Agenda item

LOCAL SERVICES ISSUES

To receive a verbal update from the Area Managers from Technical Services and Neighbourhood Services in attendance about any key recent, ongoing and/or future planned Local Services work for the attention of members of the Local Area Council, who will also then have the opportunity to raise issues with the Area Managers. 

 

The Area Managers have principal responsibility for highway services and environmental services, such as refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, within the geographic boundaries of the Local Area Council. 

 

Minutes:

G Bucknall - Lead Highways Delivery Manager provided a verbal update on north area highways. The update and subsequent questions included information on the following:

 

·       Minor surfacing projects coming up were at Lordenshaw Road near Simonside in early November; Blakelaw in Alnwick  October and Albert Road, Spittal.

·       A wide range of traffic schemes including 20mph zones around schools were continuing to be delivered along with work on Bridges and structure schemes.

·       It would be 6 weeks until completion for the access to the Leisure Centre at Berwick, which unfortunately was causing problems.

·       Winter services preparedness was underway and the refilling of grit bins would commence in October. Rotas for gritters were filled by NCC staff and as usual farmers and contractors would be on standby for more challenging weather events.

·       A study was being undertaken and a report prepared which could result in more resources being provided in respect of gully maintenance and clearing.

·       The progress on the chicane and bollards which were still in place on the Rothbury road would be ascertained. 

·       The retaining wall had been built for the bus shelter in Shilbottle and the shelter was now being manufactured.

·       Proposed shrub planting for the Felton exit on the northbound A1 as raised by Councillor Thorne would be looked at.  Disappointment was expressed that the excellent work undertaken on the Newton on the Moor to Longframlington road had not extended to the bank where lorries and buses often had trouble with slipping.

·       Councillor Hill expressed appreciation for the swift response to issues by G Bucknall, B Hodgson and T Kirsop.  In response to a query regarding scheduling of works, Members were advised that there was a Streetworks Team who co-ordinated works however there were occasions when emergency work clashed with programmed work.

·       An issue with signage left after works had been completed within Berwick was highlighted this would be looked into.

·       Councillor Castle highlighted a dangerous fissure in the road on the Eglingham to Chatton road close to Harehope Hall and asked for this to be looked at.  Councillor Mather advised that he had reported this earlier that day and that the road had been marked up on 3 separate occasions.

·       Councillor Mather asked that thanks be passed on to staff for the work undertaken at High Humbleton and on the road between Wooler to Chatton. In respect of an impact on the bridge between Chillingham New Town and Chillingham Castle this had been reported by Tillside Parish Council, but no response had been received. Sandbags were required for the low kerb at Doddington and he would like to see improved gritting provided in the Kirknewton Valley (route 2).  G Bucknall would investigate these issues.

·       Councillor Renner-Thompson advised that he was grateful that road closures had been delayed in order to avoid harvest time and also advised that the square of tarmac outside Coastal Grains at Belford needed to be replaced again.

·       The issue of a fence erected in Alnwick was in the hands of the Legal Department.

·       An update was requested on the road closure in the Ord area and also the stone surfacing failure on the footpath on the Bridge.

 

B. Hodgson - Neighbourhood Services Area Manager provided a verbal update on North area neighbourhood issues. The update and subsequent questions included  the following information:

 

·       Grass cutting was on target with cut 11 of the season and work would move to leaf hotspots within the next month and these should be reported in order to help keep gullies clear.

·       Winter work schedules were being looked at and early requests from Members would be welcomed.

·       Weeds had been a concern in all areas. The glyphosate alternative weed trial was coming to an end and the results would be reported around November.

·       Waste services had continued to work well despite staff shortages and income from garden waste, commercial and bulk waste were all expected to exceed targets.  Extra slots had been created with staff working overtime on Fridays.

·       Verge cutting had been completed within the target timescales.

·       Covid procedures would continue to be reviewed.

·       It was requested that the annual cut to the former Alnwick cricket site be undertaken shortly.

·       A site meeting would be undertaken with Councillor Thorne in relation to the Longframlington Village Green Cemetery.

·       In relation to complaints regarding the lack of grass collecting in Guyzance Avenue, North Broomhill this year unlike previous years, this would be investigated as the Council had a policy  not to collect grass.

·       Councillor Hunter would email details of areas which had been missed from the grass cutting schedule and grass verge which had not been cut.

 

Councillor Watson proposed a vote of thanks to Bill Pringle who was about to retire from the Council, his work over the last 40 years was much appreciated and he would be missed.  This was unanimously agreed.

 

Officers were thanked for their attendance and updates.