Agenda item

2.1 Outstanding questions from the last meeting

2.1.1 Speedwatch was confirmed as being back in operation, Mike Rich is the contact for the scheme, and he is based in Radstock Police Station.

2.1.2 Information was shared explaining that the speed camera in Saltford has now been brought back into use.

2.1.3 Sergeant Will Stephens agreed that he will be reporting back at a future meeting regarding the weekend cycling events that have been taking place in the Chew Valley.

2.2 Question asked by Chris Lewis – When searching the B&NES website the return that is provided does not provide a great deal of clear direction, is there more that could be done to improve this?

Answer: The Council have recently employed an officer that covers the broadband issues, it was hoped he would attend this meeting but has needed to postpone until a future meeting. There is a presentation that will be taking place on 23 February 2015 at the Parish Liaison Forum, information can be shared to this group at the next meeting.

2.3 The police provided an update to the meeting by providing information and crime figures that relate to The Chew Valley Area.

2.3.1 Denise Perrin asked about a forum that used to be held in Bath that looked at specific crime issues, the effect was that crimes would drop off after such meetings took place this appears to have stopped. There are certain members of the elderly community that seem to attract crimes such as distraction burglaries and door knocker incidents. The request was made for advice and materials that could be shared across the village agent network, there is a certain aspect around older people not have a correct understanding of when to use the 999 and 101 numbers.

The police explained that with the issue of door-to-door sellers the individuals are well organised. These people do require a licence to be selling, when somebody is in the act of committing an offence the police should be contact using the 999 service. The police also have an offer to attend meetings to provide advice to groups of people.

2.3.2 The issue was raised regarding ‘’boy-racers’’ on a private car park on the A368 near the garage near Ubley especially on Saturday evenings.

When reporting incidents to the police it would help if number plates are provided.

2.3.3 Community Speedwatch is provided by requests that are submitted from residents and is included as locations on a route plan.

2.4 Chris Head provided an update on the business voucher scheme that is being run with the Chew Valley Gazette. A press release will be run shortly.

2.5 Justin Hobbs provided an update from The Fire and Rescue Service.

• There is a free smoke detector service for vulnerable people that is available through the services website.
• There is to be a period of industrial action that will take place in the coming weeks, dates are yet to be announced. The impact will see both employed and retained personal involved although there is an expectation that a level of critical cover will be maintained.
• Chew Magna Fire Station is to be used as a base for the flood defence workers.

2.5.1 It was explained that the Village agents can arrange for home safety visits that are a complete room by room assessment of a property. This is presently carrying out by Care & Repair who provide a top to toe inspection with the residents. These inspections tie into the Police and Fire Service.

2.6 Councillor Paul Crossley spoke about the upcoming budget setting arrangement that B&NES Council are soon to undertake on Wednesday 18^th February following agreement by Cabinet.

• This will be the fifth year in a row that there will be a zero percent increase in the Council Tax.
• There are development plans across the whole of B&NES.
• There are no additional cuts that have not been announced in previous budgets.
• The passing of the budget down to support from other parties as the Liberal Democrats run the Council with a minority number of seats.
• B&NES are moving to pay their staff at a level that sits above the minimum wage.
• The Connecting Families programme is a top performer in the Country. Chew valley does have a small number included in this programme.
• Notices of amendments from other parties do no not include any significant change requests.