Issue - meetings

At the Council meeting on 14 September 2021, a petition was presented entitled “Make Ashley Road Safe Petition”.  The petition stated that “Drug use, drug dealing, theft, fighting, intimidation, abuse and public indecency on Ashley Road has been causing residents, shoppers and shop workers misery over the last few of years.”

The petition called for “BCP Council and Dorset Police to take action and end the serious anti-social behaviour issues and illegal activity that residents witness every day on Ashley Road, Poole."

This report sets out the Community Safety Partnerships approach to tackling place based anti-social behaviour and the specific work that has been done in Ashley Road to date

RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the contents of the report and the further actions being undertaken to address crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety and Regulatory Services

Reason

To respond to the petition presented to Full Council on the 14^th September.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

1.      Cabinet was reminded that at the Council meeting on 14 September 2021, a petition was presented entitled “Make Ashley Road Safe Petition”, and that the petition stated that “Drug use, drug dealing, theft, fighting, intimidation, abuse and public indecency on Ashley Road has been causing residents, shoppers and shop workers misery over the last few of years.”

2.      In relation to this Cabinet was advised that the petition called for “BCP Council and Dorset Police to take action and end the serious anti-social behaviour issues and illegal activity that residents witness every day on Ashley Road, Poole."

Further to this Cabinet was informed that the report sets out the Community Safety Partnerships approach to tackling place based anti-social behaviour and the specific work that has been done in Ashley Road to date.

Councillor Earl addressed the Cabinet reminding members of the lively debate at Full Council in relation to this petition and stressing the importance of measures being put into place. In addition, Councillor Earl advised that discussion had taken place with residents who had fed back on the approach being taken, and that in relation to this that residents who had been spoken to had expressed opposition to the removal of benches and the closing of alleyways, in relation to this Councillor Earl stressed that residents should be properly consulted prior to any decisions to do such if it is considered at any point. In addition, Councillor Earl emphasised the importance of addiction support workers and of engaging with people in their housing setting rather than on the street.

The Leader of the Council read out a statement submitted by the Police and Crime Commissioner emphasising the importance of measures to address anti-social behaviour.

RESOLVED that Cabinet notes the contents of the report and the further actions being undertaken to address crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety and Regulatory Services