Old Colwyn East Residents’ Association
Annual General Meeting 11th June 2008
Annual Report July 2007 to June 2008
This report is a record of some of the work that has been done on behalf of the residents of Old Colwyn working with various partners. It is not exhaustive but deals with many of the issues that we have been involved with and many of the organisations that we have been involved with
During this last year, Old Colwyn has had various problems associated with antisocial behaviour; it is not the purpose of this report to list such issues individually.
In mentioning this, the committee does not want to give the impression of Old Colwyn
as a place beset by problems. Far from it, the vast majority of people are law-
There have been instances involving groups of people drinking in public and associated bad behaviour. This has been reported regularly to the police in a spirit of cooperation: they have tried various measures to combat the problems and in the last month we have seen the establishment of a Dispersal Order for a large part of Old Colwyn and Eirias. We wish them well in their endeavour to break habits and further improve village life.
The Local Policing Team is thanked for its work in keeping Old Colwyn safe and secure. Any comments about policing in this report, either express or implied are not comments about the support given by any member of the Local Policing Team.
Policing is a national debate, we play a part in the debate because it affects communities such as ours. We acknowledge that funding plays a large part in the provision of policing.
A Police Force has many departments, police officers remain loyal to the people they serve. Force policy can dictate that certain issues are given priority.
June / July 2007
· There were a number of communications from various police managers taking
issue with the fact that the public were ringing the CBM and PCSO direct, when there
was an incident happening, such as antisocial behaviour and on-
In July the police reported that they had maintained patrols regularly each evening and a significant difference had been noticed in the reduction of on street drinking and groups of youths congregating.
· Cliff Prout informed the Association that it had been necessary to withdraw the funding application to WREN, for the proposed track in Eirias Park which we had supported.
· Talk about Neighbourhood Policing, Inspector Jane Banham was welcomed to the meeting. Her message was that things generally are improving. A very strong message was received that it was ok to ring a PCSO or CBM direct with information, however if an incident was happening, then the message had to be passed to control room for action by Response Officers.
July /August 2007
· Wales in Bloom competition ~ St John’s Community Garden was placed second in Wales, in the Public Buildings frontages and gardens section
· Results of Snowdonia Wildlife Garden Competition ~ St John’s Community Garden was placed first in its section of the competition.
· Green Pennant Award ~ St John’s Community Garden was judged as a winner of a Green Pennant Award.
· It was reported that the police ran a plain clothes and uniform operation in Old Colwyn to tackle antisocial behaviour. He said that it had had an effect from a police perspective especially in the Min y Don and Tan y Coed areas.
· Speaker ~ David Jones MP for Clwyd West was welcomed by the Chair Richard Poynton and spoke on various issues in a very informative question and answer session.
He said that the community is really good in Old Colwyn and part of the reason is because the Association exists and because people in this part of Colwyn Bay do take their community responsibilities very seriously indeed. He commented that it shows that if people become involved with their community it makes it a better place to live.
Mr. Jones stated that the meeting had heard concerns but it seemed he said the exceptions to the rule in Old Colwyn which is a very nice place to live in.
· Meeting between Central Division Chief Superintendent and the secretary at Central Division HQ St Asaph.
The secretary told the Chief Superintendent that he had been severely criticised for making one call to a PCSO about an active incident that he was dealing with involving four young lads. The Chief Superintendent’s view was that the secretary chooses to debate in the public arena so any criticism is fair.
The secretary commented that the Chief Constable had reported that the control room had been a success; he argued that from a public perspective it is not. The Chief Superintendent reported little negative feedback about the control room. She said that she could help Control Room if she was prepared to give up twenty police officers from her division, they would come from Colwyn Bay and other stations. The secretary had replied that people do not want their police officers in the Control Room; the officers are required on the street and able to deal with incidents.
The Chief Superintendent clarified the policy that PCSOs cannot deal with confrontational situations, this is government policy and there was nothing that she can do about it.
The Chief Superintendent stated that Inspector Jane Banham has got a good team in Colwyn Bay and she is focussed on the issues and the problems; they can’t solve everything but will keep trying their very best.
August / September 2007
· A letter was written to Edwina Hart taking issue with Welsh Assembly Government plans to deal with all Welsh neurosurgery in South Wales. If this occurs, it will seriously affect people in North Wales. There was a reply to the effect that the matter was under review.
· Speaker ~ Mr Jason Williams, Program manager of the Ambulance Service gave a very informative talk about the changes which have been implemented ensuring that the ambulances meet their targets to get to calls on time.
· St John’s Garden was awarded first place in Colwyn in Bloom / Churches section.
· ALDI were reported to have put in a bid for M and K
· Pedlars ~ there had been two incidents in the last six months where organised
groups of persons had been bussed into Old Colwyn. They went door to door carrying
goods to sell. They introduced themselves as recently out of prison attempting re-
The secretary agreed to make enquiries about these organised groups and make the representations of the association to those concerned.
