St. Helens Council

Town Hall, St.Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1HP Telephone: 01744-456097 (Wayne Traynor, Support Officer)

Thatto Heath Ward Committee Public Meeting

Agenda

Date: 27th January 2009 Time: 7.00 p.m. Venue: Thatto Heath Primary School Membership: Councillors: Martinez-Williams, McCauley and Seddon Co-opted Members: Paul Smith, Helena Partnerships Sergeant Alan Pennington, Merseyside Police Lynne Carberry, Community Empowerment Network

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

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3. Declaration of Interests from Members

4. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

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5. Public Question Time

6. Local Issues

7. Update on Environmental Protection Planned Schemes

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8. Environmental Fund

a) Progress Report b) New Proposals

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9. Community Safety Update 15

10. Council Budget consultation

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11. Date of next meeting – 24th March 2009

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Item 2: Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Thatto Heath Ward Committee

At a meeting of this Committee held on 28th October 2008

at Nutgrove Primary School (Present) Councillor S Seddon (Chair)

Councillor R McCauley Councillor P Martinez-Williams Lynne Carberry, Community Empowerment Network Constable Tracy Awbery, Merseyside Police Tom Bate, Helena Partnerships

(Also Present) Rod Anders, Lead Officer, St Helens Council Wayne Traynor, Support Officer, St Helens Council Rachel Bennett, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator 14 Members of the Public

Welcome and Introduction

The Chair welcomed those present to the Thatto Heath Ward Committee. Each member of the Committee and the 3 Officers present introduced themselves and summarised their roles in relation to the Committee.

33. Apologies for Absence

Apologies had been received from Paul Smith, Helena Housing.

34. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting of the 2nd September 2008.

35. Declaration of Interest

No declarations of interest were received. 36. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

The Lead Officer confirmed that all issues arising from the previous meeting had been progressed and that there were no other direct issues arising from the September meeting. It was also confirmed that letters had been issued to relevant shop-owners in relation to parking issues and that any future infringement need be enforced by the Police.

37. Public Question Time

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The Chair invited members of the public to submit questions. Questions were received from the public on the following issues: Issue Raised by Response CCTV coverage at Thatto Heath Road / Scholes Lane / Elephant Lane.

Mr.C.Barrow Debate was had regarding a range of related issues including siting, coverage, functionality, awareness and image retrieval. Issue would be referred to Safer Communities Division and a request be made for a position statement to be prepared in advance of the next meting.

Nuisance & Anti-Social Behaviour

Anonymous This matter needed to be referred to both the Police and Helena representatives present and addressed outside of the Committee meeting.

Fly Tipping – rear alley parallel to Nutgrove Road

Mr.B.Finney A ticket has already been issued by Environmental Care Officers to remove the items. Cleaning of the alley has previously been undertaken.

Fly tipping – Railway Hotel Car Park

Mr.B.Finney Environmental Care Officers have looked at enforcement, but have no evidence to assist identification of the offender(s). The Council has no responsibility to remove, but have issued a ticket to do so on this occasion. The selling agent has been contacted with a view to the car park being chained off.

Blocked gulley – opposite St.Austins, Heath Street.

Mr.B.Finney Issue would be referred to Civic Pride officers.

Alleygate – adj Laminating shop, Scholes Lane.

Mr.B.Finney Issue would be referred to Safer Communities Officers.

Heath Street one-way provision. Various Delays have been experienced. It was anticipated that the provision would be in place very soon.

Public Car Park – Thatto Heath Labour Club

Various Officers would be requested to install adequate signage to

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advertise the car park as being free to the public. A clean up request would be submitted to Civic Pride Officers.

As in previous Ward Committee meetings, it was emphasised that the Committee needs to retain its strategic focus and that day-to-day issues can be directed to the Council’s Contact Centre or raised at Councillor Surgeries on a weekly basis.

38. Local Issues

• Resolved that there were no such issues to be discussed at this meeting.

