Agenda item

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. not cleaning up dog mess.  A bone-shaped receptacle had been shown by fellow councillors on social media to hold dog faeces bags.  Were these available to other members? 

·            Staff were aware of problematic areas, bins should continue to be emptied regularly rather than use smart bins. 

·            The need to re-visit the role of volunteers and councillors, not enough penalties were given in accordance with the regulations to keep dogs on a lead and to pick up dog mess.

·            Why did the Council hand out dog mess bags to dog owners, when this was their responsibility?

·            Where would the smart bins as part of the pilot be located?

·            When would the campaign commence to raise awareness regarding picking up dog mess?

·            Community bin sites needed to be kept tidy and the need to conduct a deep clean in town centres.  

 

In response, the Head of Service and Street Services Manager noted the following:

·            In relation to the street recycling bins, that there were 3 or 4 sections in the bin for different materials.  Slight contamination of materials was seen in the recycling bins.  The message regarding recycling continued to be communicated.

·            There was a need to co-ordinate volunteer group litter picking campaigns giving consideration to access to equipment and appropriate locations to leave litter for collection. 

·            Street sweeping in rural areas was undertaken at least once a year with sweeping in villages at least once a month. It was another team that sprayed weeds on pavements and this was undertaken at least once a year.

·            A note would be sent to all Council members with information about the Clean and Tidy Communities Team.

·            The team also cleaned signs. They would also be informed outside the meeting about where to leave the black bags.  As part of the review, consideration would be given to sweeping the cycling paths after cutting vegetation.

·            It was difficult to clean chewing gum, a new machine had been purchased via grant monies to trial its use.  It was hoped that this work would become part of the Clean and Tidy Communities Team work.

·            Education was essential and specific activity would be held. 

·            Members could contact the Street Services Manager to request the bone shape receptacle and arrangements would be made to give these to the warden in the area.

·            There had been pressure on staff over the last two years, and the arrangements to empty bins would be looked at as part of the review. It was believed that there a place for smart bins particularly in remote areas. 

·            There was a need to look in greater detail regarding the situation with dog mess, and consideration would be given to employ more enforcement wardens.

·            Following the advent of new legislation, it was not possible for volunteers to take enforcement measures, however, volunteers will be considered to distribute packs and to give advice to dog owners. They were happy to have a further discussion. 

·            Free sample packs used to be given as a marketing tactic, however, this did not continue.

·            It was intended to locate the smart bins in busy urban locations.

·            Raising awareness was an on-going matter.  As part of Caru Cymru, a national campaign 'Leave only pawprints' was being promoted on social media. New signs were being trialled and small signs visible in the dark had been erected in Dolgellau.  If members wanted to trial new signage they should contact the Street Services Manager. 

 

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