Meeting documents

The Streetscene Manager summarised the report as shown in the agenda. He highlighted to members key points including:

·         A main focus over the previous six months had been weedkilling – the process was now more mechanised using two quad bikes. The service aimed to carry out the spray programme twice a year.

·         A big issue at the current time was leaf clearance which was being achieved by various methods including using a ‘Community Payback’ team for some of the work. It was hoped to further develop the working with Community Payback.

·         The service was looking to tailor approaches regarding the dealing of graffiti.

·         Already preparing for flooding  with 500 – 700 sandbags filled

·         Looking to get grit/salt spreaders to fit on the quad bikes.

·         For unknown reasons flytipping had increased and they would continue to work with Enforcement Officers to ascertain if there were any trends.

·         Parish Ranger Scheme now had three staff and most clients seemed pleased with the scheme.

·         Ditch maintenance in Area North would be completed in Area North very shortly.

·         Bulb planting continues – with a different mix of bulbs being given away this year.

Responses by the Streetscene Manage to comments raised during discussion included:

·         Many sandbags had been filled using sand from last year’s bags. The bags needed to be refilled as the bags rot.

·         Taking flytips through to the prosecution stage was difficult.

·         He noted that Somerton Town Council would like some of the wildflowers to help with the Friends of the Earth ‘Bee Inititative’.

·         He acknowledged the issue with flyposting regarding a business selling Xmas trees and he would look into the matter.

·         Flytipping of garden waste was an issue

·         A suggestion that a presentation to members about Community Payback may be of interest

Members praised the work of the team and thanked the Streetscene Manager for his informative report.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.