We held a public meeting at The Minster on October 11th, This was very well attended and provoked lively, and hopefully fruitful, discussion.
I'd like to thank the representatives from the Police, the PCC, ERYC, Howden Town Council, the Ashes Trust and Howden School who gave up their time to attend the meeting, answer our questions and address our concerns.
The meeting lasted nearly two hours - here is a summary of the most salient points:
1) Speeding / Traffic – Residents comments
‘Howden has become the wacky races of the East Riding. The speed of cars going down roads and through town’
‘Cars fly down Knedlington Road like it’s a motorway, I’ve witnessed them overtaking one another. It’s an enclosed area with pets and older people who can’t get across the road quickly. They treat it as a 60mph road and it’s not just young people. It’s dangerous. Understand you (the police) are a one-man band but is there anything that can be considered to reduce the speed limit?’
‘There’s a 40mph speed limit on Boothferry road. Cars with loud exhausts, motorbikes, it’s getting dangerous. Given the volume of traffic, something is going to happen soon.’
‘On Shelford Avenue, I have reported big trucks for last 4 years, that are exceeding the legal limit. Rang the company that owned the trucks and they did something. It was okay for a while, but then they were back again. If I wasn’t quick on my feet I could have been knocked down 4 times this week. It’s a danger to people dropping kids off. Overloaded tractors at 1am and 2am are horrendous. Is it necessary to have them running at 1, 2 in the morning?’
‘Tractors and trucks are constantly up and down from one road to the other on Boothferry Road. We need speed cameras.’
‘Shelford Avenue has been a problem for years, because of developments, companies are not told to use it, but use it all the time. It’s pointless going to Beverley (EYRC), you go to companies and they stop it for a time but then it starts up again. It’s dangerous for kids going to school. Top end, there is parking too close to the junction and coaches coming in from 3 different directions. Trucks are using it while Mums and Dads are taking kids to school. All the neighbours are complaining but nothing’s being done’.
‘I’ve lived here since March and echo others, particularly with boy racers. Cars zoom past very fast, turning loudly and driving recklessly. It’s not just noise that’s an issue but someone will lose control and kill someone’
Police response
PC Jack Dominic
We can help with speeding, we have officers trained to use radar guns. Howden is quite unique being 20mph across the town centre. If you ask motorists what the limit is they will say 30mph. People are blind to it. We need clear line of sight to check speed which is a challenge. I live close to Thorpe Road, near the garage. I’ve echoed issues to police units so they can chase boy racers. This does require a police presence but there are only me, a Sergeant and our PCSO Becky. (As a result) things take longer but we do work actively to address these issues.
Howden doesn’t have a community speed watch scheme and can’t have one because of road layout. Will look to train other officers to use speed equipment.
You (also) need to look to the local authorities. The police have influence over whether limits can be changed but report it if you see a nuisance, loud exhausts etc. The council will go off statistics in making decisions.
There are 20mph signs but they are not enforceable and you can’t get a ticket, but there are other avenues for prosecution. Driving without due care and attention, careless driving and even dangerous driving if kids are around.
Leo Hammond – Deputy P&CC
On speeding, a lot of work being done by the P&CC. There is a grant for a flashing speed sign, used to remind people of speed limits.
At the PCC we are trialling a community speed camera in Bubwith and that will work the same as Community Speed Watch, but will be a fixed camera. If you are caught once, you will get a letter from the police, if you are caught twice, a visit from police; caught three times, it’s prosecution. The trial will end soon so will look to roll it out to other areas. Camera is over 2m tall so parked cars are not an obstruction.
Policy to be pulled together with highways and EYRC with more funding from central government. Operation Snap, which is funded by central government, will allow us to give out dash cams where people can record dangerous driving and upload videos to the police. This has been running since last year and one in three have resulted in police prosecutions. Safe Road Humber is also looking at other methods to tackle speeding.
2) One way system
Sarah Boggitt – HTC.
Issues around needing a one-way system have been raised. A couple of years HTC spoke to EYRC. It was believed a one-way system would encourage speeding. Speed bumps would cause problems with houses.
Leo Hammond – Deputy P&CC
Speed bumps and chicanes are not the way forward. Fangfoss had no history of collisions until chicanes were put in and then had 5 crashes. We stop speeding by changing peoples’ attitudes. There is Community Speed Watch and Safer Roads Humber. A speed cameral if we can get it up and running. We are doing another scheme, Live Labs 2, a government initiative to reduce carbon on the highways. How we can light highway more efficiently in terms of cost. It costs £6m a year to turn on street lights. There are arguments that show that lighting increases speeding. There is a trial at Shipmanthorpe to put low level lighting on foot paths and solar studs, will that reduce speeding.
