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:
M Carle, Lead Highways Delivery Manager provided an update to the Committee advising that gulley wagons had been fully employed with additional resources deployed following Storm Arwen. Details of completed and schemes which were being undertaken in respect of resurfacing, patching, footpaths, footpaths and dropped kerbs were provided. Winter services would end on 4 April, however monitoring would continue throughout April. Repairs would be undertaken to the fleet during the summer months.
A response would be sought from Open Spaces for Councillor Ezhilchelvan so information could be passed to residents on when repairs would be undertaken to a previously reported issue. It was confirmed that whilst it had been a milder winter and less grit had been used, temperatures had been marginal and gritting was undertaken in response to forecasts. The long range forecast for the next week had indicated that there could be further inclement weather.
In response to a question of why the resurfacing work undertaken as part of works at the roundabout at Seaton Delaval had not been extended to allow the repair of a pot hole, it was clarified that whilst the pedestrian crossing might have deteriorated it could still be deemed to be safe and work was dictated by budgets.
Councillor Bowman highlighted an issue with white line markings in Elsdon Avenue and parking in the bus stop at the junction of Elsdon Avenue/Tillmouth Avenue. It was confirmed that an Inspector would be asked to visit in respect of the white lines to see if these required a refresh, however a TRO would be required to provide a yellow box for the bus stop.
M Carle advised that he would discuss with Planning Officers the road and footway surface beside the Longridge development which was highlighted by Councillor Robinson.
T Gribbin, Neighbourhood Services Area Manager provided an update to Members which advised that restrictions were still in place at the crematorium, however the numbers of services had stablished in recent weeks. Winter works continued and scheduled works were on target to be completed. A move would be made shortly to summer working hours and recruitment for seasonal grounds maintenance positions was underway. The final stages of preparation for the upcoming grass cutting season was underway and weed control activities would be undertaken in-house using blue dye. It was anticipated that the increased footfall in town centres seen as part of the staycation last year would reduce and therefore reduce pressures on cleansing teams with a return to core standards following the removal of additional government funding.
Elevated tonnages of domestic waste were still being seen due to people continuing to work from home and additional investment would be made to waste services with 2 additional RCV’s and crews due to the rate of house growth. Initial take up for the garden waste collection had been high and a glass collection trial has been extended by 12 months. A food waste collection trial was currently being trialled with more information provided to Members when plans were finalised.
It was clarified that markers within the Bedlington Cemetery was for a new site for Muslim burials and it was also being looked to improve the infrastructure within the site with an additional turning circle to be provided and possibly additional parking.
The location and procurement of bins was the responsibility of Town and Parish Councils, but they were serviced by NCC staff. The possible relocation of one at the Avenue Head next to the bus stop would be discussed with the Community Council. Teams had been instructed not to take vehicles on the footpath/cycleway behind the Benedict Club in Cramlington. The ownership and responsibility for maintenance of the “wonky” roundabout was being discussed with colleagues and Councillor Robinson advised that he would be willing to use his funding for a scheme.
Members thanked the officers for their attendance and the work of their teams in responding to the Members requests.