Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Graham Walker (Chair) and Jane Bunce (co optee.)

Members to state any interests.  Declarations will be for the life of this Scrutiny Review.

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

Emma Roberts, Labour Party candidate for Delapre and Briar Hill, addressed the Panel on agenda item 5(b).

Daniel Soan, Conservative candidate for Delapre and Briar Hill, addressed the Panel on agenda item 5(b).

Heather Bryant, local resident, addressed the Panel on agenda item 5(b).

Councillor Julie Davenport addressed the Panel on agenda item 5(b).

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2018.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2018 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a response to its core questions from a number of Expert Advisors:

PS Lorna Clarke and PS Rod Williams addressed the Scrutiny Panel, presenting their written responses to the core questions.

The Scrutiny Panel made comment, asked questions and heard:

·         An incident with fireworks being discharged on University premises did happen on 5 November 2018.  The Police are working to identify the offenders and have been supporting the University with taking disciplinary action (how to support the University). Searches were carried out on site to investigate this incident and also to prevent (and it was) further planned firework incidents (had been stopped.)

·         Ongoing parking and anti-social behaviour issues will take time to resolve.  There is a need for a satisfactory solution for parking issues. Neighbourhood Policing Team are supporting this ongoing work.

·         Students are encouraged not to drive to the University.

·         In respect of a concern regarding   traffic congestion, it was suggested that contact is made with Highways, NCC.

·         The students are welcomed into to the town and it is hoped that they will stay on in the town.

·         In response to a concern about crime on the campus, PS Clarke commented that the five designated Police Officers are there to deal with crime and investigate it. Students are primarily 18-21 years old and are vulnerable by their age and mainly being away from home for the first time. They have regular contact with the policing team, almost (are) “over policed” to give them guidance and support.  There are no issues with the majority of students.

·         Regarding the night-time economy in the town, there is not a high demand for Police assistance in respect of students causing issues. Monday and Wednesday are student nights and they tend to congregate safely in the Students Union Bar.

·         Students are looking to organise a number of community events such as “roots celebrations”

·         Peer education is often effective.

·         The University has a “Residential Life Team”, which involves students

·         PS Clarke commented that the move of the University had generally gone well and had been overall positive. There had been some issues. It was highlighted that there are over  3000 to 5000 (1,000) students going through the site each day.

PS Clarke and PS Williams were thanked for their informative address, the contents of which will inform the evidence base of this Scrutiny review.

Emma Roberts, Labour Party candidate for Delapre and Briar Hill, addressed the Scrutiny Panel.  She commented that she had spoken to a number of local residents and was bringing their concerns to this meeting.  There are problems, particularly with parking.  Emma Roberts conveyed concern regarding the report of the University (agenda item 5 c) advising that in her opinion this did not include all the issues and concerns.  There is a real need for there to be communication between residents and the University. It was acknowledged that promises had been made that this would take place.   Emma Roberts suggested that there is a need to stop students parking in residential streets; the University needs to step in and assist.

Emma Roberts submitted a petition which was received and would be fed through the appropriate channels.  She requested that this petition is actioned urgently. She forwarded photographs of parked cars and asked that this is circulated to the Panel.

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions and heard:

In response to a query, Emma Roberts commented that residents want to welcome the students and work together but they are concerned regarding parking and anti social behaviour.  There is a need for regular communication with residents.  Liaison with the University, students and residents is important.

It was commented that residents from Thomas Chapman Grove were supportive of residents parking permits and are aware there would be a cost involved. Ms Roberts made reference to the University making a contribution towards such a parking scheme.

Emma Roberts was thanked for her address.

Daniel Soan, Conservative Party candidate for Delapre and Briar Hill, addressed the Scrutiny Panel commenting that he was speaking on behalf of both residents that he had spoken with and students.  In his opinion the move of the University had created problems.  He was aware that  a meeting had been held with residents and the University; he advised that he had spoken with Highways at NCC and that consultation is forthcoming.  Residents also have issues with anti social behaviour and parking on footpaths. He commented on the need for the consultation to start. 

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions and heard:

In response to a query regarding potential solutions, Daniel Soan suggested that it is now time for the University and community to work together and public events held on the University campus would be useful.  Multi Agency events should be held.

Daniel Soan was thanked for his address.

Heather Bryant, local resident, addressed the Scrutiny Panel.  She concurred with the comments raised by Emma Roberts.  She informed the Panel of an incident that had occurred in her street and she had called 999.  Heather Bryant had also made complaints to the University and submitted a number of photos of parked cars.  Anti social behaviour also takes place.  She suggested there is a need for double yellow lines in Malthouse Close. The University had made a number of commitments but these had not been actioned.

The Scrutiny Panel asked questions and heard:

The University  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

A representative from Student Homes was not present.

 Representatives from Letting Agencies, Northampton were not present.