St. Helens Council Town Hall, St.Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1HP Telephone: 01744-456585 (Samantha Murray, Support Officer)

Rainford Ward Committee Public Meeting

Agenda

Date: 3rd September 2007 Time: 7.00 p.m. Venue: Rainford Village Hall Membership: Councillors: Grice, Lowe, Parr Co-opted Members: Jeff Keenan, Helena Housing

Inspector Thornton, Merseyside Police Bill Highcock, Community Empowerment Network

Gill Davies, Tenants and Residents Association Councillor J. M. Collins, Rainford Parish Council

1. Apologies for Absence

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

1

3. Declaration of Interests from Members

4. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

a) July Issues b) Environmental Project Fund – Update to be tabled.

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5. Public Question Time

6. Local Issues - Parks & Open Spaces

7. Update on Environmental Protection Planned Schemes

8. Environmental Fund New Proposals

9. Community Safety Update 15

10. Youth Provision in St. Helens 2007/8 Update 19

11. Date of the Next Meeting – 29th October 2007

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Item 2: Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Rainford Ward Committee At a meeting of this Committee held on 23rd July 2007

at Rainford Village Hall

(Present) Cllr Lowe (Chair) Jeff Keenan – Helena Housing (JK) Gill Davies – Rainford tenants and Residents Association (GD) Insp Zoe Thrornton – Merseyside Police (ZT) (Not Present) Parish Cllr Leach Cllr Parr Cllr Grice Bill Highcock (Also Present) John Fogarty – St Helens Council (JF)

Jonathan Greenough – St Helens Council (JG) Brian Malcolm – St.Helens Council (BM)

13 Appointment of Chair

It was agreed that Cllr Lowe would chair the meeting.

14 Minutes of the Previous Meeting The minutes were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting dated 21st May 2007 – Proposed JK, Seconded JF

15 Declaration of Interests from Members

No declarations of interest were received. 16 Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting

JG updated the Committee with progress on issues following the last meeting.

17 Environmental Fund - Planned Schemes 17a May Issues

A matter was raised in respect of the issue regarding the safety of News Lane. While United Utilities installing traffic lights on Berry’s Lane had to a large extent solved the issue in respect of the road works, the fact that the whole of News/Berry’s Lane was unsafe remained outstanding. The letter from Danny Gordon had not addressed this fundamental issue.

The point was made that disabled access was in particular very hazardous, and that a comprehensive risk assessment/appraisal of the area was needed.

Action – JG to Raise the issue once again with Highways

17b Environmental Fund Projects Update

Scheme RAF01, RAF02, RAF03, RAF05 & RAF18

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Need more detail as to exact locations, and also required a project application form to be submitted

Scheme RAF04 had been incorporated in scheme RAF14 (complete) – To be removed from the list

Scheme RAF06 & RAF10 Councillor Lowe has met the Vicar, who has stated that residents can use the church car park, providing they do not interfere with services at the church. – To be removed from the list

Scheme RAF07 Complete

Scheme RAF08 Have been approved and work is on order. Cllr Lowe asked who the contact office was for the Christmas Lights.

Action – JG to get contact details for Christmas Lights

Scheme RAF09 Waiting for invoices to be submitted.

Scheme RAF11 No Action – to be removed from the list.

Scheme RAF12 Access gates at Linear Park - Scheme Agreed by the Ward Committee for £3,668

Action – JG To progress

Scheme RAF13 It was agreed that the scheme was important, however there was a question as to whether the contractors had finished on site. Due to the amount, and remaining uncertainty as to the status of the area, it was agreed that the decision to proceed with the project be deferred until the next ward committee, when more information was to be made available.

Action – Deferred until next meeting

Scheme RAF14 Complete

Scheme RAF15 and RAF16 It was agreed that two areas at Pasture Lane and Berry’s Lane should be approved, with an additional floral area to be located at Mossborough for a total budget cost of £2,426.10. All three areas are to be incorporated as a single scheme.

