Ecclesfield Joint Agency Action Plan

Report to North Area Panel meeting 18th January 2006

The Ecclesfield area was covered by a Section 30 Dispersal Order, which finished on 14th November 2005, to assist the police in dealing with the youth nuisance and anti social behaviour problems that had increased over recent months.

The action plan below sets out some ongoing activities, which will be undertaken to continue to address the problems in the area and a number of other actions, which need to be progressed to create a lasting improvement.

Both the Police and Sheffield Homes, along with other agencies, collate statistics on nuisance and anti social behaviour. Through progressing the actions detailed below we would hope to see a reduction in the incidents recorded. It is acknowledged that a multi agency approach needs to be taken which encourages the local community to provide information to any of the partners to enable action to be taken. The Ecclesfield Community Safety Forum is already bringing together a number of the agencies and the community and is fully in support of the approach proposed in this report. By ensuring both the community and the organisations working in Ecclesfield are involved in this Forum it provides a base to build on the work being undertaken and an opportunity to share successes.

Through the Objective 1 funding which has recently become available to Ecclesfield, an opportunity to involve the wider community in consultation and the development of an action plan for the village has arisen, which will not only addresses the community safety issues but also other issues which are important to the local community.

Youth work background in Ecclesfield

Ecclesfield village had a youth club based on the Ecclesfield junior school site. The club was in existence for over 40 years on this site, serving the young people of Ecclesfield. The club was based in the prefabricated buildings directly behind the main school and was very well attended, offering a wide range of activities for young people including residentials and outings.

Generally speaking the club had very good relationships with the school for most of its time on the site. Problems arose over the last two years when a small group of young people (mainly one particular family) began to vandalise the school. They also attacked other property in the area. Most of the damage was caused at weekends or when the club was closed, only rarely was the damage done on club nights. The Head wanted the young people banned from the site. Sheffield Futures stance was that they were a key target group as outlined by the contract with Sheffield City Council and as such they needed to maintain the limited contact they had with them. Despite enormous efforts made by Sheffield Futures to reconcile the situation, the governors decided to withdraw the lease on the building. The club was closed in December 04.

The closure of the club meant that the young people were no longer worked with in any way and went on to create ever more difficult situations in the area. In addition many other young people in Ecclesfield lost the opportunities offered by the club, which was very well run.

Over the last 15 months a team of detached workers have been operating in the area. These workers have provided a range of advice and activities for 40 regular clients and a number of other young people who made less formal contact with the workers. The workers have run a number of activities and provided advice on a number of issues including alcohol, sexual health and street safety. The funding for this ends in March 06. The young people in Ecclesfield deserve more than just detached work and it is essential to source a site for a club.

Ecclesfield library

The library is a well used community resource providing a range of services & activities - e.g. books, DVDs, videos, access to the Peoples Network computers (free internet, e mails etc.) regular coffee mornings, school class visits & baby time activities.

It is also used for adult education classes.

The library at times has been the focus of graffiti and vandalism.

Ecclesfield Park

The Park has benefited from a number of improvements in recent years through S106 funding. An active Friends Group is involved who are keen to work with others to address problems of vandalism. Recently the pavilion was targeted and badly damaged by a fire and will cost approximately £40 000 to repair.

Current activity to continue

Police

The police are actively dealing with incidents on High Street
PCSOs are tasked to work in the Ecclesfield area and this will continue.
Dedicated PC working with TARAs and other organisations.
Shields identified as the contact point to businesses
Anti Social behaviour team will continue to take action

Sheffield Homes

A bid for the community wardens has been placed.
Costings for some fencing have been requested for Rawsons Bank
Ongoing need for the community to provide names and information on those causing the problems

Sheffield Futures

Detached workers will continue till March
Links to the PCSOs have been made

Long-term actions

Police

Promotion of the Golden line and encouraging the community use it.
Monitor the dispersal effects of the Section 30 order to other communities and deal with incidents.
Undertake joint patrols between the PCSOs and the community wardens. Also link to detached youth workers.
Communication of success
Jointly with Sheffield Homes consider serving ABC’s on non-council residents causing nuisance

Sheffield Homes

Quote for fencing obtained. Need to confirm exact details of area of Rawsons Bank to be fenced and identify funding
Tenancy enforcement and ongoing work with police relating to non-council tenants
Community wardens patrolling the area and are discussing problems with residents. The police are supporting this by visiting individuals where necessary.

Sheffield Futures

Identify funding to continue detached work beyond March
Work with PCSOs and community wardens
Need to identify base for a youth club in Ecclesfield

SCC Parks and Countryside / Libraries

Rebuild Pavilion and consider future additional uses for the building to encourage ownership by the community.
Library security – explore fencing linked to Sheffield Homes

Recommendations

Members support the actions
The report is referred to Sheffield First for Safety and Sheffield Futures
The revised action plan is presented to the community safety forum
Support is given to the community of Ecclesfield to develop a village plan
Request that this project is the next Transformational project for the North Area Panel

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