Agenda item

To note the written updates attached to the agenda and to receive any verbal updates from representatives present.

a)    Salisbury City Council

b)    Laverstock and Ford Parish Council

c)     Police

d)    Fire

e)    Youth

f)      Salisbury Community Campus (including an opportunity to view the model)

Salisbury City Council – Cllr Mike Osment

Salisbury had been awarded three Silver Gilt commendations at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony held in Brighton that week. One for the Crematorium grounds, post the refurbishment project, in the ‘Cemetery of the Year’ category, one in the ‘Best Park’ category for Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the final Silver Gilt was for the City Centre in the ‘Small Centre’ category.

The results were an improvement on the previous year and recognised the value of partnership working and the quality of services being provided.

Events taking place over the coming weeks:

·         Purple Flag week runs from 27 September to 5 October. This was an excellent example of a considerable number of agencies all working closely together. A number of initiatives and events would be staged during the week.

·         The next Teenage Market was scheduled for 26 October. These markets had been hugely successful and had attracted interest from all around the country. The Council was now taking bookings from any new young trader who wished to attend, to expand the stallholder’s numbers further.

·         The 2014 Food and Drink Festival would culminate on Sunday 21 September, with a large event, sponsored by the Council on the Market Place and Guildhall Square, and into the Guildhall itself. This would  between 10am – 4.00pm.

·         The Vintage Market would return to the Guildhall Square on 26 September 2014 between 11am – 7.00pm

·         The French Market would be visiting for two days on 26 and 27 September on the Market Square.

·         On Friday 3 October 2014, the first Foodie Friday event would take place in Guildhall Square and Market Square. Over 40 food and drink producers from across the South West would be showcasing their wares, accompanied by live music.

·         On Sunday 19 October 2014 the annual Charter Fair opens with new rides and a revised layout.

·         On Friday 24 October the Carnival will parade through the City streets. Please put the date in your diary and help to support the floats and good causes which benefit from the event.

Police – Inspector David Minty

In addition to the written update attached to the agenda, Inspector Minty updated on the following:

An article in the Salisbury Journal relating to an increase in violent crime had implied that the police felt this was due to the night time economy. However Inspector Minty assured the Board that this was not the case.

Violent crime was down 8% and it was hoped that by the end of the year this figure would be right down.

There was a current lack of PCSO’s in the area; this was due to them moving up to police officer positions. Four new PCSO’s would start on Monday with initial training, with a further three PCSO’s starting on February 2015.

There had been some speculation that fewer arrests were being made as a result of the custody suite being moved to Melksham. This was not the case, the new setup actually released the arresting officer in less time allowing them to return on the beat far quicker than before.

There had been a good success with the reduction of street drinkers, with partnership working with Council and Alabare House.

Comments and Questions included:

·         The work the Police carry out in the City Centre tackling violent crime was very commendable, however there had been reports that some of the response vehicles leaving College Street car park had been driving excessively fast. Answer: The area around College Street car park was not suitable for driving at speed. Officers must use their blue lights as they are a safety function.