3) Antisocial Behaviour
Residents comments
In the (Ashes) park in the evening, it’s a no-go, area, full of 15 to 20 youths hanging around the little kid’s park, breaking swings (they’ve been seen breaking swings). You can’t walk past without them swearing if you say something about littering. It’s intimidating and not as friendly as it used to be. I’ve been 16 yrs in Howden, and over the last few years it’s getting worse’.
‘I’ve been here 18 months and having a serious problem with younger children, as young as 7, 8, 9 causing problems, being rude to dog walkers. People of Howden can’t walk past without abuse. Police have been at my property already, a police officer out to speak to me. Since then I’ve emailed asking police to speak to people on the estate. Kids are running riot on a night, all day Sunday, throwing stones and dog poo bags. EYRC wanted the play park but it’s caused nothing but problems. One young boy who was being victimised, his parents want it (the play park) removed. We need more police presence in the area, speaking to the school. If kids are doing this at 7, 8, & 9, it will continue as they get older’.
‘I recently located to Howden, 12 months ago. Everyone is aware of what happened in the Minster with seats being damaged. Slashed with a stick. Can only reiterate about the park, I’ve seen groups of kids attacking ducks. In the archway leading into the park, they congregate in groups which is quite intimidating for elderly people. There have been used condoms on the floor and beer cans on top. Just a lack of respect generally by group of youngsters.
‘In the Minster one day, two elderly people were doing a craft fair. I walked in towards the crypt and saw 10 youngsters walk into the crypt. Told them they needed to leave. What were they going to do in there? They have nothing to do apart from cause problems for other people. In my time of 12 months I have seen deterioration and it’s getting worse. We need a police presence in Howden but the police are under resourced. Antisocial behaviour starts off pettily and gets worse if not clamped down. Do we report issues to Crime Stoppers or 101? I want clarification’.
‘Kids of secondary school age are booting on doors and calling out abuse. Knocking on windows, disturbing people’s pets. We know who they are, but can’t name them. I have had both parents of these boys contact me and apologise. There needs to be repercussions that makes parents stop that happening. Most people on our street are retired, they shouldn’t have to deal with that. Plus drug dealing on the street’.
‘In the fruit house (ashes park) I’ve seen secondary school age children, littering, vaping and swearing. It makes Howden less nice’.
Responses
Liz Brant – Ashes Trust
I’m aware there have been issues. We have a groundsman in the park but he goes home at 4pm. If people feel intimidated, please call police, or drop us an email. As many people as possible need to get in touch with police. You can go online or call 101. There are very few of us in number as trustees so it’s difficult for us to police it. We have had vandalism for the first time in the fruit house building that was graffitied this Summer with carving into the stone. There’s very little police can do unless there are eye witnesses. Please keep us informed but do let the police know.
Question to Liz: Can the fruit house be closed off in the evening, a temporary gate?
Lots of people would be accepting of this, not sure what the answer is. In the summer I spoke to them (youths) as they were piling bikes in there. None of them were disrespectful to me, they moved their bikes when asked but it was incredibly intimidating. There was even someone caught in the act of (sex). As trustees we can chat about it and see, but people would be upset if that route was closed off. (Re litter) we regularly clear out the dike.
Peter Dugmore – Ashes Trust.
We have put lighting from the town entrance to the park corner with a view to making the park safer. Now have lights on the bowling pavilion. If you go that way you will see lights go on. We have CCTV in the park but rarely get enquiries from people who say they want to see it. You can make enquiries to the Ashes Trust and we will look at it. The Ashes Trust are truly aware of it and doing what we feel we can.
There isn’t much for children to do in Howden, we all have a duty to try and find a solution, but the solution is staring us in the face by giving them an avenue (to do something)
Cllr David Howard – Host
We set up Howden Action Group, with an aim to open a hub in 2025. We’re starting a youth engagement programme in schools, with 700 kids being surveyed. This will craft what a youth hub should look like and really help us build a strong case and raise the capital funds to deliver something meaningful. We are building up data for different age groups (peer groups) to ensure we can deliver a project with the widest appeal.
Please call me if you are interested in helping, this project needs wide community support.
PC Jack Dominic
Yes, there are large groups of youths, in the fruit house and yes, I have seen graffiti. When I speak to them they are pleasant to me, but I wear a uniform.
Generally they will move out of the way when I ask them to. It’s somewhere for them to sit, and it’s sheltered. I agree it can be intimidating. If you are having issues and I don’t get to hear about them, then they are not being reported probably. If people are having issues, please call 999 if it’s an emergency, or 101.
The 101 line in East Riding has the best response time in the country for answering times. There is also the Humberside Police online reporting system. Just put in the key words. It takes about four minutes and will go to the right person, who will see it the next morning. Share your details with us so we can come and speak to you.
