Agenda, decisions and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Greer.

The Chairman stated that, in his opinion, the Briefing Note prepared by the Officers relating to the Roseholme Play Area should be taken as an urgent item as it contained information relating to the petition to be presented at the meeting.

Councillor Black indicated his wish to speak on the petition to be presented objecting to the proposed closure of the Roseholme Play Area.

Councillor Mrs Blackmore indicated her wish to speak on the report of the Community, Leisure Services and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee concerning the review which had been undertaken of Mental Health Services.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

Councillor Paine stated that he had been lobbied regarding the Roseholme Play Area petition.

RESOLVED:  That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meetings held on 12 and 24 February 2014 be approved as correct records and signed.

Notice has been given pursuant to Executive Procedure Rule 2.6 of the intention to present a petition in the following terms:-

We the undersigned oppose the plans to close Roseholme Playground.  This is a much needed amenity for local Children and Teenagers, providing them with an area to play in away from Traffic but near to home in a safe environment.

Mr. Paul Harper presented a petition on behalf of residents of Roseholme and the surrounding area objecting to the proposed closure of the Roseholme Play Area.  In presenting his petition, Mr. Harper made reference to the following:

·  The strength of local feeling against the possible closure of the play area;

·  The need for play areas to facilitate children’s exercise and social interaction;

·  The changing demographic profile of Roseholme with more young families with children in flats with no play space;

·  Clare Park had been mentioned as an alternative, but it was necessary to cross a busy road to reach it; and

·  Only recently local residents had been involved in a campaign to improve the play equipment

Councillor Black also addressed the Cabinet suggesting that a way forward might be the setting up of a Trust which would be able to use its charitable status to apply for funding for the upkeep of the play area and new equipment.

The Chairman said that the petition would be referred to Councillor

J. A Wilson, as the Cabinet Member responsible, to be considered as part of the consultation on the Council’s draft Play Area Strategy.

That the “Accessing Mental Health Services Before the Point of Crisis” review report be noted, and that subject to the amendment of the second paragraph of the response to recommendation 1 as set out below, the responses to the recommendations be agreed and actioned as appropriate:

This meeting will develop an action plan focused on developing a prevention and commissioning approach, with current priorities identified as dementia, children (in particular, the need for more timely access to services) and mental health.

DECISION MADE:

That the “Accessing Mental Health Services Before the Point of Crisis” review report be noted, and that subject to the amendment of the second paragraph of the response to recommendation 1 as set out below, the responses to the recommendations be agreed and actioned as appropriate:

This meeting will develop an action plan focused on developing a prevention and commissioning approach, with current priorities identified as dementia, children (in particular, the need for more timely access to services) and mental health.

To view full details of this decision, please follow this link:

http://services.maidstone.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=821

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services setting out the refreshed Community Safety Partnership Plan 2014-15.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the response to the recommendations made by the Community, Leisure Services and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee arising from its consideration of the refreshed Community Safety Partnership Plan 2014-15 be accepted; and

2.  To RECOMMEND to COUNCIL:  That the refreshed Community Safety Partnership Plan 2014-15, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Head of Housing and Community Services, be approved.

6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.