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 were:-
· More than 2500 volunteers clean up their communities – Durham County Council in partnership with Darlington Borough Council organised an event as part of litter free Durham big spring clean campaign. Volunteers came from schools, scouts, guides, youth groups, community groups, parish councils, Greenpeace and the Environment Agency.
· Peterlee fly-tipper caught after leaving prescription in dumped rubbish bags – A man was caught fly tipping after his address was discovered on documents found in dumped rubbish bags. The man from Peterlee was convicted and ordered to pay £800.
· County Durham’s Environment Awards are open for Entries – Entries are invited from those who are working to improve, enhance and protect the environment, deadline for entries is 15 July 2016.
· Green move out scheme returns for students – Durham County Council is working with partners from the university, police and Durham furniture help scheme to support students when they move out at the end of term and encourage them to donate items for those in need in the local area.
· Five Star Durham seal their place as a sustainable fish city – Durham has become the second city in the UK to achieve sustainable fish status. Their sustainable fish city rating recognises that the city’s top restaurants and workplaces, as well as the university, hospitals, council and schools have collectively pledged to serve and promote only sustainably sourced fish.
Councillor Clare referred to fly-tipping and appreciated the message given that people were being caught but they were advertising the methods used to catch offenders which in turn gave the offenders advice on how not to get caught. Councillor Stephens, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships advised that when the case goes to court all information is in the public domain.
Councillor Holland referred to the ‘Green Move Out Scheme’ and commended the Officers and how the people in his ward appreciated the help from the Council and asked for this to be passed onto the Officers.