Young People's Question Time 2009
Tackling litter and graffiti, providing free bus travel for under-18s and MP’s expenses were among the topics which councillors were grilled on at a Question Time-style event.
Young people from across the district quizzed a panel of North East Derbyshire District councillors during the event, which was held in the Council Chamber on 2nd July 2009.
Other topics up for discussion included:
- Improving drainage and lighting at the park on Tennyson Street, Mickley
- Including facilities for young people in the regeneration of Clay Cross
- Tackling underage drinking in Killamarsh and Eckington
- Improving the health of young people in the district
Jointly organised by NEDDC and Derbyshire County Council’s Youth Service, the session was the latest in a series of similar events held over the last 18 months.
All the questions and responses are shown in full below.
Question 1
Why has the park area on Penncroft Drive in Clay Cross been changed to an area with flower beds?
Answer
The areas are open space/highway verges which the local resident association have established flower beds.
The residents in the surrounding area opposed to the play equipment being sited on Penncroft Dive. The Parish Council, Lovell’s builders and Rykneld Homes are now working towards creating a new play area, football pitch and walking/seating area in the field at Bevan Road.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
This was a case of the right equipment but wrong location. It was decided to relocate the equipment to Bevan Road and the local residents were consulted.
Question 2
In the regeneration of Clay Cross town centre, are there any plans for play areas/ parks?
Answer
There are no play areas within the town centre GMI/Tesco redevelopment scheme although there will be a landscaped walkway between Market Street and the new supermarket, providing some greenery.
The GMI scheme cannot be considered in isolation however as it is just one part of the wider redevelopment of Clay Cross. The town centre is in the middle of three large areas of open space/sports facilities which can be/are being developed further. There are significant new sports and recreational facilities currently under construction on the former Egstow Quarry/Biwaters site.
In addition the owners of the former Biwaters site own a significant area of land next to Kennings Park which they have offered to the Parish Council if their current planning application is successful, in order to provide more open space/country park facilities for the town whilst land in their ownership to the north of the town has been offered to the Council as open space too. The Council is keen to develop attractive/green links across the town centre between Kennings Park, Egstow sports facilities (and Tupton Hall School) and also Sharley Park.
The Council together with DCC is currently considering options for the future of the infant and junior school sites which will hopefully include green linkages across this part of the town centre.
There is currently a Clay Cross community consultation activity being carried out by Bryan Harrison in EDU and interested members of the community can complete a questionnaire with their ideas for the future of the town which can include ideas about recreation. Questionnaires and Newsletter are available.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
Councillors pointed out the consultation questionnaires that form part of the Clay Cross regeneration consultation and suggested that they could complete these.
Question 3
What are the Councillors views on vandalism and to what extent is vandalism on the increase/decrease? Also, what can be done to improve local communities where vandalism has taken place?
Answer
Vandalism is totally unacceptable and is not widespread throughout North East Derbyshire, rather it occurs in pockets. Young people can assist by anonymously informing of offenders so that action can be taken.
Criminal damage throughout NED has reduced however some areas still give cause for concern. Figures for specific areas are available on Derbyshire Constabulary website.
Liaise with our Cleansing i.e. report incidents to them to get them cleared. Obviously it depends on who the land belongs to as there is quite a lot of Parish Council land in Tupton.
The most successful way to reduce criminal damage (vandalism) is to engage communities which may include young people on projects including community clear ups organised by the community safety partnership. This gives a more sustainable situation where the community takes care and pride in their own environment. During community clear ups probation service have assisted the partnership using sentenced offenders on community pay back schemes.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
Believe that vandalism in Wingfield is on the decrease. When the flower beds were planted it was thought that these would be uprooted within weeks but they have not been vandalised.
CLLR NIGEL BARKER
In Pilsley, Morton, Stretton and Oxton the level of vandalism has reduced. A youth club has been opened which is run by parents and part funded by the Parish which may have acted as a diversion. Police have also made great progress on this crime and other lower level crimes.
In relation to this restorative justice has been brought in by the Police this year. This means that for lower level crimes where both the victim and the perpetrator agree, some compensation can be made – either in actions or money – rather than result in an arrest and criminal record. For example a fence that is grafittied could be re-painted by the person who had carried out this act of vandalism.
CLLR TERRY MOON
Street vandalism not acceptable in any circumstances.
Additional question “Is there any specific effort to reduce vandalism?”
Safer community team engage with young people and provide distraction activities. The NEOS machine is an example. Also Youth Service is partner in this work.
CLLR PETER RIGGOTT
In Killamarsh we have monthly walkabouts and we would then note any graffiti etc. Also we have had Friday evening walkabouts with the Police to tackle the problem of under age drinking and anti-social behaviour. However, vandalism can be caused by older people who have had too much to drink. In terms of youth activities we have the skate and ride park.
