NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
NIDDERDALE
CAP TIER II GROUP
Minutes of the A.G.M. meeting held on 3rd March 2010.
Attendance: G. Linehan (V. Chairman), Sgt. C. Turner, S. Render, Cll. J. Fort (N.Y.C.C.), M. Sims, P. Flynn, S. Lee, Bewerley P. C. x1, Dacre P.C.x1, D. Hubbard (Youth Services), C. Henderson (C. of Trade), Bishop Thornton P.C, H. Alexander, M. Foster, H&J. Mortimer, D. Dyson and A. Kent.
Apologies: Insp. S. Breen, L. Ellington, R. Grange, J. Galloway, K. Gay, Pateley T. Council, C. Hall and J. Bird.
The v. chairman welcomed everyone. The meeting was declared open.
Minutes: The minutes of our November meeting were signed as a true record, after one amendment: S. Render covers Harrogate and Knaresborough. But not Ripon. Proposed by P. Fort and seconded by M. Sims.
There were no matters arising.
Election of Officers: After thanking everyone, especially the local police for their support, the V. Chairman stood down, and. Sgt. C. Turner took over the chairmanship of the meeting, for the election of officers.
Nominations were received as follows:
Chairman: G. Linehan. Proposed by Ann Kent, seconded by M. Sims and P. Kirkbright.
V. Chairman: P. Flynn. Proposed by J. Fort, and seconded by G. Linehan.
Secretary: A. Kent. Proposed by G. Linehan, seconded by J. Beall.
J. Fort proposed to elect en bloc.
Committee elected unanimously.
Sgt. Turner thanked the committee for their work throughout the year.
Police Report: Sgt. C. Turner issued the spring newsletter, which contained updates on Social behaviour, youth club, crime trends and the police surgeries (Copy on file).
Crime figures across the P. Bridge and Nidd Valley have seen a small increase, with static figures in lower Nidd and decrease in Washburn. A breakdown of the figures, are in the newsletter, issued to parishes and members. We are in a very low crime area. House burglaries are the main source of the figures, but with a higher police visibility, with some arrests in the main areas of crime, hopefully these will abate. A majority of the criminals travel from west Yorkshire into the lower dales, because of the easy road access and escape routes, especially in the Washburn ward, thus their figures are disproportionable. The police are targeting security issues and promoting N.H.W. If they came up the dale there is only one main access route. Smart Water use was again highlighted, but some stated that it was a tedious route to obtain a supply. Sgt. Turner stated that the quickest route was to visit Nidd + Office, in P. Bridge. Success figures of its use are not available. Anti social behaviour reports from Dacre and Summerbridge areas are been investigated with a 'problem solving scheme' scheduled, which has previously had success in P. Bridge.
Questions from the Public: A delegation of parishioners, were present from Smelthouses, with Mr. Mortimer speaking on their behalf: Concerns voiced about road safety and the actual road surface through their village, as many people were now travelling from B. Yates to Wilsill due to 'Sat Nav' guidance. This road does not have a classification number, has 'blind spots' and over-hanging trees, but a lot of traffic is travelling through the small hamlet, which is in a dip. There are drainage problems, which affect the road surface, with side drains collapsing due to the heavy vehicles and large tractors, which use the verges as passing places, and also damage the trees. The old drains were built years ago, very well, but will not withstand the weight of today's traffic. Photographic evidence was available.
The residents would like new highway signage, as 20 children now live in this small hamlet and safety is paramount. Besides which, they are on the Nidd. Way, the main route to B. Rocks and there are horses and llama treks locally. Eighteen months ago N.Y.C.C. had promised new signs (but they are soon damaged by the traffic). A delegate came to see them and didn't think that they would get any 20/30 Mile an hour signs. The narrow bridge was also a concern. A pavement would be beneficially if nothing else could be done.
Cll. Fort took details and liased with the residents. To allay their fears, the bridge is inspected regularly, but he could request another inspection. Police deal with speeding and highways with the road. Mr. Dyson, a resident of 10years has noticed a steady decline of the road. As it is an old coach road, couldn't weight limits and speed restrictions be implemented? Alas it is a problem throughout the whole dale.
The police and councils will look into the situation and report at the next meeting.
The delegation left the meeting, after thanking everyone for listening to them.
Fire Station Report: Simon Render gave an up date: Since Jan. 16 smoke detectors had been fitted, and 28 are outstanding-due to the inclement weather conditions. Further risk assessments at Darley, Greenhow and Summerbridge, after Dacre completed. The auction mart visits, which offer safety advice and smoke alarms to farmers, continue in the afternoons of market days. (During the a.m. they are more concerned with sales of stock).
