PEASEDOWN ST JOHN PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an Extraordinary Council meeting held on Monday 20th February at 7.00 p.m. in the Cricket Clubhouse
Present: Cllrs. R W G Butt (Chairman) J P Rich (Vice Chairman)
Mrs M A Button. F J Day, J W Goring, M Roy Mrs M Kennedy, Mrs E V Latchem
C Rich, A A Spiller Mrs. K M Thomas, Mrs F M Butt M Gregory Mrs R Rich
Apologies were received from Cllr J S Bolwell
Also Present 9 members of the public, 1 member of the press and 1 internal auditor
Resolution: "That the Amenities Committee recommends that the seat at 1 Bath Road be removed in response to resident requests in that the seat has become a focal point of youth activity and that very few, if any, ordinary public use the seat.
The chairman of the Council - Cllr- RWG Butt - explained to the councillors and members of the public the format that the meeting should take.
The proposition put forward by the Amenities Committee should be debated to determine whether the seat is removed or remains in situ.
Any member of the council can move an amendment to the proposition
Members of the public were invited to make their contributions:
Julian Sheppard from the Christadelphian Church informed the meeting that there had been young people on the roof of the church and that there appears to be severe problems with youngsters not only in Peasedown St John but countrywide. Mr Sheppard also felt that if the seat were to be removed then the existing problem will just go elsewhere.
12 youths have spoken to Julian about the general feeling that there is nothing for young people to do in Peasedown St John, these young people also feel that if the seat is removed then garden walls will be used as seating.
Mrs Langley said that she had seen adults (middle aged) buying alcohol for these children.
Sarah Beaven said that she was aware of conflicting feelings regarding the seat as by day it is a resting place but by night it is a meeting place where road users may be intimidated and residents threatened.
She supports the residents in their cause to have the seat removed - maybe place it on the POS.
Mr Burraston has lived in his house for 32 years and has experienced ongoing problems with youngsters over the years, but feels that it is worse now as he and his neighbours have been threatened with knives and iron bars. He feels that the hedge behind the seat is used for dealing drugs and that the co-op opposite is either supplying alcohol or the children are stealing it.
Andrew Day moved to Bath Road and is a special needs teacher so is used to dealing with children, but has been intimidated by these children. He also feels that there is not enough for young people to do in the village. There is a national campaign - Make Space.
Mr Escott lives opposite the seat and is unable to live in peace as it is used as a gathering place and vandalism follows. Properties are not safe and neither are residents.
Cllr R Butt said that no one believes that the removal of the seat will make things better and mentioned a text message received by a child of 13 in the village regarding a rave and stating that drugs, contraceptives and alcohol would be readily available.
The police have been involved, and 60 letters threatening ASBOs have been sent to parents, unfortunately it appears that the courts are reluctant to impose ASBOs.
Maybe BANES should be asked for funding to open the Youth Club for five days per week
Cllr Jonathon Rich proposed that the resolution be set
Cllr Colin Rich seconded
Cllr Mrs K Thomas opposed the resolution
Cllr Mrs E Latchem seconded
Cllr M Gregory stated that he is concerned that the removal of this seat should not set a precedent for the removal of other seats
Cllr F Day is of the opinion that the removal of the seat sends a clear message to those concerned that the council is making a stand against these youngsters to improve the environment within the village.
Cllr Mrs E Latchem believes that the problem will just move elsewhere in the village and that the Youth Club should be opened more. The council appears to be playing into their hands and not getting to the root of the problem.
The co-op and the other shops in the village who are licenced to sell alcohol should be approached regarding sales to underage teenagers.
Cllr Roy feels that as the seat is not used by ordinary villagers there is no reason why it should not be removed. If a public seat is misused then no one has direct responsibility.
Cllr Mrs K Thomas stated that she does not believe the seat should be removed because it is a focus for bad behaviour and it may be used by the general public in the future. The parish council decided where to place the seats originally and that decision should be adhered to.
The council should be proactive not reactive as it is easy to respond to groups of people and efforts should be made to address the trouble in an appropriate manner.
Cllr J Rich said that only one letter had been received before Christmas and but that the council has now received seven letters / emails. The seat is a focal point for the youths, and he had seen for himself one Friday night that there were in excess of 60 - 80 children around the seat and in Belle View.
This large influx of youths is causing the residents problems and affecting their quality of life.
The vote was then taken - For the resolution 11
Against the resolution 2 Cllr K Thomas and Cllr E Latchem.
Meeting Closed 19.45