39. Update on Environmental Protection Planned Schemes

The Support Officer presented an update on existing and proposed schemes within the Ward. It was noted that Leslie Road is not located in the Thatto Heath Ward.

• Resolved that the information be noted.

40. Environmental Fund

(a) Progress Report

The Lead Officer provided an update on approved and potential schemes/ projects relating to the Environmental Project Fund. This was complimented by comments provided by the Ward Councillors and the Helena representative in relation to specific schemes.

(b) New proposals The following proposals were put forward as schemes to be considered for funding from the Environmental Fund.

Issue Raised by Environmental improvements to exterior of Thatto Heath Activity Centre – landscaping & disabled access provision from car park.

Mrs J Toole

Nutgrove Primary School – activity trail & community environmental provision. Contribution to cost of overall scheme to a maximum sum of £5k.

Mr.I. Rimmer

Thatto Heath Primary School - planters

PTFA Thatto Heath Primary School

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Bridal Path – adjacent to Nutgrove allotments (Edge Street to Main Avenue)

Via Cllr McCauley

• Resolved that :

(1) It be noted that the siting of the Christmas Tree has been agreed by Ward Councillors; that switch on will be in the week of 17th November; and that the switch on will be incorporated as a community event for 2009 and beyond;

(2) The wording on the plaques approved at previous meetings be agreed as “Provided by the people of Thatto Heath via the Ward Committee”;

(3) Progress on the previously agreed scheme to locate dog fouling warning signs adjacent to Thatto Heath Crusaders’ pitch be pursued by Officers;

(4) Progress on the previously agreed scheme at Peterlee Close be pursued by Helena;

(5) The proposal in relation to the Thatto Heath Activity Centre be referred for Technical Appraisal and delegated authority be given to the Chair in consultation with the other Ward Councillors and Lead Officer to agree the scheme detail;

(6) The proposal in relation to the Nutgrove Primary School be agreed in principle, the Headteacher be requested to provide additional detail, and delegated authority be given to the Chair in consultation with the other Ward Councillors and Lead Officer to agree the detailed proposal in advance of the next meeting;

(7) The proposal in relation to Thatto Heath Primary School be referred for Technical Appraisal;

(8) Cllr McCauley contact the Nutgrove Allotment Association to identify detailed proposals.

41. Community Safety Update

An update was provided by Constable Awbery, who highlighted the changes to Inspector & Sergeant arrangements, comparative statistics and Police actions ongoing within the Ward. Lynne Carberry provided details of a free party on 28th November for those involved in Homewatch schemes and those interested in being so. • Resolved that the report be noted.

42. Any Other Business

Reference was made to the presentation provided by the Council’s Youth & Sports Development Services Officers at the Ward Committee on 22nd July 2008, whereby it was resolved that “A consultation exercise be undertaken with young people living in the Ward via the Youth Team. This exercise is to identify preferred location and

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desired facilities and culminate in a report to advise how progress can be made in attracting any required funding”.

• Resolved that the Officers be requested to provide this report to, and be in attendance at the next Ward Committee meeting.

43. Date of the Next Meeting The chair thanked everyone for turning up and provided the date of the next

meeting, 27th January 2009 at Thatto Heath Primary School.

-oOo-

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Item 4: Matters Arising

Public Question time – Issue report Thatto Heath January 2009

Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre System

Log Number ANONYMOUS () Issue received at Thatto Heath Ward Cttee 28/10/08 -

clean up of broken glass - Thatto Heath Labour club (public) car park.

Gillian Edwards responded A ticket has been put on for this area to be cleaned.

20081029-00226

ANONYMOUS () Issue received at Ward Committee 28/10/08. It was considered that there was insufficient local knowledge that the car park at Thatto Heath Labour Club is a free to use public car park. This resulted in general traffic / parking issues in Thatto Heath centre. Request is that adequate signage is provided at prime highway points to advertise the car park as being free and open to the public.

