Minutes:
The Forum were introduced to PC Gareth Morgan from Wigston Police Station. He noted that over the last month, there had been a few more burglaries yet none reported last couple of days. Anti-social behaviour involving children at Wigston Academy (such as people being pushed into hedges) had prompted more patrols. PC Morgan, as part of his introduction to his role is meeting more people and speaking to businesses to build relationships. He is speaking with pubs to ensure the night-time economy continues to not cause issues.
Cllr Bentley asked about speeding, in particular around Moat Street, Horsewell Lane. He noted that there had recently been three accidents due to speeding here. PC Morgan said that regular speed checks do take place, supported by volunteers. Further officer support can be required if demand requires. It was said that Officer’s in Wigston do not work past midnight yet can ensure that Response Officers keep an eye out.
Action: Police to identify if Response Officers are needed to support with speeding deterrent in Wigston.
Cllr Bentley said that more momentum is required from Community Speedwatch and new batteries are required for a speed monitoring sign for the Littlehill estate. It was agreed by the Forum to explore funding for batteries for this sign. Speeding across Wigston was agreed to be a considerable issue.
Action: Chair and Council officers to explore funding for batteries for speed monitoring signs.
Cllr H Loydall addressed the issue of e-scooters, in particular down Aylestone Lane, and the safety concerns that this brings for cyclists, drivers and mobility scooter users. PC Morgan responded to this by saying shortly, the Police will be launching their Neighbourhood Link service, which will allow residents to log what issues are concerning them. If several residents log similar concerns, this will drive Police Officer time and effort. E-scooters could be one such issue logged; indeed a Section 56 can be issued if e-scooters are being ridden in an anti-social way. The legality of e-scooters is also under review and so this could impact future enforcement. When decisions are made with regards to the legality of e-scooters, PC Morgan said that education will be key.
Cllr L Broadley addressed concerns regarding on-street parking, and this was echoed by residents attending the meeting. Areas where this was noted to be particularly problematic included Horsewell Lane. There was concern over the reporting process of such issues, with the Council saying it is a Police matter and the Police saying it is a Council matter. Education around who to report issues to needs to be improved, it was agreed.
A resident addressed cycling awareness amongst young people, as a way to prevent anti-social usage of vehicles such as e-scooters. PC Morgan responded by saying this was not usually in the remit of local Police services, but could support if necessary.
Cllr Boulter noted the amount of graffiti that was present in Wigston, and how culprits could be found who are responsible for this. PC Morgan said that not many reports of graffiti are being submitted to the Police, and when reports are issues, it has occasionally been the case that the Council have removed it before photo evidence of the graffiti can be collected.
It was concluded that further details of the Neighbourhood Link will be disseminated in due course. Cllr K Loydall reminded attendees that reports of anti-social behaviour can be made via the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council website.
Action: Details of Neighbourhood Link to be communicated in due course. Residents to be reminded to report anti-social behaviour via Council website.