Partners And Communities Together
Partners And Communities Together
Minutes of Meeting 2nd June 2008
Present: Vicar Witts (Chairperson), PCSO Dan Adelsberg (Secretary), Margaret Sheldrick, Pc Simon Rolfe, Liam Doogan, John Garland, Brian White, Roger Walford, Roger Latchford
Apologies: Dawn Edmead, Kath Barham, Jo Roberts, Alasdair Bruce, Peter, Dennis Cooper, Charles Hibberd, Pam Vilton.
Vicar Witts opened the meeting with an introduction to everyone who attended. Apologies were made for the people who could not make it due to other commitments. The new Birchington beat officer PC Simon Rolfe was introduced to the PACT panel and his telephone number was given out to members. PC Rolfe gave the panel a history of his service so far and expressed his enthusiasm of being the new Birchington beat officer.
Vicar Witts explained that PC Weston had done a good job in the time he spent in Birchington however before his departure he was tasked to do a lot of operations, which left Birchington without a Resident Beat Officer. The panel expressed their concern that PC Rolfe may have to do different operations and will be taken from the area. PC Rolfe explained that there will be different operations to do but if he would be tasked it would not be for a long period of time. PCSO Dan Adelsberg explained that he had been accepted for the regulars and will be departing in the not to distant future. He explained that Birchington would be without a Police Community Support Officer until a replacement had been found. The panel members expressed their concern that they will be losing a PCSO and would voice their concerns to Inspector Simon Morris.
Vicar Witts explained that Birchington is the most populated Parish in Kent with a population of approximately 21,700 so a PCSO post would need to be filled.
The three priorities were discussed with regards to achievements since the last meeting. The first priority the panel concentrated on was the Petition to be sent to relevant people. Vicar Witts explained that the petition was still to be sent off, copies needed to be made and covered in the local press as to what was happening with it. The petition needs to be sent to Roger Gale MP, Local Magistrates, and the residents of Birchington. PC Rolfe stated that he would need to get some photos of himself around Birchington to highlight who he was and possibly get himself in the paper advertising himself and PACT. Margaret Sheldrick mentioned that it might be a good idea if PC Rolfe and Vicar Witts were photographed with the Petition handing it to the public.
The second priority was Youth Facilities; Liam Doogan explained the running of the youth club was believed to be done by Pipeline however an error of communication with pipeline meant that no volunteers had been found. Liam Doogan stated that the Methodist Church Youth Club was currently closed and will be until around September. Pipeline need to get locals involved in the local youth club instead of pipeline running it, Liam stated that no volunteers or youths would be turned away if they wanted to attend to club.
Vicar Witts explained that Pipeline need to talk with Scripture Union as they are unaware of the activities they do and the involvement they have with youths. Funding needs to be given to Scripture Union to get youths involved. Liam Doogan states the bus still turns out at the recreational ground every Thursday and every Monday sports equipment will be at the recreational ground for the youths to use. John from the Grange Boxing club has been attending the Marlowe School for the sport4nrg group, John is continually trying to get the youths involved within communities however is continually facing a uphill battle. Liam Doogan has been tasked by the Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership to find interventions for youths as Birchington is currently reported to have a problem with Anti social behaviour.
John Garland asked if youth club is closed what will happen to scripture union and other youth clubs, Liam Doogan stated permission has been given to open for these events and the keys are available. Liam Doogan states that Thanet District Council has published a summer program for youth activities he has ordered a large amount and will distribute accordingly.
Vicar Witts explained that there would be a meeting at the Seaview Hotel Tuesday 3rd June 2008 at 1900hrs. This will be to discuss the pavilion at the recreational ground Phil Pittock will be at the meeting to discuss the proposal.
Liam Doogan explained that the youth facilities such as the yacht club at Minnis bay and the jet skis at Beresford gap need local advertisement to get the youths interested. Kent County Council recently sponsored a sailing intervention scheme in Dover and Herne Bay and this was an apparent success, the PACT panel will look into this and see what is available for the youths and the area. Liam Doogan said that the Youth Matters magazine would be handed out in schools by himself and around the isle by Thanet District Council.
The third priority was parking issues, PC Simon Rolfe said that he will take a no nonsense pro active approach to dealing with the problem of parking in Station Road and Canterbury road. PC Simon Rolfe said that if people were breaking the law then they would be ticketed until the problem is resolved.
Vicar Witts would like details from Margaret Sheldrick with regards to the disability pack that Margaret showed at the last meeting; Margaret stated that if anybody requires a pack then to contact her.
Roger Latchford asked PC Simon Rolfe if the new stop and search powers would be used as there is a fear of knife culture currently in the UK. PC Rolfe said that if there is just cause then he will not hesitate to search people.
Roger Latchford is concerned that the problems that existed at the Pewter Pot have now moved to The Powell Arms, PC Rolfe explained that any pub will be targeted if there is anti social activity taking place and the problem will be moved out.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 1955hrs.
Date of next meeting: Monday 4th August 2008 at 1830hrs;