1. Apologies and welcome from the Chair, Cllr Terry Hart
2. Minutes of last meeting which can be found at: Please click here for the minutes
3. Matters arising
4. HBC Planning Somborne Drive enhancement scheme Leigh Park (15 minutes)
5. HCC Access Team (40 minutes)
6. HCC Trading Standards – Door step crime (40 minutes)
7. HBCDAG Action Planning for 2010
Members Update (VH)
8. Any other business
9. Date of next meeting and close
If you have any special requirements please contact 02392 446007 caren.ransom@havant.gov.uk
If you require this in large print or alternative format please contact Caren Ransom on
023 9244 6007 or caren.ransom@havant.gov.uk
Apologies:
Rodney George
HBCDAG
Richard Sturgess
Gosport & Fareham Access Officer
Judith Glenister
Val Stanley
Jason Beasley
Present:
Caren Ransom (CR)
HBC
Cllr. Terry Hart (Cllr H)
HBC (chair)
Alicia Samuel (AS)
HBC (minutes)
Cllr. Cheshire (Cllr C)
Gwyneth Fyfield (GF)
Shona McPherson (SM)
HCC
Martin Affleck (MA)
Disability Access Consultant
Julie Boschi (JB)
Fred Dunford (FD)
Val Hartridge (VH)
M Macbeth (MM)
Havant Adult Services
Iris Hendry (IH)
Julie Gallagher (JG)
HCC – Trading Standards
Cllr Hart informed the Group that at the Cabinet held on the 13 May 2010 Cllr Cheshire was appointed to represent the Council on this Access Group for the 2010/2011 municipal year.
LA introduced himself as a new member of the Group – he is the Vice Chairman of Southampton Action for Access ( SAFA ).
Please note: after the HBCDAG meeting Cllr Cheshire agreed that Cllr Hart should continue to Chair the HBCDAG quarterly meetings
The minutes were agreed as correct and accurate
From the last meeting:
Item 3: Cllr Hart informed the Group that the Waterlooville Sainsbury’s application has been withdrawn. (Due to the unavailable Sainsbury’s resources to gather figures and information on the possible impact on the junction)
Item 4: Cllr Harts actions – Cllr H confirmed that there is no specific budget, although £500 has been set aside for the Group from CR’s budget. A consultation did take place, and officers across the Council pledged support where necessary e.g. sending an officer to meetings etc. CR will continue to look after money coming in and out of the Group
Item 5: CR wanted to thank the Group on Share D’all’s behalf for their input on the customer service for the PSV . Information form various focus groups were sought and are being palliated; feedback from this is soon to follow.
Item 5: Job Carving was defined as way of splitting jobs enabling disabled people to make a valuable contribution and allowing skills to be realised; for example a welcoming person, freeing up customer service officers at reception.
JB Senior Landscape Architect at HBC requested that the Group review plans for the Somborne Drive enhancement scheme in Leigh Park.
Work is looking to start September 2010 for a completion date in January 2010
JB explained that HCC and HBC have managed to get joint funding (106) to improve the road to make it easier for pedestrians. The proposed improvements include:
· A table top/Zebra crossing + 2 other smaller crossing points
· The crossings will not have lights ( HCC Highways have certain criteria dependant on volumes and numbers
it was noted that a narrower road will reduce the speed cars and number of cars using it as a through road).
· At the Greywell Car Park there will be raised and different paving for walkways
· Short term stay parking to the side of the road will include disabled bays
· Footpaths will have paving and kerbs
· Trees are wanted but locations are not fixed (on the plan)
The Group raised and suggested the following:
· A taxi rank – to stop them parking in disabled bays or blocking views and crossings etc.
· The short term stay maximum limit should be 45 minutes to allow for equality and consistency across the
Borough towns (to save confusion etc.).
· Restrictions on parking on corners will be needed – on Bordon Road cars often block views when trying to
cross
JB to look into the points raised
The plan was left plan for the Group to further discuss and review, CR to return with feedback from the Group.
SM on behalf of PSV s clients (potential partners including HBC , HCC, CAB etc.) wanted the Groups opinion on the doors for the Atrium
After a visit to a similar Centre, the preference for the doors has been revolving ones with a push button door either side (as alternatives). This would help to retain the heat in the Atrium.
The Group were against the revolving door and the push button doors; the reasons are listed below:
· A large number of customers will be disabled, wheelchair or walking aids users, have trolleys, push chairs, children etc. with them. This majority would find revolving doors and the push button either unusable or very difficult to use
· Difficult for visually impaired to use
· Difficult for some people to stretch their arm out to push the button
· Difficult for wheelchair users and other disabled people to manoeuvre to push the button and then get through
the door
· Revolving doors can be slow – slowing down the natural flow of customers (this problem was noted at the QA
hospital, where they have similar doors)
· This idea seems to be going a step back (against DDA regulations) rather than moving forward.
The Group also asked if the Customer Services Officers had been consulted to see if the current sliding door system makes the reception cold and ‘drafty’ for them. If they are happy, the Group questioned why a change was needed.
It was also suggested that at the HCC Records Office in Winchester the revolving doors are used less than the alternative doors provided.
The Group agreed that the ideal door system would be the current, (although it was suggested that revolving and sliding doors could both be used).
