October Ward Panel Minutes

Brixton North Safer Neighbourhood Ward Panel 

Minutes of meeting held on 8 October at Angell Town RMO Office, Overton Road

Chair of the meeting: Diana Linskey

Attendees in person: Diana Linskey, Michelle Killington, Steven Warran, Dominic Chlebowski (Notting Hill Oak Square), Jasmine Ankele, Samual Kamara, Maria Moran, Pzita Angeli, John Payne, Christopher Bartlett, Rosetie Kaferen, Roberto Commisola, John Ibrahim, Mary Ekenichi, Tom Smith Lambeth Parks, Lara Midsud-Bonici, Ellen McKay, Michele Batstone,  John-Paul Ennis, Ward Councillor,  Marcellina Moray, Mary Stenella, Liz Wallam, Kiburat Ascios, Asista Onitoles, We had around 30 people there. 

some people did not sign in. Apologies for any misspelt names above.

Attendees on the line: (via Teams) – chat monitored by PCSO Jack Dowler so questions could be raised. No questions raised during the meeting. Henry Umeh (Lambeth Enforcement). Catherine Valentine, Lauren Watson

PCs Chris Lawrence and Patrick Mccarthy-Spivey had joined the team but were not available for the meeting.

Apologies – Peter Impey, Cllr James Bryan, Lillian Kabdebo, Keith Badrick

Diana welcomed all to the meeting and attendees all introduced themselves. 

Minutes were agreed.

4.   Before addressing the formal agenda Diana referred to the disturbing Panorama programme that week which had shown police behaviours at Charing Cross station which were very concerning. Gavin spoke about his 18 years in the police and about his and others reaction to the behaviours shown. He made it clear that Brixton would not tolerate any such behaviours. 

4.   Presentation from Ward SN Police team on actions to deliver the July to October quarter 2025 Priorities

Current crime levels, ASB, etc

Burglary residential and business both down though numbers low. As usual bike thefts, garages broken into, communal areas parcel thefts. Thefts and vehicle theft - Bike and theft from motor vehicles down, shoplifting down but under reported especially by the COOP, theft from person up a bit and as usual concentrated near the town centre and also along Stockwell Road. Drug trafficking and possession down slightly and more towards Max Roach Park. 

VAWG - up from 46 to 49 incidents spread across the ward. SNT have done 2 walks and talks about VAWG on the ward with 4 attendees. Happy to do more. Discussion on how to give people information on how to stay safe, whether a seminar would help and who might give it. 

ASB stats – still unable to access the previous stats through Met Insight. Map shows codes of reports logged as personal/environment/nuisance. Gavin explained that ASB reports which came to him were mostly about noise nuisance, domestic issues, bin usage, neighbourhood disputes. Concerns were expressed about people on the streets  walking amid the traffic and begging for money. They were known to Public Protection Officers, support was available but not always welcome or taken up.

Community Engagement – Steve has set up drop in sessions for residents to meet him to discuss issues.

6.         Community concerns, discussion of recent/current crime and public safety matters

Fireworks -reported as a real problem already this year with youths having street fights and letting fireworks off in the estates, particularly Loughborough. Also behind the police station in the gated estate. Intel was needed on where they were being sourced from. People urged to report incidences and any intel. Steve had been liaising with youth workers.

Clear Hold Build -  Gavin reported Inspector Val Charles had folded the dedicated team into the Town Centre team and other vacancies including Chris coming to out Team. The Clear Phase was now done. Moving into Hold and Build where the Council needed to play a greater part.

Max Roach Park - Tom Smith (Lambeth Parks) reported on very positive discussions with residents and the people from the Loughborough Community Centre towards setting up a Friends Group for Max Roach Park. This would then be able to apply for funding for improvements and community activities in the Park. He reported new play equipment would be installed soon, and litter picking was taking place. Discussion about street drinkers there – Gavin had been surprised how residents were quite compassionate towards them. Enforcement of the PSPO needed signs, we needed to encourage children and families. Still issues about lighting and foliage. But very constructive steps being made. 

Phone Snatching – This was a significant problem. Organised crime was behind it. Kids could make a lot of money on stolen phones. A plea for everyone to be vigilant and careful in their use of phones in the streets.

7.         Report from Ward Councillors – held over

8.         Ward Priorities: 

All in agreement to carry on with these priorities. 

9.         Date/venue next meeting – January 2026. Annual meeting with election of Chair, Secretary and Vice Chair

Diana said that she felt it was time to step down as Chair. It is too much to do minutes and to Chair. Please do contact Diana (diana@linskey.org.uk) )if you are interested in becoming Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary. Roles are set out in the Ward Panel Handbook which I can send you.

10 Any other business: - none

A big thank you to the team at Angell RMO office for making us so welcome and the food and drinks provided. It was very much appreciated.