Issue - meetings

CABINET MEMBER: COUNCILLOR CATRIN WAGER

To consider the report

RESOLVED to accept the report and to note the observations received.

The report was presented by the Head of the Highways and Municipal Department, who guided members through the main matters.  

It was noted that the Council had a statutory responsibility to ensure that public highways and public open spaces were free of litter. It was a visible and important service especially during the period of the pandemic. It was explained that Street Services covered all the public sites and adopted roads managed by the Council.

It was highlighted that areas had been divided into zones according to their use. It was explained that the cleanliness of an area was assessed by comparison with standard, the standards ranged from Grade A to D.  It was elaborated that alternative response times were allowed to clean the areas and return them to the appropriate standard. 

It was noted that the Department had faced cuts in the past, and additional pressure as a result of the increase in tourism.  Details were given of the Service's vision and the Committee was asked for their observations on the vision.

The Street Services Manager reiterated the observations of the Head of Service with the following points:  

·         He referred to the Code of Practice and noted, due to the Covid situation, that a new one would not be introduced within the year.  He noted that there was legislation in England to penalise car owners throwing litter, this was not available in Wales but was being considered.

·         He noted that as part of the pilot, four smart bins had been ordered and these would be solar powered.  The bin would crush the litter several times before sending a signal to notify officers that the bin needed to be emptied.

During the discussion, the following main observations were made by members:

·            The vision was welcomed and there was an enquiry about street recycling bins. It was noted that people placed litter accidentally or without thinking in the wrong bin and further information was requested about the collection process and staffing requirements to divide and sort materials.

·            There was a question about voluntary litter collection groups and it was noted that there were regular events across the country and in Gwynedd and it was a good idea for the public to be part of the process.

·            It was asked what the arrangements were with road sweeping and if this continued in rural areas. It was added that keeping roads clean was a means to avoid flooding.

·            The matter of weeds on pavements, especially those used less frequently, was raised. 

·            Reference was made to the Clean and Tidy Communities Team and the need to inform members of the team's work.

·            Complaints were received regarding green signs and with litter campaigns re-commencing with black bags left behind street bins.  Could consideration be given to sweeping the cycling paths after cutting vegetation? A query was raised about arrangements to clean chewing gum.

·            It was pleasing that children's education had been included as one of the next steps, however, adults could create more problems e.g.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6