Action – Scheme to be merged as one, JG to progress

Scheme RAF17 It was agreed that the scheme should be approved for dog bins at: 1. By gate near Rainford Junction Station Car Park

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2. Linear Park over 1st hill in the dip 3. Kendal Drive near post box near post office 4. Parsons Brow 5. Lords Fold 6. Crank Hill 7. Higher Lane 8. Alder Lane At a total cost of £2,800

Action JG to progress

Scheme RAF19 The scheme was awaiting costs and appraisals by the Council’s Dog Awareness Officer.

It was agreed that all the schemes with Red traffic lights could be removed from the list.

18 Public Question Time 19:50

Playing Field Amenities – Scarisbrick Road – Mr Jones There had been some complaints about the antisocial behaviour in the area. It was requested that there should be a sign for no ball games/drinking in the area. It was recognised that there would be a project to be approved at the next committee, however it was stressed that the matters are urgent.

Action ZT to commission PCSO’s to visit the area JG to raise an issue with Parks officer

Dog Bins – Cllr Lowe The locations of the current dog bins in the Rainford Area was requested for the next ward committee

Action – JG to Raise an Issue

Cycle Ways – Mrs J Tunstall A question was raised as to whether there are any plans to improve cycle ways, in order to promote healthy living and the green agenda. The current provision is inadequate and dangerous.

Action – JG to ask Highways Officer to respond to Mrs Tunstall

Tree Planting – Mrs J Tunstall The question was whether there are any plans to embark upon a tree planting exercise. It was outlined that there had been a number of previous efforts, the Mersey Forest as well as schemes involving the schools that had experienced mixed success.

Action JG to ask the question of Open Spaces Officer & respond

Fence between Whalley Ave & Co-Op – Mrs Foster

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Some 15 years ago, the residents has clubbed together to erect a fence in order to reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the above location. A further smaller fence had been erected some 18 months ago.

Recently, an officer from planning has sent a letter to Mrs Foster stating that the fence must be removed under the Road Traffic Act, as it is causing obstruction.

It is clear that the fence has been successful in reducing and eliminating anti-social behaviour in the area, and therefore it was questioned as to whether this was a balanced requirement.

Action ZT to speak to PC Davies ZT to speak to Jean Rimmer, Safer Communities JG to Raise the Issue with Council Officer

Youth Disorder – Mrs Barnes There was a question as to what services were planned in respect of the Youth Service. The question was really asking what could be done beyond the youth club activities.

JF responded with some of the facts relating to Youth Service provision, and ZT added by outlining the work that was being undertaken by the Safer Communities Partnership, and in particular the “Active Engagement Team”

Ann Roby was named as the contact officer for Youth Service in the Rainford Area.

Action – JG to Request Youth Service to Attend Local Issues

Lathom Drive Issues Dog Stencilling – Mr Tolputt It was requested that some stencilling should be undertaken on Lathom Drive all the way to the park.

Action – JG To Notify Kieron Berry

No Ball Games Stencil – Mr Jones The bin on Lathom Drive needs moving nearer to the pathway, and No Alcohol signs are needed. The No Alcohol signs are not big enough and difficult to read.

Action – JG to Raise an issue

Alleygating – Whally Avenue – Mr Bibby For the past 5 years, residents have been asking for alleygates on Whalley Avenue. There was some debate as to whether it was a public right of way, and whether the process had been started in terms of consultation & planning.

Action – JG to raise an issue and get a report back to the committee in terms of the planned schemes in Rainford.

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Linear Park – Pond – Mrs Gill Davies The pond at Linear Park was full of rubbish again. Praise was given to the rangers and waste disposal for their efforts following the visit, however, the litter had returned.

It was asked as to how often the Rangers cleaned the park, and what could be done.

Action – JG to Raise the issue 20:33

19 Local Issues - Waste Brian Malcolm led an interesting discussion about waste recycling and disposal. There was a strong feeling amongst the residents that recycling was an important issue, and it was suggested (by a member of the public) that weekly collections should not be necessary.

