Agenda item

Julia Stack, Community Safety and CCTV Manager, Evie Griffiths, Senior Community Safety Officer and Helenor Gwatkin, Senior Community Safety Officer, presented an annual update on the work of the Community Safety and CCTV service in the Skipton and Ripon area. The report provided an overview of Community Safety Hubs, CCTV provision and the wider strategic Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

Chief Inspector Simon Williamson, Inspector Keeley Lockey-Smith and Sergeant Dan Price were also in attendance to deliver a North Yorkshire Police (NYP) operational update.

The Community Safety and CCTV Manager introduced the report and highlighted that Ripon falls within the Harrogate CSP, which had been reflected in the report. It was also noted that from April 2026, Helenor Gwatkin assumed responsibility for the Skipton area, taking over from Evie Griffiths in the role of Senior Community Safety Officer. A key point of discussion was the ongoing strategic review of CCTV, including the installation of two additional temporary cameras in Skipton town centre.

In response to questions from Members, the following points were raised:

·       Concerns were raised regarding fly-tipping and the use of CCTV at problem locations. It was clarified by the Community Safety and CCTV Manager that fly-tipping is the responsibility of the Council’s Enforcement team, with CCTV deployed only in areas already covered by public surveillance.

·       A request was made to reinstate quarterly local policing update meetings in the Ripon area. Inspector Keeley Lockey-Smith agreed to follow this up with the Division Member and to re-establish more regular engagement.

·       Several Members raised concerns about obstructive and dangerous parking in tourist areas and at beauty spots such as Stainforth, highlighting risks to emergency vehicle access. They requested stronger enforcement measures, including recovery options. NYP confirmed that monitoring is ongoing, with dangerous obstructions remaining enforceable, particularly during busy summer periods, while noting the need to balance enforcement with supporting tourism.

·       Concerns were raised by the Division Member for Bentham and Ingleton about reports of anti-social behaviour linked to traveller activity in Ingleton, including a lack of police response. NYP agreed to liaise with the Ingleton Parish Council Clerk to address the matter.

·       Positive feedback was received regarding the installation of temporary CCTV at Skipton bus station, which had improved public confidence. It was noted that the cameras were temporary and may be relocated based on need, although it was reported that there were currently no plans to move them. It was reported that the strategic review of CCTV was led by NYNet and reported to a steering group chaired by the Assistant Chief Executive Local Engagement. Consultation involved various stakeholders including parish and town councils, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and NYP, with initial findings and recommendations being reported in early summer.

·       A question was raised about installing CCTV on private buildings, with officers noting practical issues around ownership and access, suggesting improving the robustness of lighting columns as a better approach.

·       Concerns were expressed about limited coordination between the Council’s Enforcement and Highways teams, parish and town councils and NYP, particularly in rural areas such as Burnsall. Sergeant Dan Price acknowledged this and outlined efforts to improve multi-agency working and re-establish local coordination groups, including for Wharfedale.

Resolved

That the report be noted.