G Houghton responded that investigations have confirmed that whilst there is a sign for vehicles approaching the club westbound on Elephant Lane, there is no signage eastbound, nor are there any on the 3 approaches to the Thatto Heath Road/Elephant Lane/Scholes Lane traffic signal controlled junction. It is considered that there are potential highway and safety benefits to be gained from encouraging the increased use of this parking facility, as on-street parking, manoeuvring and conflict in the area would hopefully reduce as a consequence. Therefore, arrangements will be made to have the additional signs provided in due course.

20081029-00221

FINNEY B (MRS) Issue received at Thatto Heath Ward Cttee 28/10/08 - blocked gulley opposite St.Austins, Heath Street. One gulley has been cleared following previous contact, but another remains blocked.

The cleaning crew have cleaned all accessible gullies and will return to clean any that were missed.

20081029-00204

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BARROW C (MR) Issue received at Thatto Heath Ward Committee 28/10/08 - Question related to why CCTV at Thatto Heath Road / Scholes Lane / Elephant Lane was not in operation given recent crime in the area. Members of the Committee debated the issue, including siting, coverage, functionality, awareness and image retrieval and resolved that a request be made for a position statement to be prepared in advance of the next meting (re CCTV coverage in the Ward). In addition, it was suggested that awareness was raised by a prominent article in the local press advertising the existence of CCTV and therefore acting as a deterrent to crime / ASB.

Lead Officer to report back to the committee 20081029-00190

Item 7: Update on Environmental Protection Planned Schemes ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – LIST OF SCHEMES JANUARY 2009

Works to be undertaken Ward Location Scheme

Jan 2009 - March 2009

April 2009 – March 2010

Thatto Heath Highway Maintenance Schemes

Sherdley Road (Parts) (i) Light Column 35-30 (ii) Light Column 26-30 Carriageway Resurfacing

St. Matthews Grove Footway Reconstruction

Other Highway Schemes

33-63 Dorothy Street Rear Passageway Improvements

1-43 Hayes Street Rear Passageway Improvements

Traffic Schemes

Eltonhead Road/Nutgrove Hall Drive junction Pedestrian Refuges

Leslie Road One-way and Waiting Restrictions, Traffic Calming

Street Lighting Schemes

Elephant Lane Replace old columns with 8 m T/S 100W CD0-T lanterns

Civic Pride & Community Spaces Schemes

Platts Field Safety grass in goal mouths

Thatto Heath Jan 2009 11

Thatto Heath Jan 2009 12

Carriageway Resurfacing Scheme In a carriageway resurfacing scheme the top layers of the road surface will be removed. Manhole covers and gully

grates and frames will be set to new levels. The road surface will be regulated if required, and a new surface course will be laid. Road markings will be replaced on completion of the works.

Carriageway resurfacing is undertaken when the road surface has become cracked, rutted or has started to break up.

The new surface protects the underlying layers from water penetration, strengthens the road construction and provides an improved ride quality for vehicles.

Footway Reconstruction Scheme In a footway reconstruction scheme existing kerbs will be taken out if defective and replaced with new. The surface of

the old footway will be broken out and regulated with stone sub-base. Bitmac base course and wearing course will then be laid.

Footway reconstruction is undertaken when the condition of the footway has deteriorated to such an extent that surface

dressing or slurry seal would prove ineffective. A reconstructed footway should not require attention for a further 15 years.