The 3 new recruits at the S' bridge station passed some preliminary exams recently, and another two recruits have come forward. They have never been as well off for fire fighters! They had 52 calls last year, which indicates their level of commitment. In Jan. there was a flat fire where someone was trapped inside: It took the brigade only 12 min's from call out to actual rescue, with 3 juniors and one senior officer: This incident is on tape. Flooding incidents have been more prevalent recently.
P. F. stated that this indicated the importance of our retained fire fighters. Regarding a new station: Negotiations are underway to purchase some land, which had previously had a European license, which prohibited local council involvement. This has now run out, and progress made. Money is in the council budget, and ring fenced for the project.
H.A. asked about the time it took an engine to reach N. Rigton, in an emergency. S. Render informed that an extensive study was completed before the new station was built, besides which Otley have a further two engines to assist if necessary A fire plan and smoke detectors give early warnings, and are preferably to the use of portable ladders, which some people purchase.
Youth Report: Dave Hubbard up-dated on the Youth club activities. He read out a report. The full report is available from K. Gay. P. Bridge youth club is up and running in the Methodist Chapel, with three youth workers besides Kevin Gay and Adrian French, who is based at Bilton. Any queries on youth work should be sent to these two leaders. The Hampsthwaite club is still closed due to venue H&S problems. Out-reach work is undertaken by some workers, and the mobile unit is used locally. Ideally they would like to hold sessions at the Sports centre again. Problems have been identified, but N.Y.C.C. are again involved with decision making after the government kept changing their minds regarding which section youth work came under. Their community fund grant was spent on new equipment. No 6 galleries is to be used for craft based activities and exhibitions. Hopefully the Youth Club will be publicly launched in May.
. Neighbourhood Watch: Mike Sims updated us on the NHW, as the area delegate, G. Pearson unable to attend. The website is worth a visit www.nwatch.harrogate.net. It contains seasonal advice. Ringmaster has identified cycle thefts particularly in the Harrogate area as high risk due to their costs, with some now been over £3,000-00's. Fuel is also a priority due to its cost. Land-rover Defenders, in the Skipton area are stolen for the aluminium content, and their parts. It has been a tough time for businesses, but due to the inclement weather some crimes have reduced. As spring is round the corner remember to guard garden equipment. Tracker devices are often fitted by contractors, but are expensive to fit.
A.O.N.B:
- Venues for the year were discussed. March and September are usually in Pateley. Some members believe as it is central all meetings should be held there. Alternative suggestions of Darley and Beckwithshaw were put forward for June and December. Hire fees to be sourced, and secretary to liase with the chairman. Speakers were also discussed, with members preferring to have one at future meetings. Ruth Andrews, from N.Y.C.C. Trading Standards will be approached for the next meeting.
- N.Y.C.C. J. Fort informed us about gypsy camping along side highways and rivers. There is a bye -law stating that they can -not stop in certain areas. Where they are problems a suggestion is to erect 'A Bund', (A mound of earth), particularly on riversides, however fishermen do need parking facilities.
- Salt/grit: During the inclement weather people have been helping themselves to supplies. This is acceptable if they are having problems on the nearby highway or footpaths, but not so for their own driveways etc. Therefore only small piles are left on roadsides, with the main store kept safely in depots. The government have penalised those authorities that have managed their supplies successfully. (Recently taking supplies to other areas, who have run out of grit/salt)?
- N.H.W.-How effective is it, regarding arrests? Sgt. Turner stated that all information received is fed into intelligent banks, and could be the missing piece of a jigsaw in a case. To be noted: One can usually receive a reduction in insurance premiums of 10-15% if in a N.H.W. scheme, or a No cold calling area.
- A recent incident involved a report of 3Asians visiting houses, but when investigated they were delivering take-a-way menus.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending and taking part in the meeting. The Meeting closed at 8.55 pm.
Next Meeting: 2nd June. The venue will be forwarded on the agenda.
Apologies: Ann Kent. Tel. 01423780495. Or ann.kent848@btinternet.com
Future dates and venues: 1st Sept. at Pateley Council Offices, 1stDecember at C.C.C.C. Darley, and 2nd March at Pateley C. Offices.
Reference: * Highway problems at Smelthouses.
*Successful recruitment at S'bridge station.
*Youth provision in the Dale.
Ann Kent (March 2010)