RUGBY DISABILITY FORUM
Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel 01788 533796
Minutes of meeting held at Hamilton House on Tuesday 31st July 2007
1. Presentation by Bob Gardner – Community Policing (how it affects people with disabilities)
Neighbourhood Policing – about getting the right numbers of right people in the right places. Officers attend a 2 year training programme which includes diversity and ability training, how to recognise/identify and realising mental health disability.
Community Safety – addressing the needs of people who feel most vulnerable. Meeting and engaging with the community – high visibility making people feel safe. Listening and getting feedback will identify number of officers needed. Public expectations, access, answers from local officers, neighbourhood watch, key individuals, bringing partners together (police, fire brigade, Council officers, community groups) who meet regularly.
How does this affect people with disabilities – members who are hard to reach (leaflets in large print, tapes, CD’s). Disabled people represented on Community Support Meetings.
Q - Not aware of any community policing in my area. How do I find out who he/she is and how do I make contact?
A - Leaflet drops have been done, media coverage, web site, local officers working from Benn Partnership, Hillmorton, Wolvey etc.
Q - Perhaps photographs of Local Community Officers could be posted in prominent positions n is the Police Station op– is it 24/7?
A - 8am to Midnight 7 days a week but recently have been operating with 50% staff.
Q - What about mental health disability. How do you deal with them?
A - West Midlands Police are doing a lot of work on this, working with Autistic Society and suggesting people carry cards. Currently doing policy on mental illness.
Q - I understand that Community Policing has been given more powers? Problem in Town where cars are parked in bus lanes and unable to get near the bus in my wheelchair.
A - Officers will be taking details of cars and informing the Police who will follow this up. Parking enforcement now handed to Local Councils.
Mr Lynn –from The Criminal Prosecution Service, gave a talk on the Criminal Justice System
Made up of a number of agencies – Magistrate Court (more minor offences), Crown Court (serious offences), Probation Service (supervising people perhaps on licence), Youth Offending Team (people who offend under 18 years of age), Prison Service.
How does it work? – gathers evidence, arrest, further interviews, decisions as to whether or not should be charged – sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest – could be cautioned – if decided to charge – what charge should it be – do they stay in custody or on bail (police decision).
The Crown Prosecution Service is independent from the Police. Aggravated features such as racial/disability offences will warrant increased sentence.
Q - How does the service work for someone who has poor speech and cannot give evidence?
A - You can now have someone to speak/interpret on your behalf. There are agencies available who provide this service.
Q - Very serious crimes – sentencing say for life and offenders are out after relatively short time?
A - Judges can recommend minimum time to be served.
Q - Do you have any say in whether prisoners go to open prison?
A - No, this is the responsibility of the prison service/Home Secretary.
David thanked Bob and Mr Lynn for their very informative presentations.
2. David welcomed everyone. Present - Fiona Bennington, Jill Atkinson, Geoff Wilde, Mala Solanki Cassim Virani, Jack Lawton, D Hillman, Aseia Rafique,Harry Mossop, Gordon Boyle, Sara Gibbons, Chris McGaffney,Jean Griffiths, Clem Griffiths, Sheena Corbett, Joyce Carter,Mary Robinson, Pat Clarke, Tony Woffenden, Paul Cooper,Pat Cllarke, G S Farthing, Clare Montague, Paul Tolley,Andrew Cowan, Brian Edwards. David Foster. John Burrell
3. Apologies - Sue Hillman, Enid Blencowe, Martin Eversfield and Pam Jones.
David advised everyone that Sue and Enid were very ill and wished them both a speedy recovery.
4. Matters Arising
David advised that we have received answers to our questions put to Suranjana and confirmed that WCC and RBC are to do their impact assessments similar to the Police.
Ripple Prints – David has a meeting with his lawyer to discuss where we go with this.
Drop Kerbs – Martin advised David these will be done this week as he was unable to do it due to the bad weather.
Induction Loop – David unable to find anyone willing to do this. JB to give David name and number of person who does work for RBC.
Railway Station – discuss at next meeting.
Rugby Theatre – JB has established that neither RBC or WCC own side road. JB to contact Theatre.
5. Reports
Taxis – Jack gave update on his previously circulated reports. RBC Cabinet deferred decision at their meeting subject to speaking with taxis owner’s representatives. It is not the intention to extend the opening hours at John Barford Car Park, as there is sufficient on-street and surface car parking.
Note: Since our meeting Jack has been advised that Taxis Proprietors in Milton Keynes have successfully taken a case against the Council about the way in which that Council implemented the introduction of accessible taxis. RBC will consider the implications of the judgement before proceeding further. It is envisaged that a report will go to Cabinet on 17th September.
Friends of Caldecott Park – Geoff couldn’t attend the meeting but has received feedback. Planning Permission given to replace wooden shed to café with external picnic areas. Things moving on quickly although no committee or secretary yet, however they will be sending out information leaflets shortly.
Rendezvous Café – (now known as Winter Place) JB advised that he and David met with the owners Architect and person who is to run the restaurant. They have provided an external bell (yet to provide a disability sign over) and when pressed the staff will quickly provide a very substantial portable ramp. There is also a new disabled WC on the ground floor. JB and David agreed what they have done is reasonable, taking the Town as a whole as a reference point.
6. Any Other Business
Prison – David attended a Forum meeting at the prison – want to work more with community – impact assessment being done.
Air travel, Extra rights for people with disabilities – If a disabled person has a ticket and a reservation, the airline can no longer refuse disabled people the right to travel.
One Million Disability Forum – European initiative. If one million people sign a petition in Europe they have to do it! Fiona volunteered to visit their website and report back next month as to whether it is something the Forum should become involved.
Information in alterative formats – Paul Tolley advised that CVS are using technology to copy text and put into a programme and tape it, play on CD or onto tape. Could be possible to turn around information in 1 hour. Paul agreed to do Forum minutes and agenda’s in different formats. These are in experimental stage at the moment and Tony agreed to take away a tape and give feedback at our next meeting. David to do the same for info. on CD.
Albert Street near Rugby Advertiser – two cars parked – David has spoken to RBC who is looking into this.
Disability agenda – minister is to be answering questions today. Andrew agreed to listen and report back.
Paul reminded everyone that Forum meeting minutes are always on CVS site every month.