The below information provides a summary of the review evidence and Committee sentiment expressed across the meetings held as part of the Safety in the Town Centre Review.
The Communications and Community Protection Teams have also provided suggested actions for the Committee to consider if it wishes to, in the ‘possible actions’ column.
|
Meeting Date |
Evidence Provided |
Brief Sentiments expressed |
Possible Actions |
|
6 October 2022 |
At the meeting: Presentation and Q&A session with:
Community and Strategic Partnerships Manager (MBC)
Youth Hub Delivery Manager (KCC)
Partnership Sergeant, Community Safety Partnership (Kent Police)
Appendix and Agenda Papers
Extract from Community Safety Plan
Extracts from Town Centre Strategy Data Pack
|
Greater communication on achievements of Town Centre Task Force
Importance of Members continuing to report crimes witnessed.
|
Continue regular Meetings with Kent Police Press Office.
Request to Kent Police Press Office promote the multi-agency work of the TCTF.
Request Kent Police publicise their community engagement plans, to allow the Council to align its actions to this.
Encourage all Members to sign up to the ‘My Community Voice’ facility provided by Kent Police.
Provision of contact details for reporting mechanisms.
|
|
18 October 2022 |
At the meeting:
Q&A session with
Martyn Jeynes, Community and Strategic Partnerships Manager (Maidstone Borough Council)
Mark McLellan, District Commander (Kent Police) Steve Kent, Inspector (Kent Police)
Ellen Shaw, Youth Hub Delivery Manager Maidstone (Kent County Council)
Ilsa Butler, Bid Manager (One Maidstone)
Emma Price, Violence Reduction Unit Co-Ordinator (Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit)
Agenda Papers Appendix 1 - Themes identified from the Member Briefing (6 October 2022) Appendix 2 - Presentation provided at the 6 October 2022 Meeting |
Emphasised the importance of improved communications; specific reference to successful interventions, partnership working, provision of youth services, and contact details for partner organisations and council services such as Domestic Abuse support.
Members to continue reporting crime.
Members role in supporting the services provided and engaging with young people directly and through raising work undertaken with their political groups.
Further information on delivery of training, such as Boys2Men and Active Bystander.
Concern expressed over increased Nitrous Oxide use. |
For updated Communications Plan to be circulated – all elements of communications work outlined.
Encourage all Members to sign up to Stay Connected online newsletters.
Recommend that the Lead Member investigate the possibility of an Annual Community Safety Partnership Event with all partners.
See suggestion concerning Stay Connected Newsletter.
Member representative engaging with Youth Forum.
Provision of Member & Officer Training – ByStander Training. |
|
20 December 2022 |
At the Meeting:
Q&A session with:
Julie Maddocks, Communications Manager Martyn Jeynes, Community and Strategic Partnerships Manager John Littlemore, Head of Housing and Regulatory Services
Agenda Papers
Appendix 1 – Scope
Appendix 2 - Requests from external stakeholders that attended 18 October 2022 meeting.
Appendix 3 - Themes identified from the 6 and 18 October 2022 meetings
Urgent Updates: Communications Plan 2022-23 & Responses from Housing Providers. |
Reiterated need to ensure communications produced promoted positive actions and achievements of the Council.
Concern expressed at violence and crime directed at women and young girls and the need to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Support expressed for the actions taken by the Council and its partners.
|
Specific actions within Communications Plan - see above communications focused suggestions.
Communications and engagement actions contained within Communications Plan (April 2023).
Safer Streets funded initiatives to be delivered by the relevant partners.
Continue engaging with Council activities, such as briefings. |