Issue - meetings

A representative of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal and Democratic Governance) reported that no representative of Greater Manchester Police was able to attend this meeting of the Area Committee.

Inspector Ian Ashenden attended the meeting to report on neighbourhood policing issues within the Central Stockport area. He also reported on recent crime committed in the Central Stockport area.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There was concern in the community around the shops in Bramhall Lane in Davenport about an increasing number of homeless people. Reassurance was sought that the Police were liaising with other agencies and taking appropriate action, such as increased patrols.

·         With regard to the danger to residents of off-road bikes, the Police representative was asked to provide relevant statistics and the actions they were taking in response. In addition, clarification was sought on how residents should report these incidents to the police. Feedback was requested on the outcome of Operation Camenca that took place earlier in the year and Members requested a detailed breakdown of the data received regarding the incidents of anti-social behaviour which had been reported. Members also requested that they be updated on plans for future targeted action.

·         A Member enquired how the Police were addressing the issue of anti-social behaviour from off road bikes in the Davenport and Cale Green Ward. There were problems from off road bikes on Davenport Playing Fields and the surrounding areas in Adswood.

·         A Member enquired about incidents of people walking on top of the bridge over the river on Warren Street in the town centre, and how this could be addressed or deterred in the future.

·         Further to a child being hit by a car on Neston Grove in Adswood and together with the recent report from Greater Manchester Police on local reported crime that showed several dangerous driving incidents being reported, a Member requested details of what the Police were doing to tackle dangerous driving in the Central Stockport area.

·         An update was requested on the operation of the 101 telephone number for reporting crimes and concern was raised with regard to how long some residents had waited to get through to make a report.

·         A Member enquired how the communication between local Police Officers and Councillors could be further improved, perhaps by the introduction of weekly e mails providing updates in each Ward.

·         The new initiative to recruit more special constables was raised and clarification was provided of their working relationship with the full-time officers and cadets.

RESOLVED – That Inspector Ian Ashenden be thanked for his attendance.