CLLR LILLIAN ROBINSON
In Holmewood and Heath the situation has been improved. Not many acts of vandalism anymore except for bus shelters and empty houses. There is a good Police beat team and the Parish Council work closely with Youth Service. Again some of the vandalism is drunken men not young people.
CLLR TRISHA WILLIAMS
Question 4
There is a park on Tennyson Street, Mickley – can anything be done about drainage and lighting?
Answer
There are no plans at this time to install drainage/lighting. The Parish Council have funded a new footpath and the drainage may now be resolved now the site is established and is it was installed during the winter months.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
Not seen park and don’t know how bad it is, but I know that drainage and lighting has been a problem at other parks. Floodlights cost £20K and drainage isn’t cheap so don’t expect these problems to be solved quickly. However, I would suggest taking local councillors to see how bad it is particularly when it has rained heavily or when it is dark in winter. Changes will not happen quickly as very costly but get Parish Council to commit to a timescale for improvements.
Always get in touch with local councillors and the Parish Council and be forceful. Also approach Rykneld Homes and ask for funding.
CLLR PETER RIGGOTT
Be prepared before you speak to your Parish councillor. Do some research and get local people support.
CLLR PATRICIA WILLIAMS
Question 5
Is there anything that can be done by the Police and Local Government other than moving problems with drinking and anti-social behaviour from one area to another Eckington to Killamarsh?
Answer
Yes there is: other agencies such has the Youth Service becoming more actively involved to divert youth away from drinking and causing anti-social behaviour. This has been evident in Eckington and Killamarsh.
At the beginning of the year an alcohol exclusion order was put in place following considerable alcohol related disorder in Killamarsh. This has proven to be very successful in reducing problems in this area because it has been assisted by a multi agency approach which has lead to young people diversionary activities including football tournaments etc. there is no evidence that this action has lead to an increased problem in neighbouring communities.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
Not many officers for whole area only have small proportion of time for each area.
There is some moving of the problem from one area to another. This may be
hard to avoid as now we all have mobiles and can talk to each other about where to meet up so it’s easier to meet together in big groups.
Additional question: “Is there anything specific that could be done?”
The Safer Neighbourhood Team and diversionary activities all work towards this as they get to know the ring leaders and minority who cause trouble. Finding something else for hangers on to do. There is also an important role for local young people to tell us who the ones are that are leading them on and getting them into trouble.
In Killamarsh Sylvia from the Youth Service provides free BBQ’s.
Police started up football team and some members have now been taken on by Chesterfield Football Team.
There is also possibly a need to provide counselling for those who have problems in their lives.
CLLR LILLIAN ROBINSON
Question 6
Is it possible to get lighting in the alley next to Springvale Close in a hope to reduce crime?
Answer
Councillor Peter Riggott will be answering this question.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
Clay Cross Parish Council are already looking into it because existing lights are hidden by bushes. The Parish Council are active in this area, and have provided lighting in the Square at Danesmoor.
Don’t forget that there are extra maintenance costs and higher electrical bill as well as installation costs.
Currently there is a £1.35m County Council Bill for street lighting.
Question 7
Has the District Council made free swimming available to under 18’s in full time education?
Answer
16s and under receive free swimming in accordance with Government scheme. We are considering an option to extend to 17-19 year olds linking with Active and Healthy Lifestyles and the PCT but this is at an early stage at the moment.
In addition, the Leisure Pass/Concessionary Pass scheme gives reduced swimming to those over 16 in full time education.
Additional response from Councillor(s):
16’s and under receive free swimming in accordance with the Government scheme. We are considering an option to extend to 17-19 year olds linking with Active and Healthy lifestyles and the PCT but this is at an early stage at the moment.
In addition, the Leisure Pass/Concessionary Pass scheme gives reduced swimming to those over 16 in full time education.
CLLR LILIAN ROBINSONQuestion 8
What are the Councillors’ views on the age group of 16 – 18’s in full time education receiving concessionary travel?
Answer
We support this idea. Recognise problem with crossing boundaries from Yorkshire to Derbyshire. Cannot be done locally though, has to be a national scheme.
CLLR LILIAN ROBINSON
Question 9
What are the Councillors’ views regarding the recent MP’s expense claims?
Answer
Guidelines are no excuse – not acceptable, local councillors are much more tightly controlled.
CLLR PATRICIA WILLIAMS
Role of the media. Not always correctly reported. Internet is also often incorrect. Overall though an emotive subject. Majority of MP’s not acted incorrectly but others have been picked out.
CLLR LILIAN ROBINSON
System been abused. MP’s have been greedy and silly. Reasons for low majority because of this problem.
The Labour party, as they are in power should have been better than others.
Should be subject to same inspection and punishments as benefit claims and abuses. MP’s should be subject to same code of conduct as local councillors. MP’s brought in rules for councillors but didn’t bring in rules for themselves.
CLLR PETER RIGGOTT
Many claimed within the rules – but the rules are wrong. Those abusing the system shouldn’t be allowed to stand again. The fraudulent should be prosecuted.
