The first thing of note compared to last month's PACT meeting was the significantly reduced turnout and the much more relaxed atmosphere in the meeting room. From past experience this is generally a good sign in that residents' confidence is beginning to return and they no longer feel inclined to come along to the PACT meetings to vent their frustrations.
As usual PCSO Ian Goodwin began the meeting by reading out the reported crime and anti-social behaviour figures for the past month, which were down on those reported the previous month. Again this is normally a good sign, but conversely it could mean that residents are failing to report incidents of crime. Significantly, Ian also reported that a number of arrests had been made in relation to a spate of burglaries carried out in a number of towns and villages across the county last month, including Blackhall Colliery (please see notes for the January PACT meeting for background details).
The reduced turnout this month's PACT meeting would appear to suggest that the police are making inroads and are on the right track for the time being. But given crime and anti-social behaviour trends from previous years there's certainly no room for complacency.
Following a number of questions and reports of local issues from residents I gave an update on progress made on matters raised at the last PACT meeting held in January, including the outcome of meetings held with the neighbourhood police inspector, the parish clerk and representatives from the community safety team, a return to monthly PACT meetings, additional drop-in sessions with police and housing officers and also an increase in the number of neighbourhood wardens employed by the council (please see articles on this site dated Thursday 23 January 2020, Saturday 25 January 2020, Wednesday 29 January 2020, Sunday 2 February 2020 and Sunday 9 February 2020 for comprehensive details of these issues).
As quite a few of the points raised at the meeting were linked to housing issues I gave a brief update on the council's proposed Selective Licensing Scheme which was introduced to the public recently for a 10-week period of consultation (please see posts dated Monday 17 February 2020 and Friday 21 February 2020 for full details, including a venue, time and date for the drop-in session later this month at Blackhall Library for residents to talk to housing officers about the impact of the Scheme). From the many comments we’ve received so far members of the public are overwhelmingly supportive of the Scheme and its potential to tackle a range of problems associated with the private-rented housing sector across much of the county. However, if the Scheme is to receive the required consent from the Secretary of State it’s vital that as many residents and local businesses as possible take part in the consultation exercise.
Finally, following a number of complaints received over many weeks relating to telecom duct works carried out throughout the village by Virgin Media, I gave a brief update on the council's intervention. Most of the concerns expressed by residents were around Virgin Media failing to give prior notice of the works (which they are legally obliged to do) or their staff working extended hours, often late into the night. The council's area network manager has contacted Virgin Media to remind them of their obligations, but beyond that the council's powers to intervene are somewhat restricted. However, if you have any concerns about works carried out by Virgin Media or any other utility company please let me know about it or contact the council direct on 03000 261 000 or at: help@durham.gov.uk
The date and time of the next PACT meeting will be published by the police in due course. In the meantime if you have any concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in the area please get in touch with the police or the neighbourhood wardens using the contact details shown below:
Police (non-emergency and local beat team): 101 or peterlee@durham.pnn.police.uk
Police (emergency): 999
Neighbourhood wardens: 03000 261 000 or help@durham.gov.uk or at www.durham.gov.uk (for incidents of anti-social behaviour, bonfires, discarded needles, noise nuisance, environmental issues, litter, dog fouling, abandoned vehicles, graffiti, fly-posting, stray dogs etc)
Crimestoppers (confidential): 0800 555 111
Peterlee Police Website: durham.police.uk
