MINUTES OF JAG MEETING WED.14 MARCH 2007
Those present: Elizabeth Owen, Doreen Cornish (FWA), Victoria Hardie, Garry Turnbull (co-chair), Louise Belson (sec),
Pelle Kraft, Roger Blantern, Chris van Duuren, Nick Head (Lambeth Vice Unit), Kate Newham (LBL Community Safety Team), Eugene Ochi (LBL Transport & Highways)
1.Apologies received from: Carol Brockelsby ( Tulse Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team), Anne Brown, Nick Berry (Treasurer), Tim Sutton. Councillor Marcia Cameron.
2. Previous minutes of meeting 14.02.07 : approved
3.The Chair thanked Nick, Kate and Eugene for their attendance.
4.1 Update on vice operation from Kate Newham and Nick Head.
Nick reported that of the 81 offenders issued with ABC’s, only one had re-offended and he had been issued with an ASBO.
Nick reported an almost total absence of kerb crawlers and prostitutes using Josephine Avenue since the temporary closure of the Brixton Hill end of the Avenue for gas pipe repairs. However, activity had increased further South on Brixton Hill especially near New Park Rd. Arodene Road and Helix Road were also being used. Victoria Hardie reported more activity on Helix Road at the weekend than during the week. Nick said that Helix Road was a much easier area to police than Josephine Avenue, since it provides little cover and allows successful use of CCTV.
Eugene informed us that Lambeth intends to install CCTV with constant picture monitoring on Josephine Avenue. Nick said that the monitoring would be undertaken by Lambeth Council. Eugene reported that there had been past difficulties with CCTV installation due low light levels, private ownership of trees on which cameras might need to be placed and and overgrown trees preventing adequate visibility. Garry suggested that careful site planning could make use of the several currently open areas on the avenue. Elizabeth Owen said that the avenue seemed more secluded since the temporary closure had decreased traffic use and asked if general crime /burglaries had increased.
4.2 Safer Neighborhood Team Report. Kate reported that the Tulse Hill safer Neighbourhood Team was the only team currently working nights. This was because the prostitution issue on Josephine Avenue was a priority.
The meeting read the report from Hillary Box as follows:
Safer Neighborhood Team Panel Meeting 25.02.2007
1.The multiagency kerb crawling operation, which started in October 06, had resulted in 81 Acceptable Behavior Contracts issued to kerb crawlers. 242 prostitutes were either arrested or reported. (The police pointed out that processing arrests takes a large amount of time, during which officers are at the station rather than on the beat.)
2.The Team is focusing on addresses used for crack cocaine on the drugs priority. 5 addresses across the ward have been closed.
3.On the anti social front, the Team’s efforts had focused on 2 youths on the St Martin’s estate, one of whom has now moved away.
4.Also mentioned was the worrying prospect that Anne Widdecombe MP may pitch up at the next kerb crawlers operation, complete with TV crews. Police pointed out that they could not stop this from happening but by liaison through the press office, would have some input as to what was recorded.
5.Panel members representing the estates (St Martins, Tulse Hill, Cressington Gardens), spoke at length about the problems in their neighbourhoods (as above, plus dog fighting). It was agreed that the £3,000 would be allocated to 4 different projects dealing with young people & located on 3 separate estates, in an attempt to encourage social behavior.
6.I note that Kate Newham plus Nick Head & Marcia Cameron are attending the next JAG meeting, so you may be able to put any further questions to them in person on Wednesday.
7.The next meeting is on 26 April 2007. Please ask the JAG meeting to let me know if you have anything you would like me to raise.
5.1 Josephine Avenue Road Barrier Proposal. Eugene Ochi re-presented to the group the proposed gated closure of Josephine Avenue pointing out that if the proposed gate was sited on Josephine Avenue between the end of Leander Road and the SW end of Appach Rd. there should be no cause for increase in traffic on Helix Gardens or surrounding roads.
5.2 Road Barrier Proposal: Action and Schedule.
Eugene advised advised the group that £20,000.will be required to implement the scheme. The £20,000 comprises the cost of the gate, legal traffic order and residents consultation. We should request that the Councillor in attendance lobby for the £20,000.
