Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Steve Drury; substitute being named Councillor Paul Rainbow. Councillor Stephen King, substitute being named Councillor Stephen Cox. Councillor Ian Morris, substitute being named Councillor Philip Hearn.

The minutes of the Leisure, Environment and Community Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 15 March 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair of the meeting.

None received.

Councillor Philip Hearn declared a non-pecuniary interest for item 7; his mother is a resident of the Chorleywood House estate.

Councillor Narinder Sian declared a non-pecuniary interest for item 6; his family home backs onto Rickmansworth Golf Course.

The Committee are asked to receive a which requests the installation of CCTV camera equipment at the entrance to our street on the A404 – as explained in the petition details below. The petition has been signed by 104 residents.

Chestnut Avenue, and the surrounding roads in Chorleywood, have experienced a significant number of burglaries and car thefts/attempted thefts in recent years, and particularly over the recent winter period. These criminal acts have been at all times of day, and in some cases involved the use of weapons. As residents, we have been severely impacted by these events and live in fear that at some point somebody will end up getting injured or killed, leaving aside the constant fear of returning home to find our homes invaded/burgled, and treasured possessions stolen.

Chestnut Avenue is located close to junction 18 of the M25, making this road a particular target as it offers criminals easy access and escape routes.

After extensive consultation with the Police, Councillors, Hertfordshire County Council and Chorleywood Parish Council, we are seeking support from Three Rivers District Council for the implementation of CCTV cameras by the entrance to Chestnut Avenue, both to act as a deterrent to further criminal activity and also to improve the chances of apprehending the culprits if further activity occurs. After enquiries with Hertfordshire County Council, we understand that in order for CCTV to be installed on public roads, a Statutory Body is required to fund and maintain the cameras.

The Chair advised of his intention to change the order of agenda item 7 to be moved after item 8.

Clive Hallam, the nominated representative of Chorleywood, presented the petition on the request for CCTV camera installation.

The Chair reassured the petitioner that burglary and vehicle crime are key priorities for the Community Safety Partnerships team, and the council can work with the residents and the police to find appropriate options.

The Chair advised that the Lead Member for Community Partnerships, Councillor Steve Drury were to provide a written answer to the petition.

The Council’s leisure facilities management contractor, Sports and Leisure Management (SLM), will provide their annual presentation to Members to reflect back on the previous 12 months work and to outline their work programme for the coming year.

The annual review was presented by John Sewell from Everyone Active. The contract for the Leisure management is a 20 year contract, and it is currently in its 5^th year. The leisure venues the contract covers are; William Penn, South Oxhey Leisure Centre, Rickmansworth Golf Course and Sir James Altham multi use games area.

The focus is on 5 main areas:

• Increase in participation
• Health commitments
• Environment
• Accreditation
• Plans for 2023-2024

There has been a great improvement in the number of residents using the facilities throughout 2022 – 2023.

The presentation is to be circulated to Members of the Committee.

New management plans have been produced for 2023-2028 to replace the previous ones that have finished for both Bishops Wood, including Batchworth Heath and Chorleywood House Estate.

The report includes the feedback from the public consultation.

Officers advised that they were confident that external funding for the plans will be secured. The Council also receive a forestry commission grant.

Members raised concerns regarding the poor state of the footpath that leads from Solesbridge Lane to the River Chess, and the disrepair of the Grade II listed Pump House. Officers advised that these are being addressed and funding is being sought for the repairs.

Members also pointed out that the report did not include the refurbishment and maintenance of the tennis court. Officers need to first identify the budget in order to be able to secure funding to refurbish the tennis court.

A CIL application could also be considered for the refurbishment of the tennis court.

On being put to the Committee the recommendations as detailed in the report were declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee agrees to adopt the 2023 – 2028 Management Plans for Chorleywood House Estate and Bishops Wood (including Batchworth Heath).

Priorities for 2022/23 were serious violence and exploitation, domestic abuse prevention, motor vehicle crime, burglary and fraud, hate crime and counter terrorism. These are set annually, by reviewing local crime data, considering local concern, emerging issues and consultation with the local community.

The Annual Community Safety report includes different projects that have taken place under each priority; South West Herts Youth Action Panel, ‘No More’ service, providing 121 support to people who are at risk of serious violence, Herts Mind Network, Community Support Service, supporting people with mental health and complex needs. Other projects include; Violence Against Women, and Safe & Well visits, as well as training and raising awareness. A Violence Against Women and Girls Task Group has also been set up.

The new priorities for 2023/24 are:

·        Violence

·        Vulnerable people

·        Burglary and motor crime

·        Fraud and scam

·        Hate crime and Counter terrorism

The Community Safety report will be brought back to committee annually.

Members raise the following questions and points:

Q. Would the Community Safety Board include the request for CCTV camera installation in the new priorities for 2023/24?

A. Community Safety Partnerships have 6 CCTV cameras available that had been funded. These cameras can be moved around the district. If a CCTV camera is needed to be moved to a different location, there is a process to follow; a request form should be filled in first, and a sponsor from the CSP is also required. This request then goes to the board for review and the board decides if the camera can be moved. Officers can provide written information on what the process is.

Cameras are moved around, and this is down to intelligence from the police, local community and the ASB group. There is a high cost to installation of CCTV cameras, and as there is no funding to extend or increase the number of CCTV cameras, this is not included in the new priorities.

Q. Are we as a district raising awareness of drug smuggling and is it included in the new priorities?

A. Drug awareness is a high priority, and it is part of the Serious Violence Duty which has been introduced by the government recently, and officer currently working on a bid to support vulnerable people.

Community Safety Partnerships work with Youth Action Panel and Youth Justice System and Probation. They refer vulnerable people and children who are involved in drugs to us. The No More service is heavily funded in regards to working with children in the district for early intervention.

Follow up on the request for joint up report showing who is responsible for the different areas within Community Safety, and where the gaps might be in our safety.

Q. Are the different priorities on the same priority level or are there different levels to each priority?

A. The priorities are on the same level, there is no difference.

Q. Were there any success within the Burglary and Vehicle crime priority from 202/23?

A. Mainly awareness raising events have been delivered by  ...  view the full minutes text for item CCLC8/23

To receive the committee’s work programme.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee receive the work programme.

None.