Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings dated 26 March 2014 and 06 June 2014 were agreed as accurate records.

The Committee discussed possible major reviews topics based on suggestions made by Members in the previous municipal year, the chairman and by Members during the meeting itself. A summary of the discussion is set out below.

Fly Tipping

Members noted that a major issue facing the Council was persistent fly tipping in areas of the Borough. Although a great deal of work was undertaken to respond to fly tips, it was suggested that not enough was done to identify and prosecute persistent offenders. Surveillance (specifically the use of CCTV cars) was suggested as an effective way to identify who was fly tipping as was focussing on the links between fly tips and Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) in problem areas. Members suggested that this would be a valuable area to explore in a major review.

Officers stated that the Council did work both to clean up fly tips and to identify and fine perpetrators. Fixed Penalty Notices were provided but it was sometimes extremely difficult to trace back to an individual.

Although Members were concerned about this issue, it was agreed that it would not sustain a 5 month review. Instead, Members asked officers to provide a report addressing the concerns highlighted above including the use of CCTV as a method of surveillance. It was also requested that the report covered fly tipping on footpaths and bridal ways and more general information on how these areas were cleaned. Officers noted that such a report would be produced and added to the work programme for later in the year.

Sale of counterfeit products

Officers advised that there was a wide range of counterfeit products being sold within the Borough. However, this issue was being dealt with by a small Trading Standards Team and so the Council was only able to react to complaints rather than undertake investigative work to identify offenders. The Team had worked with neighbouring Boroughs in the past to respond to major offenders and there was a good track record of enforcement. Officers advised that a review could explore the extent of the problem and identify how the Council might better respond.

Members raised concerns that there was little the Council could do in this area as much of it fell within the remit of the Police. Officers noted that the Trading Standards Team did have authority to act in this area but that it was also with the purview of the Police.

The Committee agreed that this topic should not be pursued.

Road safety outside of schools

Members proposed a review into road safety outside of schools which continued to be a problem. It was noted that a review could explore how to address problems at drop-off and pick-up times and how to change parents' attitudes that were seen to contribute to some of the problems.

It was agreed that, in the first instance, the Committee should receive a report on the issue highlighting the major problems and what was currently being done to address them. Officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

RESOLVED: That:

1.    The Committee consider the Byelaws for Parks; and

2.    The Forward Plan be noted.

RESOLVED: That:

1.    The Committee's meeting dates for July and September 2014 be agreed between the Chairman and officers outside of the meeting;

2.    The Work Programme be noted.