Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to attendance at the Association of Public Services Excellence Annual Conference which was to be held on 9^th and 10^th September, 2009 in Cardiff, with the theme of:-  “Local Government Front Line Services – from Recession to Progression”.

Resolved:-  That approval be given for the attendance of two Councillors.

Adrian Gabriel, Waste Strategy Manager, to report.

-           to note the proposed delegation.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Waste Strategy Manager, which had been considered by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods on 29^th June, 2009.

It was explained that a number of issues had arisen following the completion of the roll out of alternate week bin collection, including bins and rubbish in bags being left on the pavement for substantial lengths of time, impacting upon the local environment, footpath safety and presenting a risk of vandalism including arson.  Offending occupiers have received information and advice on how to deal with their waste but, unfortunately, there are a number of occupiers who persist in leaving excess waste at the side, or on top, of their bin, or the bin in the street for unreasonable periods after it has been emptied. 

In order to add credence to information and advisory procedures, the report also detailed available enforcement options that have not yet been used namely under Sections 46 and 47Za of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and Section 137(1) of the Highways Act 1980.  A detailed explanation was given of how this legislation would be applied and the Proposed Compliance Procedures were attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

Concern was expressed about the implications for the Streetpride Service and it was emphasised that the Safer Neighbourhoods Team must communicate all instances of enforcement and prosecution to a designated officer within the Highways Section.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the recommendations set out in the report to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods dated 29^th June, 2009, be endorsed, together with the additional requirement that the Safer Neighbourhoods Team must communicate all instances of enforcement and prosecution to a designated officer within the Highways Section.

(2)  That the proposed delegations, as detailed in the submitted report, be supported and referred to the Cabinet and in turn recommended to the full Council.

Richard Pett, Public Rights of Way Officer, to report.

-           to present a summary of issues relating to this public right of way and options available to resolve them.

Consideration was given to a report, submitted by the Rights of Way Officer, summarising the issues relating to the line of Public Footpath No. 20 in Wentworth and the condition of the surface, which were the subject of a petition received from path users.

A number of options to deal with the issues were detailed in the submitted report, together with a map showing both the definitive route and the preferred route being walked by the public.

Reference was made to previous works to part of the path.

It was explained that the most effective solution would be to seek to divert the definitive line of the path onto the desire line of users which would allow maintenance works to be carried out to improve the drainage and surface.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a diversion order be pursued for a section of Wentworth Footpath 20 and, following confirmation of the order, necessary improvements to the surface of the new section be carried out.

(2)  That the lead petitioner be informed of the proposed course of action to address user concerns.