14 January 2009 Jan 2009 Progress Report - Thatto Heath

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Item 8a: Environmental Fund Progress Report

THATTO HEATH WARD COMMITTEE

ENVIRONMENTAL FUND PROGRESS REPORT – JANUARY 2009

Application In Progress Works Programmed/Complete Project currently not selected

App. No. Scheme Estimated

Cost Application

Form Received Scheme

Appraisal in Progress

Scheme Appraisal Complete

Ward Committee Approved

D = under Delegated

Powers

Leader/ Chief

Executive Approved

Works Programmed

Works Completed

THH-08 Scholes Lane/St Matthews Grove Shrubs - Improvements

£2,000

THH-1-2008-21

Thatto Heath Christmas Tree £5,000

THH-6-2008-30

Sherdley Park – Notice Boards £4,500

THH-7-2008-32

Replacement benches – The Score, Sherdley Park £2,600

THH-7-2008-33

Dog Bin Facilities – adj Thatto Heath Crusaders rugby pitch

£500

THH-9-2008-34

Replacement Gating r/o 19 Peterlee Close

THH-10-2008-35

Thatto Heath Activity Centre – Environmental Works

THH-10-2008-36

Thatto Heath Primary School - Planters

14 January 2009 Jan 2009 Progress Report - Thatto Heath

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Item 9: Community Safety Update

TACKLING CRIME AND DISORDER IN ST.HELENS – WARD UPDATE

THATTO HEATH Due to the Christmas holiday period and the lack of a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Analyst over the past few months, it has not been possible to produce crime figures at a ward level. The statistics shown below are for the Police Neighbourhood, which is made up of a number of wards. These statistics are produced by Merseyside Police and published on a monthly basis on their website. During the past nine months, crime across St.Helens has continued to fall although, as reported in the past, some areas of the Borough will not experience the same reductions or have an increase. Particular success is being experienced in ‘theft from a vehicle’ where significant reductions are being made.

Borough Wide Profile April - Dec 2007/08

April - Dec 2008/09 +/-%

All Crime 11,656 10,600 - 9.1 Domestic Burglary 619 597 - 3.6 Theft of a motor vehicle 401 394 - 1.7 Theft from a motor vehicle 851 611 - 28.2 Criminal Damage 2,545 2,431 - 4.5 Neighbourhood Profile (D3 - Rainhill, Thatto Heath, Eccleston and West Park) All Crime 2041 1791 - 10.0 Domestic Burglary 141 141 Theft of a motor vehicle 82 82 - 18.8 Theft from a motor vehicle 193 193 - 42.9 Criminal Damage 519 519 -16.4

The Home Secretary launched the Merseyside ‘Police Pledge’ on the 8th January 2008. The pledge follows the national model that gives local people a clear commitment from the Police to deliver services to an agreed standard. The pledge includes a commitment to provide more information on crime in local areas including thematic crime maps of an area, to meet with local people on at least a monthly basis, have clear response times and give local people a greater say and influence over how streets are policed. This will be part of the Merseyside Police ongoing commitment as part of their Total Policing approach of a total war on crime and total care for victims. Merseyside Police - The Neighborhood Inspector for the Ward is Inspector Tim Kelly and the Sergeant is Gary Bradley.

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Ward Initiatives Re:New Thatto Re:new Thatto is the new neighbourhood management area for Thatto Heath, bringing together Health Welfare, Housing, Police & Fire service with other partners such as the Council and local groups - and YOU can get involved and influence what goes on in your area. For more information contact Re:New Thatto on 01744 675534 Anti Social Behaviour There have been a group of youths causing problems in and around the Elephant lane area, being rowdy and drinking in public. This is being tackled by the Neighbourhood Police who are also looking at the availability of alcohol in the area. The Police are also working with other partners to see what other ways we can deal with the issues. The Police are also in the process of training a member of the dedicated staff to ride the St Helens Quad bike. This will mean that some of the more inaccessible spots can be reached quickly, and will help to deal with nuisance motor vehicles being used in and around Thatto Heath. Drugs If you have any concerns about suspicious activity, please speak to one of the dedicated Neighbourhood Police Officers to let them pick up the issues. If you want to speak in confidence, please don’t forget Crimestoppers – this is an independent charity that passes your message on to the police and is totally confidential – ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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Borough Wide Initiatives

Beat the burglar

Rises in the past two months in domestic burglary has led Merseyside Police to issue the following advice to local residents. Not only has there been a rise in property being entered illegally but there has also been an increase in ‘bogus callers’ trying to gain access to property.

