Agenda item

To receive any verbal updates from Partners and Community Groups present, including:

·       Police – Neighbourhood Teams

·       Tenants Panel

To note the following written updates attached to the agenda:

a)    Fire

b)    Wiltshire Council Items for Information – No Cold Calling Zone/Toolkit

c)     Wessex Cross Border Working Group

Note: Speakers are reminded that they each have a 3 minutes slot, unless they have previously discussed alternative arrangements with the Community Area Manager.

Fire & Rescue – Mike Franklin

There had been two chimney fires during February. Mike advised that anyone who had not yet had their chimney swept, to consider having it done.

There had been some information in the press recently regarding the possibility of Wiltshire and Dorset Fire Services combining. A Business plan would be produced and considered by both Services.

The Board was then shown a short DVD showing recent work of the Fire Service.

The following question was received:

·       If the Services combine, can we have assurance that there would not be a reduction in services? Answer: There would be no change to frontline services.

Police – Inspector Andy Noble and Inspector Alan Webb

• Movement from the Wilton Road site to Bourne Hill would start in early June.
• The Response teams would move to Amesbury in late June.
• The rank of Chief Inspector would be removed from the structure.
• The Salisbury custody suite would close on 27 June 2014.
• A site in Salisbury had been identified for the new custody suite to be built. The site would include a storage & depot facilities and would be operational in approximately 18 months time.
• Superintendant Charlie Armstrong would be responsible for all business matters in Salisbury (Wilton), Amesbury and Warminster.
• Inspector Noble would be moving to a new post serving Superintendant Armstrong by June. His replacement would be Inspector Dave Minty.
• Inspector Alan Webb would remain in charge of Mere and Tisbury community areas.
• A recent spike in figures for Tisbury was linked to issues at a Public House, Officers had spoken with the licensee, and the situation was now under control.
• Following a spate of non dwelling burglaries, 46 Officers had worked with Dorset Police on a cross border night operation to target theft of tree surgery equipment, fighting cocks and working dogs.

The following questions and comments were then received:

·       Wilton Town Cllr, Phil Matthews personally thanked Inspector Noble for his work. He asked who would replace the PCSO in Wilton once Ben moved on to his PC training programme. Answer: That post would be vacant, it was not know yet who would fill this position. The new tranche of PCSC recruitment would take place in November. Other vacancies existed in Downton and Alderbury. An experienced PSCO form the Salisbury area would be filling the gap temporarily.

·       If you are taking people in custody to Melksham, how will they get back after being released? Answer: Risk assessments are carried out on all prisoners prior to releasing them. Those who are vulnerable or in need of assistance will receive help.

·       What number of staff do you have going into Bourne Hill and where will the vehicles be parked? Answer: There would be around 50 – 60 staff located at Bourne Hill, the fleet would mainly be kept at Amesbury. There are 20 Officers in the Neighbourhood Policing Team, but just one vehicle.

·       Are the Police involved in cold calling residents to enquire about home security, as a recent caller had asked for details of home security, and had implied that they were linked to the police? Answer: No the Police are not involved with this, Trading Standards had in the past dealt with security companies who have been pushy during cold calls.

Digital Literacy – Mike Leonard

A Digital Literacy event was planned for Tuesday 1 April 2014, this would be held at the Guildhall, Salisbury from 4.00 – 6.30pm. People would be able to drop in during the event for free information on how to get online, and how to apply for jobs online.