There was a request to have information about what can and can’t be recycled, - there will be information provided in St.Helens First.

Mr Howard requested a black box

Action – JG to Raise an issue

Next Meeting – Local Issues

Action JG to contact Parks and Open Spaces officer and also Youth Service for the next two Local Issues slots.

20 Update on Environmental Protection Planned Schemes

JF provided an update of the planned schemes, and outlined that the Capital Programme had not yet been agreed, so the list was not fully complete.

21 Environmental Fund New Proposals

JF introduced a paper that outlined the spend from the fund so far. With approval of all schemes that have been costed up, there is £2,393 remaining.

The schemes awaiting more detail are likely to cost in excess of the remaining budget, so the Committee was asked to bear that in mind when looking at future requirements.

The following New Proposals were suggested: - Tree Planting

Action – JG to research

- Risk assessment of News Lane (see Above issue) - Establish future of the Flower Baskets and Bedding areas

Action JG to Contact Officer for response

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- Street Signs at the Springfield Estate – JK Suggested that Helena Housing could assist

Action – JK to establish requirement

- The road sign at Garswood Road has fallen off – needs to be fixed

back on (at the Junction with Scarisbrick Road)

Action – JG to Raise and Issue

- A proposal was submitted by MrHoward to install a “Springfield” Road sign on Bushey Lane.

Action – JG To progress

22 Community Safety Update

Inspector Thornton provided an update.

The increase in Drug related offences were as a result of a clamp down, and does not suggest any increase activity. Offences were minor.

Overall, Crime figures have improved.

23 Date of Next Meeting

3rd September 2007 7.pm Rainford Village Hall. Cllr Lowe thanked everyone for their attendance and thanked JF & JG, who would be moving to a different Ward Committee The meeting closed at 9.0pm

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Item 4a: Matters Arising

Public Question time – Issue report Rainford Ward Committee May 2007 Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre

System Log Number Mrs Davies A matter was raised in respect of the issue regarding the

safety of News Lane. While United Utilities installing traffic lights on Berry’s Lane had to a large extent solved the issue in respect of the road works, the fact that the whole of News/Berry’s Lane was unsafe remained outstanding. The letter from Danny Gordon had not addressed this fundamental issue. The point was made that disabled access was in particular very hazardous, and that a comprehensive risk assessment/appraisal of the area was needed. The Ward Committee requests that a full risk assessment is undertaken and reported back to them about the safety of News Lane and Berry's Lane for Pedestrians

Report to be tabled at a later meeting 20070725-00184

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Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre

System Log Number Mr Davies Safety of News lane for pedestrians Reported that the issue had been looked into

previously by the traffic division after another member of the public had raised the issue at the committee in May. Under normal circumstances the footpath would extend continuously along one side of the road, however on News Lane the Authority owns little of existing beyond the kerb. As a result the footpath had to be constructed discontinuously along News Lane. It is possible to walk the length of News Lane on a footway whilst taking care when crossing the road. According to the Authorities accident database there have been no accidents on News Lane in the last 5 years. There are currently no plans to purchase any more land to extend the footpath.

20070725-00336

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Mr Jones The bin on Lathom Drive needs moving nearer to the pathway, and No Alcohol signs are needed. The No Alcohol signs are not big enough and difficult to read

Terry Deveney responded that with respect to moving the bins nearer to the pathway, this will be done when the existing bins have come to the end of their useful life and when they are replaced he will look to install them on the open space site as they are now but nearer to the footpath edge. The signage which was provided at the entrances with white writing and a light blue background, includes for ‘no drinking’, were provided a few years ago following requests from the local community and are clear to read as you approach the site from three sides. He will therefore not currently looking to amend the type of sigange that exists on site.

