Agenda item

Report of John Horastead, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, on how the organisation works with local communities and with young people.

Mr Horastead introduced a presentation on how Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue worked with young people and with local communities. The presentation included information on:

Young people

• The Life project
• Working with the Prince’s Trust
• The Fire Cadets
• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
• Box Cleva
• Local youth groups and local schools
• Youth Connexions
• Fire station open days
• Work experience
• West Hert’s College

Community Engagement

• Safer Streets
• Private landlords
• Temporary accommodation
• Accommodation above shops
• Beds in sheds
• Safe Start young parents
• Side by side
• Caring together
• Mencap
• Driving home for Christmas

At the conclusion of the presentation the Chair asked if there were any questions.

Councillor Bolton commented that having a large amount of initiatives was brilliant and it was good that children would see such credible role models.  He asked whether ‘Box Cleva’ was part funded by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue.  Mr Horastead explained that this was part funded by the local Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and part funded as a charity.  Also, sponsorship was being sought.  He added that the CSP funding was ring fenced for four years.

In response to a question from Councillor Mills about accommodation above shops; Mr Horastead outlined a recent prosecution relating to five workers sleeping above a premises that had resulted in £32K of fines.  However, accommodating individuals above shops could be acceptable if the property was configured satisfactorily.  In the case of the design of new premises, the problems were often resolved.  Councillor Mills gave an example of a possible problem at a shop in Whippendell Road.  The Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator undertook to look in to the issue.

ACTION – Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator

Councillor Martins made reference to ‘Box Cleva’ commenting that the District and County Councils may have funds that might be able to assist.  Mr Horastead thanked Councillor Martins for his suggestion.

Councillor Martins asked whether assistance was provided to vulnerable elderly groups.  Mr Horastead explained that Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue liaised with Age Concern and other relevant organisations.  He said that the categories most at risk were those aged 55 and over who lived alone (and also those aged up to 13 years).  He added that steps were taken to protect the ‘asset rich but cash poor’ category of the elderly through the CSP; as these could be vulnerable.

Councillor Mills asked whether Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue worked with resident’s associations.  Mr Horastead explained that they did - including ’Residents of the Third Age’ for example.  He added that they also worked with churches.

The Chair asked whether the changes to legislation in relation to private landlords might cause problems in Watford.  Mr Horastead explained that the issue would be monitored through ‘One Watford’. However, major problems were not envisaged. 

The Head of Community and Customer Services commented that there were excellent working relationships between Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue and the Council’s Community Safety and Environmental Health departments.  Mr Horastead concurred with this sentiment.

The Chair thanked Mr Horastead for his presentation to the Task Group.