Agenda and minutes

To consider the review. 

Request updates on the following issues including the impact on the District.  

(1)       The issue of Drug Dealing in the back streets of Morecambe and also the fact that residents are finding needles in the back streets following the inconsiderate use of drugs and this of course impacts on the wellbeing of the image of the place. 

(2)       County Line Drug Trafficking – children trafficking drugs. 

(3)       Speeding – A6 from Carnforth to the South Lakes border and Highfield Road in Carnforth.  

(4)       Fear of Dangerous Dogs. 

(5)       Statistics on Hate Crime. 

(6)       Knife Crime. 

(7)       Update on the progress regarding the agreed recommendations of the Late Night Economy Task Group. 

(8)       Raise the issue of poorly tended hedgerows and verges (overgrowing footpaths) with Cabinet Member. 

The Chairman welcomed Inspector James Martin, Councillor Brendan Hughes, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Community Safety, Clean & Green and Car Parking and the Director for Communities and the Environment to the meeting.

The Committee was reminded that it was acting in its capacity as the City Council’s designated Crime and Disorder Committee in accordance with the Police and Justice Act 2006 and Crime and Disorder (Overview & Scrutiny) Regulations 2009.

Members were given an overview of the work that was being undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership and the Lancashire Constabulary on the issues raised by the Committee.

Such issues as drug dealing, needle exchanges, county Line drug trafficking, Speeding, Dogs, Hate Crime and Knife Crime were discussed. 

Resolved:-

That the updated be noted. 

Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder with responsibility for:

Community Safety,

Clean and Green and,

Car Parking. 

Councillor Hughes has been invited to attend the meeting. 

Councillor Hughes provided an update on his portfolio.  He also provided an update on the recommendations of the Late Night Economy Informal Task Group. 

It was reported that a Multi-Agency Licensing Team (MALT) had been established made up from representatives of Lancaster City Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services, Immigration Service, Lancashire County Council and Electricity NW. 

The Committee was informed that the group meet on a quarterly basis and would be looking at performing intelligence led activity/operations but also training the group in the skills and powers available to the agencies.  The MALT was working with local universities for Fresher’s Week. 

With regard to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), it was reported that these were in place in the centres of Lancaster and Morecambe.

Regarding the annual early hours visit for the Licensing Act Committee with the Licensing Team as part of their mandatory training, it was reported that these would be scheduled once the team was fully staffed. The review of the City Council’s Policy on the training of staff in licensed premises will also be undertaken as soon as capacity is available.

Resolved:-

(1)       That Inspector James Martin, Councillor Brendan Hughes and the Director for Communities and the Environment be thanked for their attendance at the meeting. 

(2)       That the verbal reports, provided at the meeting, be noted.