20070725-00366

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Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre

System Log Number Cllr Lowe A request was made for the locations of the

current dog bins in the Rainford Area to be reported at the next ward committee

Report to be taken to the next meeting 20070725-00304

Mrs Tunstall A question was raised as to whether there are any plans to improve cycle ways, in order to promote healthy living and the green agenda. The current provision is inadequate and dangerous.

Jonathon Padmore wrote to Mrs tunstall explaining that the Council is committed to promoting cycling in the borough and that each year we introduce more cycling facilities across the Borough. He outlined the programme of work currently being undertaken and how it is being implemented.

20070725-00330

Mrs Tunstall The question was whether there are any plans to embark upon a tree planting exercise. It was outlined that there had been a number of previous efforts, the Mersey Forest as well as schemes involving the schools that had experienced mixed success.

Brian Johnson spoke to Mrs Tunstall and identified details of her request which will be looked into and responded back to her in the future.

20070725-00336

Mrs Foster Some 15 years ago, the residents has clubbed together to erect a fence in order to reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the above location. A further smaller fence had been erected some 18 months ago. Recently, an officer from planning has sent a letter to Mrs Foster stating that the fence must be removed under the Road Traffic Act, as it is causing obstruction. It is clear that the fence has been successful in reducing and eliminating anti-social behaviour in the area, and therefore it was questioned as to whether this was a balanced requirement.

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Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre

System Log Number Mrs Barnes There was a question as to what services were

planned in respect of the Youth Service. The question was really asking what could be done beyond the youth club activities.

Member of the Youth Service team to attend the October Ward Committee meeting.

20070725-00358

Mr Bibby For the past 5 years, residents have been asking for alleygates on Whalley Avenue. There was some debate as to whether it was a public right of way, and whether the process had been started in terms of consultation & planning.

A letter was sent explaining that the Council is not able to alleygate but will investigate to see if evidence will support a gating order

20070726-00097

Mrs Davies The pond at Linear Park was full of rubbish again. Praise was given to the rangers and waste disposal for their efforts following the visit, however, the litter had returned. It was asked as to how often the Rangers cleaned the park, and what could be done.

Brian Johnson will be attending the next meeting under the Local Issues slot, and he has indicated to that the Rangers patrol the Linear Park at least once a week and Grounds Maintenance Section litter pick at least once a week. If either team get any reports from the public they will respond accordingly.

20070726-00103

Mr Howard Requested a black recycling box Kate Jones spoke to Mr Howard explained the box will be delivered in about 3 weeks time

20070726-00112

Cllr Lowe Requested that a Parks and Open Spaces officer to attend the Ward Committee on 3rd September for the Local Issues slot

Brian Johnson will attend the September meeting 20070726-00192

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Mrs Davies There are very few street signs on the Springfield estate, and it is difficult for emergency services and others to find their way round. Can the Council look towards providing street signs. Jeff Keenan has indicated that Helena Housing can contribute

The location has been logged and will be inspected shortly.

20070726-00198

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Customer Name Enquiry Action Taken Contact Centre

System Log Number Cllr Grice The road sign for Garswood Road at the

Junction with Scarisbrick Road has fallen off and needs to be repaired

Passed to the Authority's Contractor to repair. 20070726-00203

Mr Howard There is a need for a sign off Bushey Lane indicating where Springfield estate is located Mr Howard has submitted an Environmental Fund application form, however, this may be something that should come from the Council's core highways budget

JON PRESTON IS DEALING WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL FUND APPLICATION AND WILL RESPOND TO THE WARD COMMITTEE DIRECTLY

20070726-00206

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Item 9: Community Safety Update