SM to take the comments and suggestions back to the ‘clients’ to be considered
SM will keep the Group informed of any further proposals, (e.g. will there be an exit and entrance).
Julie Gallagher a Trading Standards Officer from HCC introduced what Trading Standards does.
JG and her team wish to raise awareness and protect the vulnerable and elderly people, who are often targeted. Various doorstep crimes that could take place and the prevention methods were discussed.
Rogue Traders (roofers, tarmacers, etc.)
· Sometimes they wear official/professional clothing such as fluorescent jackets etc.
· ‘Shoddy’ work is often carried out
· Ask to be paid in cash
· Those who pay in cash are often re-targeted
· Catching them and getting the evidence for prosecution can be difficult
JG told the group of an arrangement with Building Societies, Banks and Post Offices. If a person who does not usually withdraw large amounts of cash does so, the cashier will question the purpose of the withdrawal. Although this may be inconvenient for some, it may just be the needed realisation catalyst. The bank etc. will then contact Trading Standards when appropriate.
JG also informed the Group that Hampshire Trading Standards has introduced a Quick Response Team, (dedicated number 01962 833 666) who are available Monday – Friday 09.00 – 5.00, (outside these hours JG advised contacting the police). The Quick Response Team work to intercept rogue traders by gaining intelligence, they can also work out the actual finishing price of work, and can go out with the police too make arrests and help to prosecute.
Bogus Callers, (claim they are from utilities companies etc)
· No one has the right to access your property except the police with a warrant
· They could be ‘scoping’ to come back at a later time
· And/ or a part of a distraction burglary
· ID cards may not be proof of genuine identity – JG advised not to call the number on the ID card as this may
be bogus as well, it is best to contact the company directly yourself to validate the ID
JG advised on measures to deter bogus and rogue traders:
· Stickers provided by her team to put in windows (‘beware of doorstep callers’ and ‘We do not buy goods or
services at the door’).
· A door chain – which prevents engagement of conversation
· It is ok to say no
· If you are not expecting someone be on guard or alternatively you don’t have to answer the door.
JG also discussed Reliable Traders with the Group. There is a free approved trader directory (that has a registration fee for traders to cover costs). The following are done to approve the traders:
· Auditing
· Checked they are compliant with law
· CRB checking
· Customer reference checks (10 at random)
There is a booklet available but the website is updated more regularly
No Cold Calling Zones:
· There are 150 in Hampshire managed by the police and Philip Mills from JG’s team
· For a zone to be put in place (done per street) each person in the street is consulted on a one to one basis
Postal, email/internet and telephone Scams were also examined
Additionally the Group raised concerns over:
Electrical goods sold at table top sales – JG to liaise with VH and pass the concerns to the Safety Team.
Signing contracts in your home – JG confirmed that you have the right to cancel a contract over £35.00 whether the trader was invited or not. It is an offence to misrepresent or not to give paper work on cancellation notification of the contract; this can lead to the contract becoming void.
JG and her team can be contacted on 01962 833 625
The following can be contacted on 0845 404 0506 and also:
· Reporting Door Step Crime
· The Buy With Confidence website and email address
· The local contact for Buy With Confidence is 01962 833 620
· General consumer advice from Consumer Direct
JG also mentioned that she is available to make a free talk to other groups
The Group will have a stall at Party in the Park on the 5th June 2010 in Havant’s park
Results of the HCC mystery shop that the Group took part in were that some shops got rid of shared spaces
SM to liaise with VH on more information on a consultation regarding streets in the Winchester area
The Education Business Partnership Fairs were discussed. The Group agreed that VH should accept a continuation of the Group attending the events subject to the condition that travel costs will be paid for/reimbursed.
VH also expressed how well the inclusive Fun Day went, which had many different activities for families with disabled children and disabled adults. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was well organised by Andrew Wheeler and Kyle Hanna.
FD to email the Group to see if anyone can attend, (in his place) the Older Person's Workshop (a new application for the Oak Park Hospital is being submitted) at Springwood in Waterlooville on 9th July 2010
FD raised the Hayling Island Beachlands Disabled Parking charges that will be taking place. He wanted it noted that there had to be adequate signage (as some disabled parking users may not be aware that they will be charged) and there needs to be accessible machines. CR assured FD that HBC will be undertaking a Customer and Equality Impact Assessment that looks at what effect, or likely effect following from its implementation and mitigating impacts on different groups in the community. Tony Cailes will be heading this and will involve CR, CR to feedback information.
VH advised that persistent offenders who park on dropped curbs should be notified to PCSO s at community board meetings or the Civil Enforcement Officers here at HBC .
Cllr Cheshire spoke about the non emergency number 101 – Hampshire is the only county in the country to still have this use of number.
This efficient service can divert you/your problem to the appropriate person to action either straight away or when next available. Cllr Cheshire suggested that the Group could call regarding the parking at dropped curbs. The call costs 10p and the more it’s used the better as it can give an overview of problems/problem areas.
The Group to further network 101 where possible/appropriate
CR suggested that the Group recommend the number to Judith Glenister to use, (who is having some parking problems in her area).
Thursday 5 August 2010 14.00 -16.00, Civic Offices Committee Room 1