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:
Neighbourhood Services
S Wardle, Neighbourhood Services Divisional Manager advised that front line staff had continued to deliver services throughout a very busy and challenging year and provided updates as follows:
· Refuse collection had continued across the Christmas period with an amended schedule with operatives working across the period to ensure litter bins were emptied and streets remained clean and tidy.
· Grounds maintenance crews continued to work on damage caused by Storm Arwen and winter maintenance activities with the Trees Team continuing to work on the devastation from the Storm. The priority immediately after the storm was to assist in the clearance of the road network with Highways teams, then moving on to cemeteries and other places of high footfall. The teams would move to woodland spaces and other areas in due course, however recovery would take a long time. The huge efforts of the front line teams were recognised and staff thanked for all their work.
· There had been 519 tonnes of refuse collected over the Christmas period which was 85 tonnes (or 20%) more than the previous two weeks. Glass bring sites were well used with 30 tonnes (or 37%) more collected during that period compared with the previous two weeks.
· Street cleaning teams had made a great contribution to the post Arwen clean up.
· Grounds maintenance programme had been severely impacted by the Storm, however they were working to recover schedules and complete on schedule.
· Leaf clearance was close to being completed with additional sweepers in the area following the storm.
· Members were asked to report any areas of concern.
The Chair thanked all staff involved for their efforts in relation to Storm Arwen. It was confirmed that following negotiations with the operators, there had been a relaxation in the rules for the waste recycling centres for residents to allow with the clean up following the storm, with this possibly being extended into February.
Highways
M King, Highways Delivery Area Manager advised that there had been a tightening up of guidelines in respect of Covid following a sharp rise in cases with 7 members of staff testing positive between Christmas and the date of the meeting. He provided updates as follows:-
· Town Centres had been inspected in respect of Covid signage with replacements provided as necessary.
· A lot of work had been placed on hold following the storm to allow resources to be directed to the clear up following the significant damage within the Castle Morpeth area. It was expected that it would be a few months before the road network would be fully opened as problems were still being identified.
· There had been a knock on effect with debris being washed into the drainage system and with blocked ditches and culverts and work was being prioritised as best as officers could. Extra gully and sweeping machines had been deployed with assistance being provided by Grounds Maintenance to try to stop debris entering the drainage system. Staff had been working 6 days a week with cover initially being provided 24/7 in the aftermath of the storm.
· Efforts were being made to get back on track in respect of the LTP with resurfacing works needing to be completed by the end of the year, but it was a balancing act with trying to keep the network open and do other reactive work.
· Covid had not impacted winter services at the current time, however the Council were part of a North East group in case of any large scale issues with drivers reporting as sick. Work had continued as far as possible with grit bins being refilled etc and additional teams working over weekends.
· It was inevitable that some things would slip during this period as priorities changed on a daily basis, however all resources were being used for the clear up. Staff had also assisted with the emergency response with colleagues from the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service along with other agencies.
The Chair once again thanked the staff and Councillors involved for the efforts made during the aftermath of the storm. The scale of devastation could not be underestimated with a view that it would take years for the County to recover.
In response to a query regarding road markings at the Throckley junction of the A69, Mr King advised he would chase this up with the Road Safety Team.
The Officers were thanked for their updates.