TTAACCKKLLIINNGG CCRRIIMMEE AANNDD DDIISSOORRDDEERR IINN SSTT HHEELLEENNSS –– WWAARRDD UUPPDDAATTEE

RRAAIINNFFOORRDD –– AAUUGGUUSSTT 22000077 There has been continued success in the reduction of crime and disorder when the figures from this period are compared with those from 2006/07. British Crime Survey Comparator crimes across the Borough fell by 846 offences compared to the same period last year. All crime fell by 876 offences. In the individual crime types, theft of a motor vehicle fell by 28.9% and theft from a person fell by 20.7%. Assault categories such as wounding and common assault are down by 19.4% and 54.9% respectively, which demonstrates the continued success of all partners to ensure the personal safety of residents and visitors. Although domestic burglary figures mirror those of the same period last year and theft from vehicle is still down 12.8% in that period, a July increase in figures for these crimes has emphasised that these categories of crime remain a challenge to all partners in the Borough. Where drug offences in individual wards show an increase it is usually attribute to increased police activity e.g. warrants being executed on premises under the ‘Operation Hawk’ banner. April – July

2006/07 April – July

2007/08 +/-%

Borough Wide Profile British Crime Survey Comparator Crimes 3901 3055 -21.7% Total Recorded Crime 6412 5536 -13.7% Ward Profile British Crime Survey Comparator Crimes 107 86 -19.63% Total Recorded Crime 163 142 -12.88% Theft of a vehicle 4 1 -75% Theft from a vehicle 12 19 +58.33% Domestic Burglary 18 4 77.78% Theft from a Person 3 0 -100% Criminal Damage and Arson 36 29 -19.44% Drug Offences 2 13 +550% Anti-Social Behaviour calls to the Police

• Rowdy Behaviour 105 58 -44.76% • Nuisance Vehicles 54 16 -70.37% • Street Drinking 10 4 -60% • Substance Misuse 0 0 0.00% -

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Ward Initiatives Charges – Hunting Act 2004 Merseyside Police has secured seven arrests for offences under the Hunting Act 2004. Merseyside Police in St Helens responded to complaints received earlier this year relating to trespass on private land involving hunting live mammals (rats and rabbits) with dogs in Rainford. Officers in St Helens ran a targeted operation in partnership with Merseyside Police Wildlife Liaison Officer, Lancashire Constabulary Wildlife Liaison Officer, CPS Wildlife Offence Specialist and RSPCA Special Operations Team which resulted in seven arrests on 7 June 2007. The seven men have subsequently been charged with Hunting a wild mammal with dogs under the Hunting Act 2004 and appeared at St Helens Magistrates Court on 1 August 2007. All seven men (aged between 19 years and 31 years and all from Liverpool) were fined £400 each and ordered to pay costs. School Watch Merseyside Police in St Helens has been helping to keep schools safe and crack down on thieves and vandals who target schools during the summer holidays. While the schools are not in constant use, they are in danger of suffering at the hands of vandals, burglars and arsonists. The impact of criminal damage and loss of equipment can be devastating. The School Watch initiative combines high-visibility policing with crime prevention tactics to thwart would-be criminals. Police are working closely with the local education authority and other partners to raise awareness of the issues amongst residents, parents, staff and pupils. Neighbourhood Officers have been providing essential crime prevention advice and talking to pupils to give them an appreciation of their facilities and a sense of ownership. Police Officers, Community Support Officers and the Special Constabulary will be patrolling the borough's schools. Police are also calling on the community to join the operation by reporting any instances of trespassing or criminal damage.

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Borough-Wide Initiatives Putting Brakes on Bike Theft

'Lock it or lose it' - that's the latest message from Merseyside Police and St Helens Council as they launch their latest campaign to combat bike theft. Bike theft tends to increase during the summer holidays, particularly when youngsters are out and about on their bikes. In order to prevent theft happening, Police and the Council have launched an eye-catching campaign with the slogan "Lock it or lose it - Protect against bike theft' which will be seen on cinema screens and buses across the borough. If you think you are being offered a stolen bike, ring Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Service launched in St Helens Victims of domestic violence often find themselves in need of support especially when the offender, often a partner or close member of the family is to be taken through the criminal justice system. St Helens Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership have appointed the Relationships Centre to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) service. The IDVA service is independent of any of the statutory agencies including the Council and the Police and will work closely with victims of domestic violence. Based in Tontine House in St Helens Town Centre, the IDVA service will support victims of domestic violence by providing practical, emotional support and advice which will enable them to access a range of legal and informative services and resources. The aim is to help victims and their families move safely towards living a violence free life. The Service was introduced on 9 July. For more information ring the IDVA service help line on 01744 457116 Anti-Social Behaviour Crackdown continues The number of anti-social behaviour incidents in St Helens has reduced by 32% in just three months thanks to the dedicated efforts of St Helens Officers.

