LocalCouncilNews

Chichester City Council

Speeding, Community Wardens and task force

Edited extracts from draft minutes of Community Affairs Committee meeting on 14th Nov 2022. Speeding around the City and Speed Indicator Devices - Speedwatch speeding statistics in the Sussex area included 7000 letters per month sent to drivers caught speeding and compliance rate over 12 month period of 93.2%, meaning only 6.8% of drivers were caught reoffending. Over 12 month period there were 702 road traffic collisions reported although not all speed related. Council SID in use by Speedwatch group in St Pancras. Discussions about creating additional groups in other areas of the city. Community Wardens - Welfare remains a priority for Wardens and they started attending food bank sessions to make residents more aware of their presence. City Centre Wardens comments about alcohol related incidents declining and reduced incidences of graffiti. Noticeable increase in scams reported, particularly in relation to the Government’s fuel subsidies and other financial support mechanisms. Community Wardens were trained as digital ambassadors able to provide advice to residents on safe online activity and spotting potential scams. Rate of increase in crime falling from 20% rise on the rolling year in April to 11% rise on the rolling year. City Centre task force - Proposal for city centre task force with intention to bring together City Council, Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and Chichester BID to “tidy up” city centre by Easter 2023. Approval sought to undertake first stage with City Council’s Acting Property Manager. This stage would be a walk through city centre and side streets to undertake audit and list jobs needed to achieve task force aims. Intention to use volunteer groups to undertake work. Council was not being asked to commit significant resources but may supply materials for works. Agreed Council would participate in task force and Deputy Mayor, with Acting Property Manager, should proceed with first stage audit of city centre to feed in to task force activities. www.chichester.gov.uk

Petworth Town Council

Extracts from October meeting

Edited extracts of draft minutes of the Petworth Town Council meeting held 20th October 2022. Finance and General Purposes Committee - Reported that the run rate on expenditure was at 52.2% however excluding the transfer of ear marked reserves, the run rate was at 49%, which was just under the assumed run rate of 50% for the time of year. Advised that the full year forecast displayed a surplus of £5,535 at the end of the financial year. Under seconded proposal it was unanimously resolved to set up a £10,000 1-year bond with Cambridge & Counties Bank. Council had an ear marked reserve of £8,000 to fund wall repairs at Rosemary Gardens. Open Spaces committee sought quotes for specification produced from numerous contractors but only one quote received. Contractor who submitted quote was specialist in the area and undertakes work for Leconfield Estate and National Trust. Under seconded proposal, it was unanimously resolved to instruct contractor to undertake wall repairs at Rosemary Gardens for £7,850. Winter Support and Resilience Planning - Reported working group had met and discussed how council could support residents over winter, particularly given the cost of living crisis. Discussed whether Council’s helpdesk be reinstated, whether a buddy system should be set up for residents to support each other, and that working group was liaising with local facilities to establish what their winter opening times would be. Informed that Council’s winter plan could be developed to provide additional support to residents over winter. Council was recommended a Consultant to assist with writing a Resilience Plan. Petworth Park Sports (PPS) – PPS’ compliance documents were under review. Council working to ensure PPS is well placed to maximise opportunities presented by recent refurbishment of pavilion. Food & beverage operation going well. New flower beds in front of pavilion highlighted by Britain in Bloom judges. Members informed PPS recently paid for 2nd half of financial year’s license of sports ground. www.petworth-tc.gov.uk