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.
‘Thousands of trees to be planted to create greener urban areas’ (Northern Echo 17 February 2020) related to Durham County Council securing almost £500,000 to plant thousands of trees in spaces where tree canopy was low as part of the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund across County Durham’s towns and villages to create greener and healthier urban areas.
‘Low carbon thinkers connect for communities’ (DCC 20 February 2020) related to a workshop aimed at finding environmental energy solutions for communities in the North East had held its first session. The new networking event was aimed to bring together people with an interest in community led energy projects. This related to item 10 on the agenda that would be presented by the Sustainability and Climate Change Team Leader.
‘Council leads drive for greener highways by rolling out rubber roads’ (DCC 21 February 2020) related to Durham County Council working with Rainton Construction to use rubber waste from worn tyres and recycled plastic waste to create more durable and environmentally friendly road surfaces.
‘Fly Tippers fined by Durham County Council’ (Northern Echo 17 February 2020) related to three men and two women being fined after they failed to assist Neighbourhood Wardens investigate the illegal disposal of waste at sites across the County.
Resolved
That the verbal report be noted.