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In March 2007, 692 anti-social behaviour incidents were reported in the St Helens Area. In June 2007, only 469 reports were received, which is a 32% reduction. This has been achieved in a number of ways:- • Call Handlers are taking more detailed and accurate information on receipt of the call, ensuring our

resources are targeted where they are needed. • Police Officers, Community Support Officers and Special Constables are being deployed to our

hotspot areas through a co-ordinated approach. All Designated Areas in the Borough (2 in Parr, 2 in Clock Face, 2 in Rainhill and 2 in Haresfinch) are being patrolled during their hours of operation, ensuring our resources are in the right place at the right time.

• Callers are being kept updated of the action we have taken in response to their call, helping to reassure the community that we are addressing their issues and improving satisfaction and confidence.

• Offenders have been targeted, leading to a number of arrests, vehicle seizures and Fixed Penalty Notices (£40-£80 fines) being issued. In addition, Police and partners are continuing to use Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders as a tactic for addressing anti-social behaviour.

• Incidents of anti-social behaviour tend to increase when young people and alcohol mix. Police are continuing to work with Trading Standards Officers and local licensees to ensure alcohol is not getting into the hands of youngsters.

In just a 3 month period (between April - July 2007), Police in St Helens has taken positive action to tackle anti-social behaviour including:- • 51 Section 59 Warnings have been issued to drivers of vehicles/bikes being used in an anti-social

manner. • 5 vehicles have been seized for having no insurance. • Over 800 units of alcohol have been seized from either underaged persons or people drinking on

the streets in the Designatory Aclohol Zone. • 298 Fixed Penalty Notices (£80 fines) have been issued for drunk and disorderly and public order

offences. Useful Contacts Merseyside Police - Your Neighbourhood Inspector is Zoe Thornton and your Neighbourhood Sergeant is Paul Holden. 0151 709 6010 – NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER (general enquiries, speak to Neighbourhood Officers) 999 – EMERGENCY 0800 555 111 – CRIMESTOPPERS (providing information about crime in your area anonymously) Further information can be found by logging on to our website – www.merseyside.police.uk St Helens Council Tel: 01744 456789 Email: contactcentre@sthelens.gov.uk Further information can be found by logging on to our website – www.sthelens.gov.uk

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Item 10: St. Helens Youth Provision 2007/8

Ward Committee Briefing Note September 2007

St.Helens Council’s Youth Service Introduction This briefing note has been produced to update Ward Committees of the development of services for young people borough-wide, it will highlight a number of recent developments and improvements introduced by the Council and its partners to increase opportunities for Young People to participate in constructive activities. Summer Programme Feedback from the groups contained within this years brochure is extremely positive with the majority reporting significantly higher take up than summer 2006. Early indications from many of the organisers are that most of the customer enquiries have mentioned that it the summer brochure was their primary source of information. Attendance at many of the sports sessions around the borough started low, as most of the sessions are outdoors its not too surprising given weather conditions in the first weeks of the summer, however as the weather has improved so attendances have picked up. From the voluntary sector Rainford Cricket Club have 60 children attending a three day cricket course, over 100 attendances for the Tennis course and Downall Green Church have had at least 50 children a day at their Holiday Bible Club.

