Agenda item
Performance of the Streetscene Service
- Meeting of Area North Committee, Wednesday 26th November 2014 2.00 pm (Item 115.)
- View the background to item 115.
Minutes:
The Streetscene Manager summarised the report as shown in the agenda. He highlighted to members key points including:
· A main focus over the previous six months had been weedkilling – the process was now more mechanised using two quad bikes. The service aimed to carry out the spray programme twice a year.
· A big issue at the current time was leaf clearance which was being achieved by various methods including using a ‘Community Payback’ team for some of the work. It was hoped to further develop the working with Community Payback.
· The service was looking to tailor approaches regarding the dealing of graffiti.
· Already preparing for flooding with 500 – 700 sandbags filled
· Looking to get grit/salt spreaders to fit on the quad bikes.
· For unknown reasons flytipping had increased and they would continue to work with Enforcement Officers to ascertain if there were any trends.
· Parish Ranger Scheme now had three staff and most clients seemed pleased with the scheme.
· Ditch maintenance in Area North would be completed in Area North very shortly.
· Bulb planting continues – with a different mix of bulbs being given away this year.
Responses by the Streetscene Manage to comments raised during discussion included:
· Many sandbags had been filled using sand from last year’s bags. The bags needed to be refilled as the bags rot.
· Taking flytips through to the prosecution stage was difficult.
· He noted that Somerton Town Council would like some of the wildflowers to help with the Friends of the Earth ‘Bee Inititative’.
· He acknowledged the issue with flyposting regarding a business selling Xmas trees and he would look into the matter.
· Flytipping of garden waste was an issue
· A suggestion that a presentation to members about Community Payback may be of interest
Members praised the work of the team and thanked the Streetscene Manager for his informative report.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Supporting documents: