The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “G”) which updates members on key areas of partnership work to build and develop community safety in the Bradford South constituency.

Recommended –

(1)       That Bradford South Area Committee notes the work undertaken by the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team and Community Safety Partners that contributes toward to addressing priorities within the ward plans for the Bradford South Area.

(2)       That the Bradford South Area Committee notes the positive partnership working that has been established with Elected Members, Council Officers, Community Organisations, volunteers and residents within the Bradford South Area.

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate

(Michael Churley - 07582 100367)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “G”) which updated members on key areas of partnership work to build and develop community safety in the Bradford South constituency.

A representative from West Yorkshire Police and the Sexual Violence Coordinator were present at the meeting to give an overview of the issues affecting the south area, which were detailed in the report.

It was highlighted that serious and organised crime and anti-social behaviour remained the main issues affecting Bradford South, resulting in unprecedented levels of demands on resources. To this end working with the Council and other partners were key in ensuring that issues were tackled effectively.

Although there had been a significant drop in the number of recorded ASB incidents, there were pockets in south where certain issues were endemic, such as in the misuse of quad bikes in Tong and Royd wards. A joint partnership approach had been adopted, which to date had seized 100 vehicles, including a number of quad bikes.

A number of Members raised an issue regarding contacting registered social landlords as well as private landlords in situations where their respective tenants were involved in some form of criminality. In response it was stated that links with InCommunities were generally good and that they were also represented on the CSP, however communication had lapsed during the pandemic which was being strengthened going forward, as well as establishing links with other RSL’s in the district. In respect of private sector landlords, the issues were more complex and the Council’s Private Sector Housing team could be approached on the issue, to ascertain what avenues and approaches maybe open in such circumstances.

A Member ascertained if there was anything being done to tackle the increased misuse of nitrous oxide, particular in instances where individuals were in charge of a motor vehicle.  In response it was stated that although the use of this substance was not illegal per se, public space protection orders could be used to tackle anti-social vehicle use.  It was suggested that further clarification should be sought from the home office on the legal status regarding the possession and use of nitrous oxide.

In response to a question regarding active rehabilitation of drug users, it was stated that users were being signposted to appropriate help.

During a discussion regarding domestic violence, it was stressed that a lot of excellent work was ongoing, and that the different agencies were well coordinated to deal with the issue.

Recommended –

(1)       That the work undertaken by the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team and Community Safety Partners that contributes toward to addressing priorities within the ward plans for the Bradford South Area be noted.

(2)       That the positive partnership working that has been established with Elected Members, Council Officers, Community Organisations, volunteers and residents within the Bradford South Area be noted.

(3)       Bradford South Area Committee request that the Leader and the          Chief Executive write to the Home Office to ask them to review the             legal status regarding the possession and use of Nitrous Oxide,            due to the increasing problem in its use in Bradford South and the   wider district.

ACTION: Bradford South Area Coordinator

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Corporate  (Michael Churley - 07582 100367)