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PRESENT: Councillor Davison in the Chair.

Councillors Clark (vice-chair), Ali, Barkworth, Ellerby, T Foster and N Sherwood.

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

147DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) -The following members declared personal interests –

Mrs Jo Findley, Scrutiny and Regulatory Support Officer in attendance, for matters discussed within the planning and evaluation session, declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member and secretary to the Bottesford Neighbourhood Action Team.

No whip was declared.

148 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 19 January 2009 and 18 February 2009, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chair.

149 (16) PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – Street Pastors (North Lincolnshire) – The Chair advised members of the panel that a request had been received to address the panel and explain about the imminent introduction of Street Pastors in North Lincolnshire.The panel was introduced to Ian Drysdale, Brian Webster and Isobel Webster, founders of the Street Pastor Scheme in North Lincolnshire, and referred to the information that had been circulated.

Brian Webster advised that the Street Pastor Scheme was a church based response to youth problems, specifically related to the night time economy. The aim was to provide support for individuals who found themselves in a vulnerable and distressed state and it was hoped that with this in turn would reduce the need for emergency services, such as the Police and Ambulance.

Members were advised that the Street Pastor Scheme did not allow any preaching. The purpose was to provide care for peoples immediate needs and offer interdenominational support where needed. It was explained that the street pastors would work in groups of four, two providing support whilst the other two provided backup and support should the need arise.

Further discussions ensued and covered topics such as, what support would be given by the street pastors, what funding had been needed and what had been received, how the street pastors had received support from the Safer Neighbourhoods team and how they hoped to further develop the partnership working, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearances and timescales involved.

Sergeant James Main, who was also in attendance at the meeting, endorsed the work of the street pastors and clarified that the roles were clearly defined. Members were advised that the first team of street pastors aimed to be out on Saturday 9th May 2009.

After further discussions, the Chair stated that the Street Pastor Scheme would be given unanimous support from the Safer and Stronger Communities Scrutiny Panel.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, (b) that Ian Drysdale, Brian Webster and Isobel Webster be thanked for their attendance at the meeting, and (c) that the Street Pastor Scheme has the unanimous support of the panel and is wished every success.

150 (17) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – APRIL TO JULY 2009 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for April to July 2009.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the Leader of the Council’s Forward Plan for April to July 2009 be noted.

151 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for discussion at this meeting.