Minutes of Bishops Hull Local Action Team
Meeting Tuesday 28th July 2009, Robin Close Meeting Room
Present: Nick Mott (chairman), Simon Parry (PCSO), Claire Griffiths (Bishops Hull Beat Constable), Dave Smith, Tom Catherall, Ken Burgess (Parish Council), Chris Fry, Pete Yeandle, Dave Paver.
Apologies: Rod Porter, Malcolm Summers, Alan Paul.
1. Welcome
The chairman was pleased to see a recovered Claire Griffiths and welcomed Dave Paver from the Territorial Army.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2009.
The minutes were accepted.
3. Speedwatch.
The speedwatch team had been out at a new site on Silk Mills Road two weeks ago (to the south of the junction with Mountway Road and Bishops Hull Hill). They had recorded 692 vehicle movements in one hour (both directions). 33 vehicles were recorded as exceeding the speed limit, some in excess of 38 mph. The speed gun can operate at a long range and was recording the speeds of vehicles as they came across the bridge over the river Tone. The Police keep the records of the speedwatch team. The higher speeds suggest that the Silk Mills Road can take a higher limit north of Heron Drive.
These details will be passed to the Parish Council as part of the statistics for the review of speed limits on A and B roads within the county.
The speedwatch team had also been in Netherclay. They recorded 82 vehicles but only 4 were exceeding the speed limit. The team had been unable to carry out an exercise by the school.
4. Village Events Group (VEG)
The event on Saturday July 11th was a great success despite the wet weather. There was no requirement to help with the 'Bouncy Castle' and the 'Jousting' did not take place. The LAT helped with the setting up and clearing up on the morning of Sunday 12th.
Details of income and expenditure were circulated.
The event was marred by an arson attack on one of the marquees, damage to several gazebos and a broken windscreen to the lorry on which the bands performed.
A review meeting took place on Monday 27th July in the Old Inn at 7.30pm. Ideas for fundraising to replace damaged items were discussed.
The next meeting will take place in the Old Inn at 7.30pm on Monday 17th August. Dates will be arranged for next year's event.
5. Support for Youth Activities
Paintball
Nick had been in contact with the Police (the Chief Superintendent) about their withdrawal from the scheme. The police response was …' the Police are unable to refer people to the project or have any involvement practically or be seen to support it.' The LAT were disappointed with the response.
A new site had been proposed at Cheddon Fitzpaine but it was not completely fenced and there were some issues with local residents. It is unlikely that there will be any progress on paintball until next year.
The Secretary would write to Scott Weetch (Community Safety Coordinator, Taunton Deane Borough Council) on this issue.
The chairman would write to Jeremy Brown MP.
Dave Paver from the TA stated there were army paintball sites at Chepstow and Okehampton and are used as part of the 'Look at Life' courses provided by the Army. Details would be passed to Dave and Claire.
Fishing
Nothing further to report (remove from agenda).
Energise Disco
An event had taken place the previous Sunday in Vivary Park. The only advert about the event known to the LAT was the one on the gates of Vivary Park. The town centre team at Taunton Police Station are involved with the advertising of these events. It was believed another event was taking place in early August.
Youth group
No further dates had been notified to the LAT to help the youth group.
Rod had been in touch with Jane about a youth group for older children.
The LAT heard that the Trident Trustees supported by Alan Paul were looking to develop the Trident as a centre for youth activity for all of south west Taunton. The scheme was envisaged to take the next 5 years and would cost approx £1.3M. The LAT would seek further details from Jill Nutton (Trident) and Kate Darlington (Youth Manager for this area).
The LAT need to be kept fully informed about this project.
Cycling/Mountain Biking
The Police were looking at a site in a field to the rear of Haydon Close.
Funding
Rod had put in a bid with the 'Community Cashback' scheme. It was for a crime reduction/community safety project to install a camera at troublespots identified through PACT priorites.
Please go to www.cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk/cc.asp?area=1&mode=vote. The application has been given the title of Surveillance and the purpose behind it is to bring additional support and belief in the PACT process.
6. Car Boot
Simon, Debbie, Rod and Dave attended the car boot sale at the Bishops Hull Playing Field, 21st June, with the Police Van. They handed out items to 3 different youth age groups. All felt it had been a worthwhile exercise. It was not a fundraising event but designed to get to know the local youth better.
7. Police Report
The Police believed they had found the culprits to the VEG Group arson attack within 48 hours. Five people were arrested on Sunday 19th and two are on bail. The issue is now with the Crown Prosecution Service. The people involved are not from Bishops Hull.
A Police Dog Handler had called the Fire Service who arrived at approx 1.30am.
Fly tipping and anti social behaviour would remain PACT priorities.
Claire reported further damage to the Playing Field Pavilion, damage to the cricket pitch and youth problems in Heron Drive. In response the Police are now patrolling more in Bishops Hull, this has been occurring every night for the past two weeks.
The 'no cold calling zone' in Heron drive is now designated as an 'Alert Zone'.
Note was made that the Royal Crown in Wellington Road had closed down.
Chris Fry was hoping to do a 'Last Orders' event nearer to Christmas.
Chris had previously sent a mail on Community Cashback.
Community Cashback is a national initiative that is giving the public the chance to decide how the ill-gotten gains of criminals can be used to benefit their communities in the fight against crime. Up to £95,000 will be made available in Avon and Somerset to fund community projects that are linked in some way to crime or anti-social behaviour. Members of the local community are invited to propose projects for funding,
8. Parish Council
Items discussed at the recent Parish Council;
PACT.
Village website.
Persimmon planning application in Bishops Hull Road.
Street cleaning.
9. Treasurers Report
Bank balance is £355 but TDBC have not invoiced the LAT for the last three meetings at Robins Close.
Chris Fry could obtain a small amount of extra funding if required.
10. Any Other Business
Tom and Claire would not be available for the next meeting.
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 8th September 7pm Robin Close community meeting room.
Tom Catherall
Secretary BH LAT
10th August 2009