Listening Panel: Keeping Lordshil Safe

3rd April 2008

Key issues raised

Mini-motos ridden around Lordshill, especially around the Five Acres Field

Residents reported there were still significant problems relating to mini-moto riders. In particular, it was reported that the barriers between Dunbar Close and Menzies Close had been vandalised and needed to be repaired.
Alan Whitehead talked about Operation Kickstart, a police-led project which targets young motorcycle riders.
Both police and Councillors explained what ‘intelligence’ was needed from the local community in order to properly target mini-moto riders. They asked residents to always report it if they saw someone riding dangerously, and if possible also give registration numbers and addresses. This information has enabled the police to identify individual riders and destroy their bikes when necessary.

Effectiveness of the Section 30 dispersal order

Police reps reported that the existing S30 Dispersal Order had been extended
Alan Whitehead reported that his residents’ survey showed most residents either believed the S30 Order had made a positive impact or that it was too soon to tell.
There was a discussion about the precise area covered by the dispersal order, with input from residents about particular roads that are currently not covered.
The police made the point that S30s cannot be too big, otherwise enforcement cannot be effectively targeted and the authority of the order is diminished.

Underage drinking

A number of residents raised this as a problem in the area. Several residents reported that shops were selling alcohol without running proper ID checks, especially with people on the tills serving their friends.
Other residents highlighted the problem of people of legal age buying alcohol for teenagers.
Councillors reported that new funding had been allocated specifically to crack down on shops selling alcohol to teenagers.

Youth facilities in Lordshill

The need for more youth facilities in Lordshill was discussed. Several new facilities around Lordshill have recently been opened or are about to open, such as the Coxford Muli-Use Games Arena on Olive Road or the Mansel Park Pavilion Boxing Club (“MP3 Project”).
However it was pointed out that parts of Lordshill have on a number of occasions just missed out on some of the funding opportunities that led to these projects being created, due to them being located just outside the Outer Shirley Regeneration Area, which managed the funding for these projects.

101 Number

The 101 number was generally seen as a useful service. The police reps explained how frequency of 101 calls allowed them to identify particular anti-social behaviour ‘hotspots’ in the area.
Alan Whitehead talked about how he was working with MPs in the other 101 pilot areas to try to get direct government funding for the service restored.
Councillors reported how all the Councils in the current 101 area had agreed to continue to fund the 101 service for at least the next year.

Wider policy issues

A wide-ranging discussion was held on particular policy changes that could make a difference with regards to keeping Lordshill safe.
The most frequently expressed sentiment was a desire to see parents more involved when their children get into trouble. The new powers given to police and Councils to issue Parenting Orders , ASBOS, ABCs and evicting neighbours who were persistent sources of anti-social behaviour were widely supported.
It was suggested that City Patrol should be given increased powers
Several residents highlighted the importance of community policing. Alan Whitehead explained about the introduction of Neighbourhood Policing in Southampton, and how that meant there are now particular police teams connected to particular areas in the city, such as the Coxford Safer Neighbourhoods Team, which serves the Lordshill area.
It was suggested that Hampshire Constabulary could look at streamlining their current policy for on-the-spot fines for all age groups.
Councillors explained how the the Council was increasing the number of CREW Weeks (Crime Reduction and Environment Weeks) and the impact they can have in an area.

If you would like to contribute to this panel on Keeping Lordshill Safe, please email Alan with your views.