Helen Jones-Brown – ERYC Child safeguarding team
Over the summer we ran our mobile youth provision with a gaming bus and positive , diversion activities with the aim of reducing ASB in the local community. We had 30 young people engaged in the "or Place" project (in the Ashes), which was Radio Humberside's class of the week, highlighting good community projects across the region.
When we ran the project there was a significant reduction in ASB.
Some people might not be confident in contacting police, and the local authority does have a proactive ASB team with an online reporting system. The team identify ASB in areas and can speak with residents directly, where concerns are continuously raised and able to map community risk factors in terms of reducing ASB. I agree it (ASB) can escalate if young people don’t have relevant support . It is important that we know it is happening in your community , to provide the earliest intervention of support. Drop our ASB team an email if you believe there are certain areas or individuals that are causing concern.
PC Jack Dominic
The fruit house kids were engaging with projects, it was really great to see. There’s lots of work being done to give kids a place to go but doesn’t happen overnight and money doesn’t grow on trees.
(Re) Howden School. No blame can be laid on the school. Some of the kids don’t even go there. The kids that I have identified as responsible for an offence, the majority don’t go to Howden School. I do go and do school talks, as does Becky. We run a mini police scheme for primary school age children, teaching them how to become better citizens and responsible young kids. Howden Juniors have approached us to talk about this. It’s a part of my job that I really enjoy.
Howden School - Lisa Tester - Deputy Headteacher
We have a community of 700 students. Less than 1% of those we have issues with.
At Howden School we have high expectations (built around our values) and our culture has changed significantly over the last two years.
We are disappointed if our students are not demonstrating these values to other people. We want to change the narrative. We see great things from our people every day, You would see a very different side to them in school. We want them to be more involved in the community, but opportunities are limited.
They are trying to find things to do. We are not here to excuse the behaviour of the minority, but we do champion our students who overall are fantastic, and want to work with you as a community to try and support where there are negative behaviours.
Howden School - Jennie Doyle, Deputy Headteacher (Safeguarding)
We also work with feeder schools and have close relationships with them.
We will be making phone calls on Monday to allow the people in charge of safeguarding know what’s happening here in the community.
I echo what Jack said, we work closely with all agencies across the community, what we need to do is educate our young people. When they are school age, they are only in education for 3.7 % of their lives but we are open to working with the community.
We have great relationships with the families, great relationships with the police. Our values are courtesy and mutual (respect). We teach people how to behave.
We have a lot of different avenues in achieving this, plus oversight in safeguarding. (There is a) programme about conflict and resolution. Will be changing that programme indefinitely, so that it’s not just about the school community but the wider community as well.
Our relationship with the police goes back years. When students have our school uniform on they are representing the school. Your first port of call is to report this behaviour to the police and then contact the school if it's significant enough for us to know about. We will always work with the police and other agencies.
Regarding the booting of doors we identified those people. It’s disappointing that people are having detrimental impact.
Also, as adults, if we can be courteous, we will get a better response
Leo Hammond – Deputy P&CC
There are 2,300 police officers in Humberside Police, more than ever before, due to work from P&CCs.
Actions all come down to reporting. If crimes are not reported then there won’t be enough resource. It’s really important to report, either through the police or to the Council ASB team. We can circulate details after the meeting.
Young people want their own space to do stuff. In Market Weighton, that is the root of our problems. For older kids there is not much (dedicated) space. Beverley has done a lot of work to tackle ASB by providing diversionary activities, including putting up graffiti walls. There is wider funding for young people coming up and we are happy to work with HTC on this.
There is a Community Safety Fund, money that P&CC gives to voluntary and other organisations to tackle crime. We can offer CCTV funding etc for parks. We need to know about where issues are, so please do report things. The more it’s reported, the more resource will be allocated.
PC Jack Dominic
From October 2023 to October 2024 there were 43 reports of ASB. In Goole that number was 201. Therefore, based on those numbers, Goole is the priority location.
4) Other Points Raised
Local Police Presence / Resource
- Under-utilised police station – can this be used as a youth centre?
- Could local agencies be put under one roof so that they can speak to each other?
- Since Howden Police team was disbanded the town has grown by 30%
- Put HTC and Humberside Police under one roof (in old Police Station)
- There are various groups for (for older generation), U3A, WI who don’t use computers, they need to go to a police station.
PC Jack Dominic
Howden Police Station is used by the Police Dog team, we would need to review further.
We have looked at police stations in other areas that are not used. Policing is data led. You need to report the crimes. Can’t justify resources if reports are not there to support it.
Am happy to show kids the Police Dog team work from outside of the building. Also run police cadets. Look on Humberside Police website for more information if kids want to be police cadets (open to 15 – 16 year olds)
5) Drug Use / Selling In / Around Town
‘The smell of weed, usually coming out of car windows. I’ve seen them selling drugs in Howden town centre in broad daylight. Teenagers, 14,15 years max, school age
PCSO Becky Addinell.
If you see anything suspicious, if it’s live please report it to us. We might be able to do a stop search. If you know of an address, or a car registration, please note it and report it to us. We can act on that so report it to us. (Becky is based in Howden Library, bi-weekly)
6) Capturing photographic / video evidence on a phone
PC Jack Dominic
Everyone has right to privacy but if in a public place you can document it if you wish. People may accuse you of being a ‘nonce’ or a ‘paedo’, but take no notice. Feel free to take pictures even of children if they are committing a crime.
You would never be accused of a crime if legitimately taking pictures. However please be mindful of posting on social media, it hinders investigations. Report it to the police, report it to the Community ASB team, report it the council. We will act on information.
Keep yourselves safe as people might get more agitated / irate if the feel they are being filmed. Provide the data to the right people at the right time, the right audience- and ideally send video evidence.
(Addendum from Helen Jones Brown)
When capturing images and video footage of children and young people in the community, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential implications and risks involved. While it might be deemed a by some, a positive way to document events, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
1. Consent and Privacy
Informed Consent: Always ensure that appropriate consent is obtained from parents or guardians before taking images or videos of children. In many cases, the child’s own consent should also be considered, especially if they are old enough to understand.
• Respect for Privacy: Be mindful of the child’s right to privacy. Avoid capturing s sensitive or vulnerable moments, and consider the potential discomfort the child might feel about being recorded or photographed.
2. Digital Footprint and Long-term Effects
Permanence of Online Sharing: Once images or videos are shared on social media or other online platforms, they can remain accessible indefinitely. This can impact the child’s future, particularly if the content is misused or misunderstood.
• Reputation Management: Images shared today may influence how others perceive the child in the future, which could affect their personal or professional lives as they grow older.
3. Risk of Harm
Exposure to Abusers: Sharing images or videos on public platforms can expose children to individuals who may have harmful intentions. Geotagging or revealing specific locations can increase these risks.
• Cyberbullying: Publicly shared content can also make children more vulnerable to online harassment or bullying, especially if the content is shared without context or control over how it is viewed.
4. Community and Ethical Considerations
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of different cultural attitudes toward capturing and sharing images of children. What might be acceptable in one community may be seen as intrusive or disrespectful in another.
Avoiding Exploitation: It’s important not to use images of children purely for promotional purposes or to further the agenda of an organisation without considering the potential impact on the child.
By being cautious about these factors and ensuring proper safeguards are in place, we can help protect children from unintended harm while respecting their rights and dignity in both physical and digital spaces.
7) What are the consequences of ASB ?
PC Jack Dominic
With young people, we want to divert people away rather than criminalising. We are not going to lock them up after one thing. Diversion and education. We work with local agencies, use Fairway referrals, out of court referrals and community-based resolutions with
youth justice partners. Delivering targeted results all based on needs. If this doesn’t work then old fashioned policing. It doesn’t work for everyone, but then the 1970’s way of policing didn’t work either. Diversion and education is key.
Leo Hammond
To add, if you ask the EYRC team, who use the Fairway Process, a letter is sent to parents. 90% of cases stop at that point. It’s the 10% that we need to do the diversionary activities with.
8) How will information from this session be made available?
David Howard will collate all the phone numbers of all the authorities (below). If people have photographs and don’t know where to send them he will point people in the right direction.
Notes from this meeting will be made available on HTC website
Howden School to include in next newsletter to parents:-
How to report ASB
What our expectation are
We will discuss the outcomes with Primary school and will ask that information is shared with Juniors and Infants schools.
Also we will produce a ‘how to report – everything you need to know’ piece for Howden Matters, DN14 and East Riding Magazine
9) Other matters
Other ways of reporting – use of an App?
EYRC and P&CC looking to expand apps to make it easier to report things. For now, use the following:-
· Online reporting
· 101 for Police
· 999 if an emergency
· Crimestoppers
How do we find existing stats for ASB?
HTC gets quarterly statistics from ASB Committee. Information available on the Council website and here
Summary from David Howard.
This is not just a sticking plaster but the beginning of something.
As Council Tax payers we have the right to ask that things get done, but our responsibility is to report, report, report.
We will hopefully get action on the youth hub next year and are looking at speed camera installation when we know how much it will cost. This could give us average speed checks across the whole town from Knedlington Road, throughout the 20mph zone and down to the Hull Road roundabout.
We (Howden Town Council) are at the moment distributing ‘20’s Plenty’ stickers to households in the 20mph zone to remind drivers of the speed limits - these are already being delivered.
10) Links and References – how to report, and find out more
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