Many burglaries occur due to premises being left insecure. Police in St Helens are warning residents that burglars will take advantage of the smallest opportunity; an unlocked door or open window is an open invitation.

Following some simple advice could prevent you becoming the victim of burglary:

• Don't leave windows open or doors unlocked, even if you are in the garden or near your house. A thief can get through the smallest window and might often try to open a door if there seems to be no one around.

• Owners of plasma screen televisions are being advised to ensure their set is not easily visible from the street, particularly if there are a high number of people passing the house. During the evenings, leaving curtains/blinds open and lights on provides a perfect window-shopping opportunity for the burglar. Prying eyes can easily see your plasma screen TV or DVD player and know your house is full of valuable items. Don’t put your goods on show; simply close your curtains or blinds.

• Don't leave car or house keys within sight of the letterbox or a window. • Never leave the house keys under a plant pot or doormat – burglars know all

the ‘secret places’. • Secure your shed and garage properly. Don't leave tools lying around. • Security mark all your home and garden equipment with full postcode using a

UV marker pen or permanent marker. • If you have an alarm, use it. • Use internal timer switches for lamps and radios. This gives the impression

that someone is at home which is particularly important during the dark nights.

Be aware of ‘bogus callers’ to your home:

• Use your door viewer (spy hole) and door chain before opening the door to anyone.

• Make sure visitors are who they say they are by asking to see their identity card.

• If in doubt, phone the visitor’s company and check their details. • Check that your back door is locked when talking to someone at your front

door.

Please pass on this message to neighbours and others within your community.

Further advice regarding how to keep your home secure can be obtained from the Crime Reduction Officers at St Helens Police Station on 0151 777 6047 or 0151 777 6883.

'Operation Good Guy' A St Helens Success

As previously reported, Operation Good Guy was a partnership approach to tackle issues around the period of bonfire night. It operated from the 20th of October to the 10th of November 2008. The aims and objectives of this year’s operation were focused upon creating a cleaner and tidier environment throughout the borough by removing any accumulation of combustible materials by fly tipping, general rubbish and bonfire materials from all public places, open grounds parks and gardens.

It was achieved by joint partnership work utilising staff, resources and cooperation from St Helens Council, the Probation Service, Merseyside Police, Helena Partnerships, Martime and Regenda registered social landlords and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS).

The campaign was supported by a highly visible ‘advan’, advertising Operation Good Guy daily across each ward in the borough. Members of the Public were encouraged to report the build up of potential bonfires on the Council Contact Call Centre telephone number and on-line. It was underpinned by ‘Operation Banger’ - Merseyside Police's operational response to any nuisance and danger that is caused by irresponsible use of fireworks and the unlawful firework trade in general.

The results from the Operation were as follows: -

• The number of Anti-Social Behaviour calls for service to the Police evidenced a reduction of 23% over the period, including a 37.5% reduction in firework incidents;

• The number of Anti Social fires dealt by the MFRS saw a reduction of 37%, including a 52% reduction in public refuse fires;

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• The top three wards for Anti-Social Behaviour fires in 2007, the Town Centre, Parr and Sutton saw reductions in fires by 43%, 59% and 54% respectively;

• There were no incidents involving the misuse of industrial fireworks; • There were no attacks on Firefighters; and • In excess of 251 tons of combustible material was collected during the

period by the Probation Service, the Council’s Environmental Protection Department, Environmental Wardens, Helena Partnerships, Maritime and Regenda Registered Social Landlords and volunteers with the MFRS.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Divisional Officer for St. Helens Phil Garrigan said: “This was the quietest Bonfire period for some time and I would like to thank the community for working with us and our partners and helping make this happen. We have worked with the police and other partner agencies to provide a coordinated response and the results speak for themselves.”

