Agenda item

To consider the Cleaner, Greener, Safer reports scheduled for Cabinet consideration on 29 September 2021.

The O&S Board is asked to scrutinise and comment on the report and if required make recommendations or observations as appropriate.

Cabinet members invited to attend for this item: Councillor Drew Mellor, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Transformation; Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste; and Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety

The Cabinet report for this item is included with the agenda for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

The Leader of the Council, supported by the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste and the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Officers responded to comments and requests for clarification, details included:

• There was some discussion surrounding the fly tipping pilot scheme which had recently been launched.  The Committee was advised that it had been a success to date and included education for offenders and grace periods to resolve issues.  It was clarified that the scheme only dealt with fly tipping where the rubbish could be linked back to an offender.
• It was noted that enforcement and clearing of fly tipping were undertaken by two separate services and information on how to report fly tipping was provided to the Board.
• The breakdown of the figures to be spent was highlighted and the Board was advised that details of timelines were available at appendix four to the report.
• In response to a query regarding increased residents input into keeping local green spaces tidy, including grass cutting, the Board was advised that it is difficult to balance differing residents views but that any views and feedback was welcome.
• A concern was raised regarding the proposed weed treatments planned, using chemicals such as glyphosates and whether alternative weed treatments had been considered, the Board were referred to paragraph 32 of the strategy in response.   There was agreement that community engagement in removing weeds on paths outside their properties should be encouraged
• The Board was reassured that it was policy to not spray glyphosates around playgrounds and water ways.  Alternatives had been considered to try and reduce the herbicides being used 
• In response to a query, the Board was advised that the investment would include deweeding pavements, some flower beds and there would be urban greening, including significant investment in tree planting. 
• The Board was reassured  regarding the plan for street cleansing and zoning of roads to ensure a good level of cleanliness across all roads.
• In response to a concern, the Board was advised that cross conurbation work was ongoing and including work with the local BIDs and a pilot was currently underway in Poole, starting with a street survey to consider street lighting, lampposts being painted, managing antisocial behaviour.
• Where the funding would be sourced from was discussed and it was confirmed that the Futures Fund and some elements of CIL would be used with a mix of revenue and capital spend.
• The Board discussed the partnership with Hubbub and McDonalds using drones and artificial intelligence to map litter surveys and public behaviour and the possible benefits of it.  The Board noted that Hubbub was currently writing a report detailing their findings and proposals.
• The Leader advised that BCP was trying to send a message of pride in the conurbation to residents, but it was ultimately the responsibility of the Council to maintain cleanliness and weed management.  The Board was advised that roadside gulleys were currently being mapped and addressed. 
• There was reference to issues such as begging and the Board was advised of the work that was being done to try to reduce these problems across the conurbation including operation Luscombe working with the police to address aggressive begging, dealing with fly tipping, fly posting and graffiti.
• In response to a concern regarding the financing of the scheme and the reduction of reserves being used, the Board was advised that improvement was needed now, hence using the reserves however in the future funding would be included in the annual budget.
• In response to a query regarding exploring the installation of CCTV cameras in parks and green spaces, the Board was advised that a CCTV camera strategy was being considered as part of community safety and if there was an area which made the community feel unsafe, then this should be highlighted to the Portfolio Holder with responsibility for community safety.

Following discussion a motion was proposed by Councillor Rigby and seconded by Councillor Trent that an additional recommendation should be made to the Cabinet report. It was then

RESOLVED: that Cabinet consider the additional recommendation as outlined below:

‘That Cabinet note that pesticides do not just harm the organisms that they are designed to control. They also have a major impact on non-target organisms, including people. Alternative weed treatments will continue to be explored.’

Voting: For – 7, Against – 6, Abstained – 1

The Leader advised he would support the last paragraph of “Alternative weed treatments would continue to be explored”.