Agenda item

To present information on ensuring clean and tidy communities.

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy, the Head of Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy and the Assistant Head. Attention was drawn briefly to the following principal points: 

-      It was explained that the street cleaning service covered all the public and adopted roads managed by the Council. These have been split into zones in accordance with their use:

o   High-use zones - town centres mainly

o   Medium-use zones - comprise residential areas mainly

o   Low-use zones - comprise the less intensive areas which include rural county roads. 

-      It was confirmed that the waste and recycling collection service had recently been transferred to the Environment Department and this had given officers an opportunity to re-visit how the provision was delivered. The tidying-up service continued to be under the management of the Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy Department.

-      It was explained that a review of the service had been undertaken.  Generally, it was recognised that the work of the service was very good, however, there were financial and health and safety matters to be addressed.  It was reported that a timetable had been set to address the routes in the most efficient way by the end of the summer.

-      Details were given that Keep Wales Tidy held an annual independent survey on street cleanliness. 

-      It was explained that the department was undertaking trials of 'Brighter Bins'.  Five bins were part of the trial, and they use solar power and modern technology to make an automatic request to the department to be emptied when they are full.

-      It was discussed that teaching children and the people of Gwynedd, as well as raising awareness of the effects of litter, was part of a process of changing behaviour to achieve long-term environmental benefits.

-      It was reported on the Department's intention to combine street cleaning, enforcement elements and the tidying-up teams as one new Street Scene service.

Members were given an opportunity to ask questions and offer observations. During the discussion, the following matters were raised:

In response to enquiries by members, the Head of the Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy confirmed that enforcement teams currently faced capacity difficulties that led to a delay in the installation of new dog excrement bins after the department had received requests.   However, it was confirmed that the Tidying-up Teams aimed to distribute bins as soon as possible and confirmed that only a limited number of bins were stored in the Council's possession.

A member noted that some individuals threw litter out of their cars. The member asked would it be possible to be more pro-active in the places where this was a regular problem e.g. lay-bys.  In response, the Head of Department noted that the location mentioned by the member could be looked at to trial such an arrangement.

A member asked if there was a comparison of the costs linked to litter clearance and emptying bins. In response, the Head of Department noted that it was a matter to be included as part of the review.

In response to an enquiry regarding the challenges of preventing pollution, the Head of the Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy Department noted that it was proposed to appoint a Communications Officer to educate people about the impact of pollution.  It was hoped that this officer would be appointed by Easter. 

Consideration was given to the responsibilities of individuals to ensure that their recycling equipment was undamaged to ensure that waste was not blown away prior to collection. 

In a question about collaboration with large companies to find ways to reduce waste, it was reported by the Head of the Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy Department had been in close contact with companies in the past. By now, these links had ended, however, there was an intention to nurture stronger links in the future with large companies in the area.

Consideration was also given to litter discharged from recycling lorries during their routes as the doors are not closed between collections. The Head of Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy confirmed that this would be discussed with the teams. 

The efficiency of the Brighter Bins pilot was discussed.  In response to an enquiry, the Head of the Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy stated that the pilot was in the early stages and it was not currently possible to assess its efficiency. It was confirmed that the department would have more understanding of the pilot results as it continued.

Staff were thanked for their good work during the discussion and specific attention was drawn to some areas. The Head of Highways, Engineering and Gwynedd Consultancy confirmed that he would report back to all the teams the thanks and appreciation of members.

Members gave thanks for the report.

RESOLVED

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.