Chief Inspector Shaun Holland said "Neighbourhood Policing Officers have supported this campaign across the borough and we will continue to work with our partners and the local community to tackle anti-social behaviour, which can blight communities and people's lives. I am delighted that the recent operation has achieved such tremendous results and has had a real impact on tackling issues that impact upon the concerns of the local residents."

Cllr Teresa Sims, the Council's Executive Member for Safer Communities, added: "I am pleased at the success of Operation Good Guy which illustrates that working with our partners we can tackle anti-social behaviour head on. I would also like to say a big thank you to the public for their support in this matter."

Useful Contacts Police 0151 709 6010 – Non Emergency Number 999 – Emergency 0800 555 111 – Crimestoppers (Provide information about crime in your area anonymously) Further information can be found at – www.merseyside.police.uk St Helens Council Tel: 01744 456789 Email: contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk Web site: www.sthelens.gov.uk For more information on what is being done across St Helens to address crime and disorder please visit the new Safer St Helens website http://safer.sthelens.gov.uk

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St.Helens…facing tomorrow’s challenges together www.sthelens.gov.uk 21

Item 10: Council Budget Consultation Dear Ward Committee Members, Consultation on the Council’s Budget Proposals for 2009-10 I am writing to you, as a key stakeholder within the Borough, to seek your views on our proposals for next year’s budget. A detailed report is attached, however, below I have set out the key issues contained within the proposals. Key Factors Affecting the Budget The Council receives a significant level of funding from Central Government in the form of a general Revenue Support Grant. This has seen an increase of 3.5% for 2009-10. This compares to a national increase of 2.8%. The Government decided in 2008-09 to amalgamate a number of specific grants into a general Area Based Grant with the intention of giving Councils greater flexibility to commit those resources to meet its own local priorities whilst contributing to the Government’s key policy directives of improved communities and neighbourhoods, better attainment in education and increased employment. The Council has undertaken a fundamental review of the existing and potential use of these resources by the Council and its partners and has allocated £29.2m to support these schemes. These awards will be subject to the agreement and achievement of key outcomes by the recipient of the grant. School funding is now given separately and can only be used for designated schools related purposes. This is to increase by 3.6% per pupil. The budget is being set in a time of unprecedented turmoil in the world economy, with the prospects of a severe downturn in economic activity and major fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. It is against this challenging background that the Council has set its budget with the intention to maintain its services, meet its additional responsibilities for the delivery of care to the young, those in specific need and the elderly, whilst supporting the economic activity of the Borough and maintaining affordable Council Tax levels. The Council has had to meet almost £4m of spending pressure in developing this budget and has done this by achieving efficiency savings whilst maintaining the standard of services it provides.

St.Helens…facing tomorrow’s challenges together www.sthelens.co.uk

However, even with the difficult situation facing the Council, we have specific proposals for investment focused on meeting our aspirations and obligations. Support for the local economy through over £9m investment in the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative over the next two years. Over £1.5m support for Carers over the next two years. Additional funding to improve the recycling of the Borough’s waste. Investment in modernised Libraries to meet the changing demands on that service. Creation of apprenticeship placements to encourage young people to obtain marketable skills and training. The Council is also planning to spend £42m in 2009-10 on capital schemes which, whilst meeting service needs, will also provide a stimulus to the local economy. These include:- Queens Park Leisure Centre refurbishment. Investment in Cemeteries and Crematorium. Continuing investment in environmental improvement and the Alleygating programme. Investment in our Extra Care Housing initiatives. Continuing investment in Schools, Highway and Housing initiatives. The focus of this budget has been about maintaining stability within service provision whilst providing a stimulus to the local economy. Your comments would be most welcome and if you would like to meet to discuss the proposals please contact me and I will arrange this. Could you please ensure that any comments are received by the Council before Wednesday, 4 February 2009. Yours sincerely,

Councillor Brian Spencer, Leader of the Council

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