September / October 2007
· Policing Priorities Community Forum at Kinmel Bay Resource Centre. The secretary spoke about the police claim that they had similar antisocial problems in all wards. This raises concerns about policing in North Wales. Old Colwyn used to have two CBMs, one in each ward, now it has one CBM plus a PCSO and special constable to cover two wards. This is not the neighbourhood policing model that residents signed up to and contributed to.
We were also told that the PCSOs are not able to attend confrontational incidents and the number of Constables is reportedly to be reduced with an increase in PCSOs.
There was also a comment from the floor that there were only 11 members of the public at the meeting and this showed public apathy. The secretary had answered through the chair, that there is no apathy at all about policing and the police authority. He represented 561 dwellings in Old Colwyn and it had been discussed at a recent open meeting.
· Cadwgan Surgery ~ there had been comments that members were unable to see a doctor when necessary because of the appointments system. The secretary undertook to speak to the Practice manager.
· CBM Mike Williams said that he was quite pleased with the month but said that he is aware that there a lot of youths gathering on the streets. He reported that he had taken alcohol off quite a number over the month. He commented that some young ladies had been stopped by Eirias Park with open drink receptacles and although they were of age, their drink was seized; he said the off licences need to take more responsibility.
October / November 2007
· THE SPEAKER Mr Mark Hewlett, Property Director of ALDI contacted our association via our website and the Chair welcomed his initiative in coming to speak to the residents about the ALDI plans.
· A resident raised the issue of parking in Cefn Road. Taxis can park anywhere. Ordinary cars are not allowed on the taxi rank and they can’t park anywhere else and also there is no disabled parking in Old Colwyn.
The Licensing Officer of Conwy CBC had replied that any taxi parked on the taxi rank must have the driver in it at all times. The taxis are lawfully entitled to park in Cefn Road; they are motor vehicles.
The public cannot park on the taxi rank. They can however park in nearby Cliff Road.
Disabled drivers can park in most places, not the taxi rank, as long as they put their orange stickers on their dash board.
· Old Colwyn East Residents Association was judged one of three finalists in Wales in the TIDY WALES AWARD for its care of St John’s Church Community Garden.
November / December 2007
· Needle vending machine appeal ~ The secretary delivered a report on the recent two day appeal procedure. It had been a very full debate and members of the public were allowed to make statements and question witnesses. Town and County Councillors gave spirited argument about public concern to the enquiry. The appeal to allow a needle vending machine was eventually refused by the Inspector.
· A very enlightening talk was given by Mr John Hardy, Conwy County Borough Council about Plans for a Health Precinct at Colwyn Leisure Centre. It is a very small part of the overall refurbishment process to upgrade the premises to meet the needs of all user groups.
December / January 2008
· Talk by Mr. Andrew Wilkinson of Conwy County Borough Council Engineering Department on the subject of the Colwyn Bay Coastal Strategy Plan. This was an extremely interesting presentation about the possible future of the Promenade, if funding can be obtained.
· The meeting was informed that Sgt Chow was in the process of applying for a Dispersal Order for Eirias Park area where there is a lot of antisocial behaviour. The police do not want to disperse them from Eirias into Old Colwyn. The meeting was told that the groups seem to have an endless supply of alcohol. Representations were made for Old Colwyn to be included in the Order to prevent more problems coming into the village as a result.
January / February 2008
· Letter was sent to Highways about parking problems in Cliff Road. There are problems at busy times with large vehicles parked on the pavement. Disabled persons and people with pushchairs had to walk on the road. The increase in parking has caused much difficulty of access for utility and emergency vehicles.
· Due to a local man taking action and phoning the police when he saw a vehicle being tampered with in Sefton Road, officers were on the scene within five minutes and arrests were made. Thanks also to the police for their timely reaction in this case.
Fighting crime is the business of us all not just the police.
· Unlawful Pedlars ~ Residents were advised to politely decline to look at the wares offered by bogus pedlars. The police had detained two pedlars in Clifton Road after a complaint from a lady that she had been abused by them. It is believed that they were from Nottingham. Residents were advised to phone the police if they see any of these people around, the police are taking this matter very seriously.
· SPEAKER ~ RSPB Community Talks Officer, Gwen Thomas, gave an excellent talk on the subject of Aspects of Wildlife Gardening.
· ALDI planning application was passed at Conwy County Planning Committee on 13th February 2008
February / March 2008
· Police and Council had started to roll out No Cold Calling Areas in Old Colwyn. Window signs are included in a pack delivered to residents. Large warning signs are placed on lamp standards.
CBM Mike Williams was present with PCSO Martyn Lewis, he gave an input that most problems seem to be on a Friday night and they intend to step up patrols on Friday and take positive action against people found to be drinking etc.
· THE SPEAKER was Patrick Slattery his subject was “Where was Colwyn”. His book “Around Old Colwyn is dedicated to Old Colwyn Junior School and any profits are to be donated to the school. Patrick gave a very interesting personal account of the Old Colwyn village life in his youth.
· At a Policing meeting at Kennedy Court, the secretary asked the County Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator to consider affiliating groups like our association with Neighbourhood Watch without the need for leafleting members because of regular meetings.. This idea was not greeted with any enthusiasm or interest.
March / April 2008
· The fence to prevent access to the railway and A55 had been replaced by a metal fence by the Trunk Roads Agency. It had taken eight months to progress and Councillor Cossey had pressed the matter at great length with various possible agencies to get the work done.
· The issue of the Ex Prisoners selling door to door ~ No cold caller signs were being established in Old Colwyn. This had taken seven months to progress since the issue of cold calling had been raised as a problem. It is welcomed by the Association.
· ALDI started on the store.
· Two Dead Rats found in the village ~ reported to Public Health who discussed the matter with the secretary; their thoughts are that increases in the rat population are due to non baiting of sewers. It was discussed that open bins are not helping. Cllr Cossey volunteered to contact Welsh Water to register our disquiet with them not baiting the drains.
· Dispersal Order ~ we were told that Sgt Chow was working on trying to get this Order in place by May 2008. It is hoped that it will include the Dingle and Eirias Park through to Queens Road, Old Colwyn, north of Abergele Road. It will not cover the Fairy Glen which will be included in a policing plan to work alongside the Order. This was welcome news.
· Parks and gardens Department is to fence off their boundary at the top of the Beach Road bank as an additional part of the “Ivor’s Sheds operation”. People are still climbing the bank causing damage.
· The secretary had previously discussed appointment issues with practice manager at Cadwgan surgery. Changes had been in the pipeline at the time of the discussion and it was now considered that matters have changed over the last couple of months at the practice and more staff have been taken on. Resolved ~ that we monitor for any future problems.
· B&Q grant for St John’s Church Garden. B&Q had made a grant to the Residents Association in respect of St John’s Church Garden. This grant was greatly appreciated.
April / May 2008
· Police Dispersal Order starts on 19th May ~ North of Abergele Road between the Dingle and Queens Road.
· Cliff Road parking, access protection has been provided outside the houses.
There is still a problem at times with parking. A yellow line is being considered
to prevent cars parking on both sides of the carriageway which prevents emergency
vehicles and utility vehicles passing the length of Cliff Road. Effectively, at times,
the road becomes a single track road with two-
· Secretary reported that he had been invited to a meeting at Police HQ to meet Canadian Police officers who were researching the North Wales model of Neighbourhood Policing.
He had praised the professionalism of our local policing team. He had made the point that in his opinion there was insufficient critical mass of officers in North Wales to make Neighbourhood policing successful, whilst maintaining sufficient response function, a fact is agreed by the Police Federation.
Local officers when off duty, (leave, courses and rest days) are supported by CBMs and PCSOs from other areas covering the hotspots. Similarly when our officers are on duty at critical times, they help to cover other officers’ hotspots. A hotspot is where a number of persons have reported incidents in a particular area and a computer analyst indicates that it is a problem area.
The Police Authority had recently expressed delight that they have succeeded in their intention of putting a CBM in every area. The policing model North Wales subscribed to was a CBM in every Council Ward. They have failed but are saying otherwise. Old Colwyn used to have a CBM in each ward and we saw a difference, one was taken away and we saw a decline due to pressure of work on the remaining CBM who has a large area to cover.
· Dog Wardens, Colwyn ~ The secretary reported that he was walking on the Promenade when he witnessed a dog warden approaching someone who had failed to clean up after their dog on the beach. Later he was seen observing other persons exercising dogs. This high profile is welcomed.
Cllr Squire added that the enforcement regime has been altered to ensure that strong action is being seen to be taken.
· Rats in the street ~ Councillor Cossey updated the meeting he had finally been able to contact with the person in charge of the rat issue and the person would send him a copy of the Water Board protocol on the issue. When it is received, he would give a copy to the secretary and a meeting would be set up.
· A Judge from the Civic Trust has recently visited various gardens in Old Colwyn to judge their standard for a Green Pennant. She was very pleased with St John’s Garden.
May / June 2008
· The website www.oldcolwyneast.co.uk is managed by the secretary and receives a very good traffic of hits each month.
It maintains a library of Talks and Issues which is a source of information to members and others.
The committee continues to fund the website which is a window on the work of our Association and committee.
· The Association gratefully acknowledges the funding assistance received from North Wales Housing Association in respect of various NWHA homes within our boundaries. This funding is very important to our continuance as an association.
· The Association gratefully acknowledges the continuing support which has been given to the St John’s Church Garden project by Chris Perry, Sarah Marsden, Scott and Albert of STREETSCENE, Environmental Services, Conwy County Borough Council.
· The Association gratefully acknowledges the continuing support of PARKS AND GARDENS DEPARTMENT, Conwy County Borough Council, to the St John’s Community Garden project.
· The Association also acknowledges the support given by CCTV, Highways Department, Licensing Department and other elements of the County Borough Council in responding very well to enquiries by our local councillors on our behalf about various issues.
· Thanks to the local policing team for coordinating various actions with partners.
· Thanks to the Community Services Team who have cleaned up areas of the village and made a difference.
· Thanks to our local Town and County councillors who have been supportive throughout the year and taken our issues forward with partners.
I produce this report to the meeting as a record of the manner in which we have achieved the objectives of our Constitution over the year working with partners.
David Curtis
Secretary
