Minutes:
The Overview and Scrutiny Officer referred Members to the recent prominent articles and news stories relating to the remit of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (for copy see file of minutes).
The articles included: Pupils at Bishop Middleham School swapping learning for teaching as they educated people about responsible dog ownership, working with Durham County Council (DCC) to encourage dog owners to clean up after their dogs; Durham City winning a special class, Champion of Champions Award, in the Northumbria in Bloom contest; a man running an illegal dump has been jailed for 16 weeks, when waste found in Murton was traced back to the man; and Communities are working together to make positive changes to where they live as part of an environmental improvement scheme, with the ‘Growing Forward Together Group’ aiming to bring residents, children and businesses from Trimdon Station and Deaf hill village together to improve their community, the group has undertaken litter picks in hotspot areas, replacing seating and installing new planters.
The Chairman noted the success in terms of the Northumbria in Bloom award and thanked the department on behalf of the Committee.
Councillor C Kay noted some illegal dumping of waste at Binchester and asked if there was an update on the situation. The Head of Projects and Business Services noted he would look into the issue and get back to the Councillor accordingly.
Resolved:
That the presentation be noted.