If the request is successful, there will first be a consultation with residents, police and emergency services. Provided there is a min.20% response rate and the majority are in favor, an application for legal closure will be made, followed by a month’s trial prior to discussion and implementaton. The meeting agreed to contact our councilors abd request that they lobby for the £20,000.
6. Josephine Avenue Steering Group Meeting on 11 April. 6pm G.T pointed out that the next JASG meeting is scheduled for the same evening as the next JAG meeting. Since JAG members wish to attend; Kate suggested, and members agreed the meetings be combined and held at 21 Josephine Avenue. JASG business to precede JAG business.
Kate Newham, Nick Head and Eugene Ochi left the meeting.
7. Maintenance of Access Road Streetlights. Louise reported receiving and reading past JAG documentation from Tim Sutton. She reported differing opinions of the level of light produced by the new lights on the avenue and their consequent sense of increased or diminished security. Both the council and the PFI contractors evidenced current light levels at the Euoropean standard. Garry reported that he had tested light levels and found this to be correct. The meeting agreed that Lambeth must be persuaded to comply with their stated legal responsibility to maintain or re-new the carriageway lights and to replace the two missing lamposts forthwith. Louise will pursue the matter. She pointed out that where houses were fitted with exterior door lamps the carriageways were considerably brighter.
8. Treasurers Report. No report as the treasurer was not present.
9. FWA Donation/ Quotes for pillar and fence repairs.
Doreen Cornick (FWA) reported that the police had responded to her request to report the damage as an incident was not possible. The council response to her request for help was also negative. The FWA is still trying to ascertain whether the damage has insurance cover.
JAG received estimate from Singer & James for 2 sections railings repair: £1500. JAG will arrange estimates for pillar repair.
10. Josephine Avenue Website. No update yet.
11. Urban Art. Victoria asked for volunteers to run 2 hour slots on the information desk. Garry and Chris volunteered.
12. The meeting received and read the following information from PC Keith Dempster, Tulse Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team:
I would just like to make you aware of a couple of things that may be of interest to you or the groups you represent.
The first one is that of a mentoring scheme for adult men recently released from Brixton prison to the Lambeth area. There is presently a successful scheme running inside the prison but currently no follow up outside. Any volunteers would need to be well motivated and training will be given and although voluntary, expenses would be paid. If you know of anyone who may be interested please let me know by Thursday 15th March 2007 to enable further information to be sent as to how the scheme will be delivered.
The second thing is that the Brixton Splash is to take place on 5th August 2007. This is an event in the town centre and will be a fun family day with music and other events. To enable the event the run smoothly 100 community stewards from the Brixton area are to be recruited to assist in managing the event.
The intention is to provide training that leads to an NVQ level two in Event Stewarding. This is a real qualification that can be used to gain paid employment.
All training will be delivered and paid for through the organising committee. Please pass this on to anyone you feel may be interested in this opportunity.
Once again please forward names of any interested people to the Safer Neigbourhoods team. Please reply by Thursday 15th March 2007.
Thankyou for your support.
Replies should be sent to
keith.dempster@met.police.uk or
carol.brockelsby@met.police.uk or
TulseHill.snt@met.police.uk
12. Any Other Business: 85 Brixton Hill. Garry reported that a new planning application from Mr.Ansari was currently being considered by the planning department. The new proposal has a lower occupation density and is generally thought less unacceptable than previous applications by those most affected. Garry will contact the planning office and get an update.
13. JAG Printer. Garry asked Louise to get a costing for a new laser printer.
The meeting ended at 9.20pm
ACTION:
1. GT/LB Contact councilors re: Road Barrier Proposal
2. GT: Update on 85 Brixton Hill
3. LB: Pillar Repair Estimates/ Carriageway lights issue/ Printer
4. DC: Contact Insurer
NEXT JOSEPHINE AVENUE STEERING GROUP MEETING
Wednesday April 11 at 6pm
21 Josephine Avenue
NEXT JAG MEETING
Wednesday April 11 at 8pm
21 Josephine Avenue