Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs L E Clubley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel held on 24 March 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel held on 24 March 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been received.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To consider any item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of the Streetscene Portfolio. This will include any decisions taken by individual members during the same time period.

There were no items of Executive business for the Panel to consider at this meeting.

To receive a presentation which will provide an overview for new members on the role and functions of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel.

The Panel received a presentation by the Head of Streetscene and the Executive Member for Streetscene which provided an overview for new members on the role and functions of the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel.  A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes as Appendix A.

During the discussion of this item a possible opportunity was identified to encourage local community groups and volunteers to help maintain the increasing amount of land that the Council adopts as a result of planning approvals.   It was agreed that this be added to the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel for further consideration at a later date.

Members raised concern that at some of the larger open spaces across the Borough, particularly where there are often significant numbers of visitors over the weekend and holiday periods, the capacity of the rubbish bins is sometimes inadequate and can overspill onto the ground, causing wildlife to forage and scatter the contents. Members were advised to let the Public Spaces Operations Manager know if they become aware of any particular bins that cause this issue.

In discussing the Council’s annual herbicide treatment across the Borough, concern was raised that the use of glysophate could be detrimental to the bee population and may also be harmful to dogs. It was agreed that Scrutiny of the Council’s herbicide treatment programme would be added to the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel to consider, in particular, if there are any alternative effective treatments available.

At the end of this item, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman commented on the incredibly diverse areas of work covered by the Streetscene portfolio and expressed their thanks to all members of the Streetscene Team for the fantastic service they provide. The Chairman also encouraged new members of the Panel to visit the Depot to see first-hand the work that takes place there.  Members wishing to make such a visit were requested to contact the Head of Streetscene to make suitable arrangements.

RESOLVED that the Streetscene Scrutiny Panel notes the content of the presentation.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Streetscene Panel.

Members considered the Scrutiny Priorities for the Panel and agreed that, as discussed at item 7 of the agenda, the following items be added to the Plan:

i)       the potential for Local Community Groups to assist with the maintenance of adopted land in the Borough, which is increasing as a result of planning approvals;

ii)      consideration of the availability and effectiveness of alternative products for use in the Council’s future annual herbicide treatments across the Borough

RESOLVED that Members discussed and agreed the Scrutiny Priorities for the Streetscene Panel.