Agenda item

Willesden Brent Connects Meeting

Minutes and Action Log

1

Soap Box – Chaired by Cllr J Fraser

Cllr S Choudry introduced the Soap Box section of the meeting setting out the ground rules and time allocated for each speaker.

Key points in section

·        A resident asked whether there were any programmes in place to address the accumulation of litter around Willesden Green; the Neighbourhood Management Team offered to discuss this issue in more detail outside of the meeting.

·        In response to a question around plans for the King’s Coronation in May, the Director of Communities updated that protocols for the Coronation were being finalised for Local Government. Currently there were no funding streams available, though the council would signpost to external community events, such as street parties. 

·        Following on from the street cleaning issues in Willesden Green, one resident pointed out that the main issue was around refuse collection, rather that combating fly tipping and litter. The Chair invited the residents to log concerns on the ‘Love Clean Streets’ app, or to contact him directly so he could visit affected areas on his ward walk arounds.

Actions

·        Neighbourhood Team to reach out to resident regarding litter issue in Willesden Green

2

Brent Health Matters – Nipa Shah

The meeting received a presentation from Nipa Shah of Brent Health Matters, providing an overview of health data in Brent and what action Brent Health Matters was taking to combat health issues that were most prevalent in the borough. It was explained that the approach being used was of the ‘3 C’s’, which comprised of Strategy of Connecting, Creating Trust, and Co-Producing. An explanation was given providing information on of how people could volunteer to become health champions in the community as well explaining the grant programme that was available for community-based health projects.

This was followed by a Q&A with the audience, which is captured below:

·        A member from the audience welcomed the work of Brent Health Matters around co-production and invited them to visit his food bank to observe the work that they were doing.

·        In regards to tackling obesity, a representative from Brent Health Matters explained that they were working alongside Brent Children’s Services to develop a programme for schools to address rising numbers.

·        In response to a query around the inclusiveness of cooking classes offered by Brent Health Matters, it was updated that where people did not have the means to cook, they were exploring more accessible options such as adapted recipes and the use of fresh fruit.

·        An audience member emphasised the need for Brent Health Matters to work with the community to ensure that work streams were not being duplicated.

·        Another resident praised the impact of the dental hygiene bus at Gladstone Park, welcoming the initiative from the Council.

In closing, Brent Health Matters drew attention to the partnership work with Brent Hubs, as well as Community advice groups to signpost residents around employment, training, and education.

Action

Community Engagement to share slides to attendees and pass enquiry around toilets to relevant council department

3

Menti Exercise

Cllr S Choudry introduced a short Menti exercise and invited the audience to answer two questions through an interactive quiz. The questions asked are captured below:

Question 1:  What does Brent Connects mean to you?

Question 2: What key topics would you like us to explore at Brent Connects?

The response and participation from the audience was positive, particularly for the second question with Youth provision and Community Safety coming up as key topics for future meetings.

4

Community Safety/Protection – Simon Egbor and Cajetan Anywanu, ASB Nuisance & Crime Manager and ASB Localities Officer

The meeting was provided with an overview of work the Community Safety Team was undertaking in partnership with the police to tackle crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in the Willesden area, through the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), as well as the use of new CCTV units equipped with data analysis features. It was also updated that a new PSPO around street drinking was now in force.

This was followed by the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) who briefly spoke about their partnership work with the ASB Nuisance team and engagement work which was taking place in Willesden.

The presentation was then followed by questions, which are captured below:

·        A resident made an enquiry around the data that had resulted from the new CCTV cameras, as well as het number of fines issued. It was updated that the the ASB Nuisance team would be able to provide these figures.

·        In response to a resident query as to why seating had been removed from outside the library and post office area, the ASB Nuisance team confirmed that this decision had been made in conjunction with the Town Centre Manager for the affected area. The reasoning behind the decision was due to the area becoming a hotspot for illegal drinking.

·        A resident raised concerns via the chat function that some areas in Willesden were too dark, and required further street lighting.

·        In reponse to a query around whether PSPOs could cover illegal car repairs, the ASB Nuisance team updated that this would involve Trading Standards and the DVLA, and would not necessarily be enforceable by a PSPO.

·        A resident made an appeal for volunteers to come forward to join the Police Ward panel; the Community Engagement Team offered their contact details in order to amplify this message to residents.

·        Issues were raised around Horn Lane in Willesden, specifically around knife crime. The resident asked if statistics could be provided from March, and the ASB Nuisance team noted that in order to consider a data set there would need to be at least 6 months worth of evidence. The team offered their contact details for the resident to discuss this issue further.

In closing the item, the Police SNT team also stressed the importance of people in the community reporting issues and crimes they see as they are relient on community input. It was updated that currently there were specific issues around shed burglaries in the area which were unddereported.

Action

-        Community Engagement to share slides with the audience and to consult with ASB Nuisance team regarding the points raised in the meeting