The brochure was distributed to every household in the borough in June, four weeks earlier than last year’s publication allowing parents and young people greater time to plan their holiday activities. The number of activities contained within the booklet

increased from 185 to over 600. There has been an increase the number of voluntary

sector groups who will benefit from promoting their activities within the brochure Evening Youth Club sessions for 13 – 19 year olds

have increased from delivery at four sites to a comprehensive programme at 12 sites. The afternoon youth sessions in parks and

community centres has been broadened to include music projects and a number of new sites

Further information on the summer programme can be obtained from:

Terry Bates, Sports Development Manager (01744) 455443 or terrybates@sthelens.gov.uk Junior Youth Clubs As reported to the May Committee, community research highlighted a lack of activity available for young people aged between 8 and 13 yrs, not surprisingly it is many young people within this age group who have been identified as being the source of much of the anti social behaviour within our communities. To address this gap in provision the Youth Service is piloting junior sessions at four sites across the borough, Derbyshire Hill Youth Centre, Grange Valley Youth Centre, Newton Boys and Girls Club and Windlehurst Youth Centre. The sessions in Derbyshire Hill have proved extremely

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popular with attendance high, Windlehurst and Newton have seen steady numbers attending however the sessions at Grange Valley Youth Centre have not attracted a significant number of young people. For information on these sessions contact:

Newton – Karl Schofield Operations Manager (01744) 677592 or karlschofield@sthelens.gov.uk Haydock, Parr & Windle - Ann Roby Operations Manager (01744) 677832 or annroby@sthelens.gov.uk

New Appointments to Youth and Sports Development Service The following staff have now been appointed to posts within the new Youth Service Structure:

Operations Managers – responsible for the day-to-day management of Youth Service sessions within the community.

Thatto Heath, West Park, Sutton, Rainhill, Eccleston, Debbie Mousdell, Operational Manager (01744) 675646 or

debbiemousdell@stehelens.gov.uk Rainford, Newton, Earlestown, Moss Bank, Billinge and Seneley Green

Karl Schofield Operational Manager (01744) 677592 or karlschofield@sthelens.gov.uk Town Centre, Parr, Haydock, Windle, Blackbrook.

Ann Roby Operational Manager (01744) 677832 or annroby@sthelens.gov.uk Inclusion and Disability Officer

Cassandra O’Neill 01744 455453 or CassandraOneill@sthelens.gov.uk Responsible for the development of activities and opportunities for under represented groups for both the Youth and Sports Development Service

Assistant Sports Development Officer (Young People) Mark Jennings- 01744 455446 or markjennings@sthelens.gov.uk

Working with the voluntary sector to increase sporting opportunities for young people.

Youth Engagement and Youth Opportunities Fund Officer

Karen Little – 01744 675643 or Karenlittle@sthelens.gov.uk Responsible for the engagement activities with young people and the administration of the Youth Opportunities and Capital Funds

Youth Opportunities and Capital Fund The Council is committed to ensuring young people benefit from positive activities, which foster their personal and social development, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy sport and recreational activities. Using resources from central Government introduced the Youth Opportunities Fund (£118,976 (of which £15,000 will be used for staffing and admin)) and Youth Capital Fund (£102,906) in April 2006. Through these funds young people have had a central role as decision makers and grant givers, project leaders and participants. The funds have not substituted resources already made available for youth work by the Council, but have been used as a springboard for giving more choice and influence to young people on services that will be provided to them. The grants panel has now met on three occasions to consider applications, they will meet again in October 2007 at which time it is anticipated all the £443,764 will be allocated to local groups. To date £253,480.78 has been awarded in 60 separate grants. A detailed analysis of the successful groups can be seen from the following graphs.

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Youth Opportunities and Capital Fund Value of Awards by Ward

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000

Billinge & Seneley Green Blackbrook

BoldEarlestownEcclestonHaydock

Moss BankNewton

ParrRainfordRainhillSutton

Thatto HeathTown Centre

West ParkWindle

Boroughwide

No. Application by ward

0 5 10 15 20 25

Billinge & Seneley Green Blackbrook

BoldEarlestownEcclestonHaydock

Moss BankNewton

ParrRainfordRainhillSutton

Thatto HeathTown Centre

West ParkWindle

Boroughwide

No. of Successful Application

The graphs above highlights the significant proportion of the investment has benefited the borough-wide youth population, it also indicates that awards have been made to local projects in every ward. Earlestown, Moss Bank and Blackbrook are all wards where larger scale building related projects have received support. Applications have been received by a cross- section of groups from across the Youth Sector and the following graph illustrates the spread of applicants.

