obstruction. He hoped that the scheme could be rolled-out to other areas such as Kemsley.
In response to a query, Sergeant Worthington did not consider the problem was being created particularly within new developments, it was just a case of slightly improving parking to improve safety for residents.
A Member raised concern that it appeared four separate partners were doing the same job.
Chief Inspector Henley reported that, Police Community Support Officers provided a valuable service as did both the KCC and SBC Wardens as they all had various enforcement powers. He explained that they met on a monthly basis to look at various anti-social behaviour issues. He further explained that they were currently in the process of creating a Community Safety Unit on the Eurolink Estate, Sittingbourne which would assist the multi-agency working and help to identify problem areas.
A Member believed there were a number of shops in Sittingbourne High Street not aware of the Swale Safe scheme. He asked if there was any way to, re-engage with those businesses to ensure they were involved in the scheme. He suggested advertising in SBC’s ‘Your Swale’ newsletter.
Chief Inspector Henley explained that the Swale Safe scheme had been set-up four years ago and was a private scheme supported by Kent Police. He explained that the website for the scheme had now been launched and prolific offenders’ photos would be displayed on the website. He hoped that shops would be putting up posters to advertise the service but stressed that currently only two part-time persons operated the scheme.
Mrs Lewis a local resident, raised concern that many HGV lorry drivers were using their mobile phones whilst driving. Sergeant Worthington agreed that it was a problem and that convictions and endorsements for offenders was a high priority.
In response to a question, Chief Inspector Tony Henley understood concerns that crime was often unreported, but believed the role of neighbourhood policing was vital in reassuring people and the PACT process also helped.
Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust
Neil Fisher (Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust) provided the latest information on Swine Flu. He reported that 106 cases had been confirmed in Kent. To help reduce the spread of the virus, people with the symptoms were asked not to visit their local GP, but telephone for a certification.
In response to a query from a Member regarding progress for the new GP surgery at Saffron Way, Milton Regis, Mr Fisher advised that they were experiencing problems securing the land due to the high costs requested by the landowner. He further advised that out of the 115 GP surgeries being considered by the PCT, he understood that the Saffron Way surgery was in the top five priority wise. He agreed to look into the matter and provide an update at the next meeting.
Neil Fisher (Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust
Kent Fire and Rescue
A Member asked whether Kent Fire and Rescue were aware of problems accessing Echo House, Sittingbourne due to inconsiderate parking. Watch Manager Mark Innes (Kent Fire and Rescue) reported that they were currently able to access the site. He stated it was only if cars were parked either side of the road that problems were experienced, and that the fire service did have powers to remove any vehicles blocking access.
Mrs Lewis asked in the event of a fire in Milstead, which route would the fire brigade use if Highsted Road, Sittingbourne was closed? The Watch Manager stated they would use whichever they considered to be the quickest route on the day, but confirmed it could be via Park Road, Sittingbourne.