Minutes
4 November 2008
Held Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
Apologies: Paul Green, Tim Munro, David Botterill, Mr Charnock, Mr Edwards
1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting .
2. Minutes from 9 September meeting approved.
3. Presentation given by Richard Arnold London 2012 Committee – Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). Outlined what has been achieved since the bid was won in July 2005 by way of building now at stage3. Outlined what buildings will be at the London site including aquatic area, velodrome, athletics stadium, village accommodation to house competitors and also press and officials arrangements. Updated the position with regard to the Portland site and confirmed it had taken a year to co-ordinate the legal agreements with SWRDA, Sailing Academy, Crown and Local Authority but now work due to finish within the next week or so making Portland to be the first completed venue. Briefly outlined how accommodation would be dealt with including temporary accommodation.
Questions were then taken from the floor.
4. Presentation by Inspector Pete Meteau – Senior Commander for Weymouth & Portland. He confirmed the number of officers and PCSO’s under his command and how their responsibilities were meted out. He stressed that Portland was now his top priority and that we have a heavier police presence at the present time. He then asked for questions from the floor that included what was he going to do about the drug situation, alcohol issues, anti social behaviour, graffiti, boy racers, and importantly for the business community the rising number of burglaries.
Responses were given jointly by Inspector Meteau and Mike Holman advising how the funds have now been secured for a hand held speed gun which when it comes into operation will assist with the boy racer situation. Confirmed a new CCTV system is to be installed in Easton and hopefully following the initiatives aimed at 2012 there will be more. However, that couldn’t be confirmed.
The issues with regard to Police helicopter and Police dogs were touched upon and the members of the public made it clear that we need to see more of them to address the burglary position.
It was explained that although we perceive we are not being well served the Police are doing all they can for the Island.
The Chairman asked if there was anything we as a community can do. Inspector Meteau explained that because of the Olympics coming in 2012 we should benefit from additional officers – the policing presence will be increased.
Inspector ended by saying he has absolute commitment to policing our Island.
5. Treasurers report given by Andrew Harvey
6. Secretary’s Report and Correspondence.
7. It was agreed £250.00 would be given to the Second Edition Majorette Troup for their start up funding. Confirmed we are looking to work with Portland Skirmish Group.
Tony Pidgley gave a first report on the Officers Field Consultation Group which is to be lead by the PCP and regarding the presentation to be given on 22nd November at the Masonic Hall in the afternoon. We urge all Portlanders/Islanders to attend the presentation and give their views. It is of utmost importance that the funding available from SWRDA is used for Portland in the way we want it to be used and not how others think it should be used.
Confirmed the Shoe Box appeal was successful.
Rachel Barton updated us on the position re Governors Gardens and how it will enhance the Grove area.
8. Any other business. A request if possible to have an additional meeting at the beginning of December for final delivery re Officers Field/SWRDA funding.
