Agenda item

(i)            Joint report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Corporate Director, Neighbourhoods.

(ii)          Presentation by the Head of Direct Services.

The Committee considered a joint report and presentation of the Assistant Chief Executive and Corporate Director Neighbourhoods which provided an overview of the work of the Clean and Green Teams within Neighbourhood Services (for copy of report and slides of presentation see file of minutes).

The Head of Direct Services provided some detail regarding the strategic vision and scope of Direct Services. It was reported that the Clean and Green Team were a combined service offering area based management and local knowledge.

Since the implementation of government cuts, savings had been achieved by weed control. There had also been some closures of depots and rationalisation of mechanical sweepers.  With regard to staffing there had been a marked reduction in seasonal posts and annualised hours had also helped to achieve  savings.

It was reported that the Clean and Green Team took a sustainable approach to the work that was undertaken by the team from growing all the County’s own plants at the Morrison Busty depot to thinking clever to ensure efficiency through the services delivered by the team.

The presentation went on to outline the service standards and a breakdown of service requests was also provided. Further details were reported in relation to performance regarding litter, detritus and how the authority measures against national performance standards (KBT). It was noted that the service did compare well nationally.

Moving on the presentation highlighted how the team responded to planned and unplanned events and the work which was being undertaken by the team to work with partners / organisations and parish councils.

In conclusion the Head of Direct Services advised that the Council had been awarded a number of Green Flags across the County and Durham City had also been shortlisted for the finals for Britain in Bloom.

Councillor Armstrong added that he wished to congratulate the team on the excellent organisation of the clear up after the Miners Gala in previous years.

The Head of Direct Services made reference to the Clean and Green Teams t, f  who are dedicated to ensuring their  particular areas  are as tidy as possible.

Councillor Bell raised a query with regard to the reduction in grass cutters and asked whether as a result of this more travelling was taking place to share equipment across depots. In response the Head of Direct Services advised that it was only the more specialised pieces of equipment that were not used on a daily basis that were shared and therefore there was no impact upon carbon emissions as everyday equipment was rarely moved.

Councillor Adam raised a query as to whether hand cutting rather than heavy machinery was used in some areas. In response the Head of Direct Services advised that hand work was only carried out in exceptional circumstances, however strimmers and mowers were used in more difficult areas.

Further discussion and debate took place regarding the obstruction of footpaths from overgrown trees / shrubs and the action that could be taken against private landowners in these circumstances.

Details were also reported with regard to the independent surveys which were carried out on pathways and detritus. Incidents were also reported through the CRM system and directed to the appropriate team.

Mr T Bolton asked whether grass cutting standards had been changed. In response the Head of Direct Services advised that standards had not been changed since their implementation 3 years ago. It was noted that every cut was recorded, and in years such as this which had been to date a very good growing year more resources were deployed to ensure extra cuts were carried out.

Further discussion took place regarding litter picker routes and agency workers.

Councillor Morrison commented that in her opinion the litter bins  in some areas  were  inadequate for the volume of waste received. In response the Head of Direct Services advised that new waste bins were currently being deployed which had wider receptors to take pizza boxes and other larger items of rubbish.

In conclusion the Chairman added her appreciation of the hard work that was carried out by the Clean and GreenTeams throughout the County.

Resolved:

That the content of the report and presentation be noted.