Agenda item

Petition requesting the containment of commercial waste bins on Coldharbour Lane and Hunters Grove, Hayes, to use smaller vehicles to collect waste more frequently and add more bollards at the location to stop illegal parking - (Agenda Item 4)

The Cabinet Member considered a petition submitted by residents of Hunters Grove, Hayes, raising concerns regarding commercial waste bins, fly tipping, pest issues, parking congestion, and street cleansing arrangements.

The lead petitioner was in attendance and addressed the Cabinet Member, highlighting the following points:

• There were seven commercial waste bins on each side of Hunters Grove belonging to a private landlord and used by nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
• The bins attracted significant fly tipping, which constituted a criminal offence.
• Residents experienced ongoing problems with strong odours, rats, and mice entering their homes.
• Many residents were unable to use their gardens or open doors due to concerns about pests.
• These issues had severely impacted residents’ quality of life.
• Although a gated bin area had been introduced, residents considered this to be insufficient.
• Street cleansing in Hunters Grove only took place once per week, which residents felt was inadequate.
• Residents requested increased street cleansing and a reduction in commercial waste bins.
• Concerns were raised regarding illegal parking and congestion, particularly on Friday evenings and weekends.
• Residents welcomed the installation of bollards but requested additional double yellow lines and increased enforcement.
• Residents rarely observed traffic wardens in the area.

It was noted that Ward Councillors were not in attendance. However, correspondence had been received in advance in support of residents’ concerns and requesting a long term solution to the waste issues. This was noted by the Cabinet Member.

The Cabinet Member also confirmed receipt of correspondence from a local resident raising concerns regarding illegal parking, congestion, and rubbish.

The ASB Team Leader thanked residents for raising the issues and acknowledged that the problems had been ongoing for several years. It was confirmed that officers were aware that some waste was being dumped by residents and other individuals. A plan of action was in place to engage with leaseholders on both sides of Hunters Grove, with further action to be taken where necessary.

With regard to parking, the ASB Team Leader confirmed that photographs submitted by residents had been reviewed and referred to Parking Services, and that additional enforcement during busy periods had been requested.

The Director of Community Safety and Enforcement advised that the provision of detailed information from residents would assist the Council in targeting parking enforcement at appropriate times. It was also confirmed that the Council did not have legal powers to enforce double yellow lines using cameras and that enforcement must be undertaken by officers on site.

In response to requests for a ban on commercial waste bins or to require use of waste sacks rather than bins, the Director advised that trade waste could not be prohibited, and businesses were required to have appropriate waste facilities. Officers would visit local businesses to ensure that valid trade waste agreements were in place.

A number of additional petitioners addressed the Cabinet Member, raising concerns including:
• Requests for CCTV enforcement to address fly tipping and illegal parking.
• Incidents involving arguments between drivers and obstruction of the highway.
• Suggestions for red route controls and yellow box junctions.
• Requests for secure cages around bins for business use only.
• Requests for daily street cleaning.
• