Darley Ward Neighbourhood Board
The Neighbourhood Boards across Derby’s wards are a way for the council to keep in touch with a range of residents’ groups in each ward sharing information from different council officers, councillors and the local police officers too. They have a budget to give money for local projects - our Six Streets noticeboard on Wheeldon Ave was a result of a successful grant application back in 2020. Obviously councils across the country have struggled with funding so there has been pressure to save money by winding up the Neighbourhood Boards. So far, they are keeping going, albeit with reduced council officer time being given to their administration and meetings reduced to three times a year.
SIx Streets is represented on the Board and so we have some information to share. This year the Darley Neighbourhood Board has four priorities.
1. Dealing with bins being left out on streets 24/7.
2. Making sure that To Let signs come down from properties within 14 days from a new agreement being signed.
3. Tidying up City Road gateway in Chester Green.
4. Changing access to the green in Chester Green following the costs of making good after caravans have parked up on the space in the past, sometimes leadind to events haveing to be re-organised/cancelled. The idea is that it will become too difficult for such gatherings in the future.
Councillors and officers are keen to know of strategies which are successful in other towns / cities which could be adopted in Derby, particularly in connection with the first two priorities. If you know of ways of supporting people in terraced houses with limited access to small back yards take in their bins on the day they are emptied then please email in. If you know of cases where the 14 day law on To Let signs is being ignored, then please contact neighbourhoods@derby.gov.uk
Part of the Neighbourhood Board is the reporting back from Derby Homes, the police and the PPO (public protection officer). Liasion between the three organisations is vital in tackling issues effectively. Derby Homes and the police continue to tackle anti social behaviour in the ward. The police reported that there was a recent attempted mugging involving a jogger at the Highfield Road/ Kedleston Road junction. If anyone has information then please use the non emergency contact methods to pass it on.
Dog related incidents, especially in Darley Park, were flagged as a problem. Dog on dog attacks have increased – these can be reported as criminal damage, but to facilitate prosecution, details of the owner are required. If a person is attacked, the the police say to ring 999 immediately. There are PPOs and PCSOs checking on the area because of dog related incidents (including dog fouling) but they are not frequent.
The law says that a person taking a dog into a public place is responsible for maintaining control of the dog. A dog can be under control off lead which allows an owner to look to the welfare of their pet (as required by law) in terms of exercise and mental stimulation. However if a dog is not under control off lead, they should be on lead. The law is also clear that it is the dogwalker’s responsibility to pick up dog mess ad dispose of it correctly ie bag it and bin it to avoid possibiity of fine. Across Derby, anyone exercising a dog, should be able to produce when asked by council officer or PCSO the means to collect dog mess eg a dog poo bag. If they can not, then they can be fined.