Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director – Environmental Services and Community Safety.

Following a request from the Vice-Chair at the annual briefing of this Scrutiny Committee, the Assistant Director, Environmental Services and Community Safety, submitted a report (previously circulated) which provided members with an overview of the ways in which the Council and its partners supports public safety across the Borough. Particular emphasis was placed the areas of Public Safety that members wished to receive more information on, particularly from a community safety perspective; namely the nighttime economy, events and partnership working.

The Head of Community Safety spoke to this report and began by discussing the risk management protocols undertaken by the Council and the Partnerships it works alongside to effectively manage those risks. This was outlined in the context of a current ongoing issue in the Town, which members posed questions upon and were answered by officers.

The Head of Community Safety also made reference to the Local Resilience Forum, the Darlington Community Safety Partnership, the Public Event Safety Advisory Group, Civic Enforcement, CCTV, and Licencing – demonstrating how all of such services contribute to Community Safety in the Borough.

Focus was then diverted to the Nighttime Economy, specifically on the actions undertaken by Number Forty and the future of this establishment. The Head of Community Safety discussed the origins of Number Forty and the expiry date for funding from the Home Office. The Head of Community Safety noted that volunteers are sparce currently, and that efforts are being made to drive engagement and garner volunteers.

Members then asked questions regarding the nature of incidents reported to Number Forty, and whether incident reporting had decreased as a result of less activity in the Nighttime Economy. The Head of Community Safety responded, stating that both less footfall and improved safety control have contributed to a decline in incident reporting.

Members drew a close to this area of discussion by questioning the current priorities outlined on page 29 of the submitted report, issues regarding inflatables, and whether the Civic Enforcement Team is taking a proactive approach to Community Safety.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.