Agenda item - High Rise Security Options

(copy attached).

38.1      The Panel considered a report that provided information on the steps taken to manage and reduce unwanted visitors accessing low and high rise blocks, provided recommendations on a sustainable approach to manage the issue ongoing and expanded upon options raised such as CCTV systems and concierge service.

38.2      Ann Ewings stated that removal of the trades button would not have any impact at Tyson Place as their problems arose from residents providing access and people following residents in through the main doors. Therefore, she did not believe the proposal should be implemented everywhere.

38.3      Carl Boardman stated that whilst the removal of the trades button at Warwick Mount had helped to some extent, it had also led to a rise in tailgating and copying keys.

38.4      The Performance & Improvement Officer stated that Royal Mail had requested in discussions for the trades button to be available until 5-6pm instead of the current 1pm as they now required access much later. The Performance & Improvement Officer stated that the council hoped to introduce a key fob system that could be monitored remotely and the fobs easily cancelled in cases of misuse. Whilst this was a complete resolution to the issue of block security, it was a step forward.

38.5      Chris Row stated that St James’ House were in support of the proposals and acknowledged that tailgating was a significant problem as well as unsecure emergency exits.

38.6      Alan Hale stated that he supported the recommendations as long as the costs were not passed on to residents.

38.7      Carl Boardman asked if the installation of multi steel doors would have an impact on daylight in the premises.

38.8      The Performance & Improvement Officer stated that the door design would be suited toward what was best for the building and the doors would have windows.

38.9      Ann Ewings asked if leaseholders would be charged for the installation of multi steel doors.

38.10   The Performance & Improvement Officer clarified that the doors would be installed as part of the overarching door replacement programme and leaseholders would be charged under that policy as per the terms of their lease.

38.11   Carl Boardman stated his uncertainty regarding the regular reporting of drug litter referenced at paragraph 3.8 as he felt this issue was not often reported.

38.12   The Neighbourhood Liaison Officer stated that a significant amount of work had recently been put in to encourage reporting to one point of contact and that information was collated and shared with other relevant agencies.

38.13    Carl Boardman stated that he believed a more extensive CCTV network would be very costly to maintain.

38.14   The Head of Tenancy Services stated that there was no clear case for the usefulness of CCTV as perpetrators of ASB and other crimes often found methods not to be recognised clearly and there were also related privacy issues.

38.15   Chris Row stated that St James’ House was listed in the report and asked what actions had been or were intended to be implemented.

38.16   The Head of Income, Involvement & Improvement stated that improvements had been made to the car park including wire casing over lights, CCTV, additional lighting and whitewashing and additional improvements may include painting of floors and additional barriers.

38.17   Charles Penrose stated that gaining evidence from CCTV was often a complicated process, an issue that representatives needed to be made aware of.

38.18   The Head of Tenancy Services clarified that only council officers could view and share CCTV footage with police for the prevention and detection of crime. Residents were not permitted to view CCTV footage and it was a system that could be manipulated for those who knew how to escape detection.

38.19   Chris Row stated that he felt there needed to be better feedback on what had been found on CCTV within the scope of data protection and even if the footage did not lead to prosecution.

38.20   RESOLVED- That the report be noted.