Shouldn’t be left to the papers to have to publish this. MP’s should have done it themselves, instead they released it after and edited it.
Please don’t abstain from voting though, don’t let it put you off.
CLLR TERRY MOON
There is no excuse or defence.
CLLR NIGEL BARKER
Question 10
How can the District Council further improve the health of young people in the district and would it be possible for them to organise another fun health day at Sharley Park?
Answer
In our business plan, we have scheduled a 2 week health awareness promotion to cover all 3 leisure centres around February/March 2010 and within that time scale we will have a specific health day at each site. Each site will target local health issues reflecting identified priorities based on info from info such as state of the district.
Improving health of young people we have – free swimming for 16s and under, Leisure Pass scheme, Activo Plus option for gym membership, student saver cards for gym and swimming, junior gym activities and prices, outreach work in schools through Active and Healthy lifestyles, work with Derbyshire Sport supporting talented athletes and sports leaders awards, volunteering opportunities, Lifeguard training at Leisure sites. Arts team facilitates many different initiatives such as Dance.
The Active and Healthy Lifestyles team also have a young person health officer assisting with joint PCT schemes aimed at health priorities – the 5 – 60 scheme is a county wide initiative.
Question 11
Killamarsh has a population of approximately 10,500, why is it we only have limited police cover when other areas seem to have much more?
Answer
Police resource allocation is a complex matter built around many factors such as geographical and demographical data, calls for service, community profiles, crime, social deprivation etc.
Killamarsh continues to see reductions in many areas of crime and calls for service and a lot of resources and finance have been put into the area by a number of partner agencies to ensure this continues.
The police operate a community involvement scheme where members of the community are able to come out on patrol with the police to experience the positive work that is undertaken with the resources provided. There are a number of layers of policing in the community and Killamarsh is no exception. These range from community policing, response policing, Operational police, to protective services.
Question 12
Young people in Holmewood are very pleased that they have new facilities in the village, such as the MUGA and the teen shelter. However they are concerned about the maintenance of these facilities; for example only three of the six flood lights at the new MUGA are now working. Could councillors reassure young people that maintenance will be carried out on all new facilities for young people?
Answer
First of all the maintenance of the area around, including the lights is carried out by the Heath and Holmewood Parish Council. The Parish Council have been aware of the light problem and have taken steps to rectify the situation. Initially, the Parish Council arranged for the lights to be changed. However, they kept blowing. This has happened a number of times. The next step was to have the fuses looked at. Again, the same problem reoccurred. Because the lights are outside the MUGA and are fitted into the grassed area this meant using cherry pickers at a cost of between £200-£300 each time.
The Parish Council and the clerk took the decision to rethink the approach to solve the problem, especially at the moment with the nights being light. Cllr Patricia Williams has expressed her concerns and instructed the Parish Clerk to agenda the issue at the next parish meeting in July. The answer may lie in taking down the current lights and re-sighting them, or similar, within the MUGA. That would certainly make it easier for maintenance. The Parish Council have a light expert in our chair of Parish, so we can "pick his brains" for a solution and the Parish Council hope to have the problem solved before the onset of dark nights.
Question 13
Young people in Holmewood are concerned about litter in some of the areas around the five pits trail, have councillors any suggestions on how to reduce this problem?
Answer
Response from Cllr Patricia Williams:
I have met with the Area Manager at the DCC Rangers office in Clay Cross. She, like me, was pleased to hear that the young people were taking an interest in the trail. The wardens regularly patrol the 5 pits to litter pick. However, with it covering a wide area it can be difficult to keep it spotless. They can, and have in the past, called on the community punishment team to help out. One area of concern was the trees and bushes at the top end of Devonshire Terrace. It has now been cleared of low growing bushes etc.
However, to get back to the question. She would be more than happy to organise a community clear up with the young people if they are willing. Another solution would be litter bins. The budget that they have is unable at the moment to either pay for installation or to pay District to empty them. Again, I am going to take the idea of the bins to Parish to see if we can, in any way, pay for installation and emptying in the Holmewood/Heath area. Obviously the only long term solution is education and people taking their rubbish home. However, people being what they are, some don't think about the impact on the environment.
She also asked me to put forward a suggestion to the youth group within the village with regard to Williamthorpe ponds. They will be looking to enhance the area and would be grateful for input from the young people of the area. If they are interested I, or even they, can talk to the youth leader and invite her along to one of their meetings. From little acorns etc.
Response from Derbyshire County Council
Our Rangers routinely litter pick the entire length of the 5 Pits Trail particularly at Holmewood.
We are reluctant to install litter bins as research and personal experience shows that this tends to add to the problem (bins get full over flow and people leave litter that they would normally take home people bring additional rubbish).
If you have any queries about our Young People's Question Time event, or are a young person wanting to get involved with the work Council, please contact our Consultation and Community Involvement Team (details below).
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