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Analysis of Award by Group

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Sports Clubs UniformedOrganisations

CouncilSupported

Youth Grps.

Schools andSchool Related

Vol SectorYouth Groups

Arts Individuals

Group Type

% o

f app

lican

ts

Further information on the Youth Opportunities and Capital Funds can be obtained from:

Karen Little Tel 01744 675654 or Email: Karenlittle@sthelens.gov.uk The Beacon Building The Beacon Building is a new build owned by the YMCA in College Street adjacent to the existing YMCA Buildings. A gym, fitness suite, crèche and café facilities are also available within the building. The building is due to be fully operational form September 2007 and a substantial amount of space within the building is being leased to the Council and Connexions to co locate a range of services for Young People, currently these includes the following:

Connexions,

Youth and Sports Development Service Young Peoples Team Educational Welfare Teenage Pregnancy Unit

The Vision for Service Delivery During the transition to adulthood, every young person will be entitled to, and be able to shape:

• personal, social and educational development opportunities; • independent and impartial information, advice, counselling and guidance; and • positive leisure-time activities and facilities, with whatever level of support is needed to enable

each of them to achieve and progress. To achieve this vision services aim to:

• Build on the co-location of agencies, to develop an Integrated Youth Support Service • Provide a community resource, focussed on the needs of young people • Accessible town centre facility, combining educational resources with activities, support &

opportunities • Breaking the cycle of disengagement in St Helens

The anticipated outcomes for young people will be:

• Improved joined up multi-agency working • More young people engaged with services • Positive impact on NEET

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• Reduced crime & anti-social behaviour • Positive and motivational experience • Raised aspirations • Improvements in emotional-wellbeing and lifestyle • Greater involvement of young people in shaping and designing their services

across the borough • Significant improvements to tracking and referral

Young Person Consultation Young People were consulted initially on the Beacon Building. They told us that they wanted:

• Services: Connexions advice on jobs/ careers, YOT, Sexual Health, Drugs & Alcohol, Youth Service, Counselling, Social Workers, Housing & Benefits Advice

• Staff: Friendly, approachable and knowledgeable on local opportunities • Environment: Relaxed, Clean, Bright with Childcare facilities, ICT access and leisure facilities

free of charge, familiar Connexions brand Young people from the St.Helens Youth Council visited the Beacon Building on 9 May 2007 and gave their feedback from the visit and continue the consultation process. The young people were very positive about the move and are keen to remain engaged in the process. It is intended to continue to consult with young people to ensure the service delivered from the Beacon Building is effective for them. The Beacon and Integrated Youth Support Services St.Helens Council and Connexions intend to take this opportunity to deliver integrated targeted support services for young people. Integrated targeted youth support encompasses the delivery of positive activities; information, advice and counselling, and; targeted support. Integrated Youth Support systems are designed to enable and encourage professionals to work together and to adopt common processes to deliver frontline services, coordinated and built around the needs of young people. To enhance our capacity to do this other agencies are planning to deliver within Beacon:-

Health (Clinic in a box) Housing (advice and support) Young Carers (face to face delivery) Citizens Advice (financial advice and rights) CAHMS (Counselling) Job Centre Plus (employment advice)

Further information on the Beacon Building and the Services proposed can be obtained from:

David Boocock Tel 01744 675654 or Email: davidboocock@sthelens.gov.uk David Boocock Head of Youth and Sports Development Services September 2007 Tel: 01744 675654 or Email: davidboocock@sthelens.gov.uk

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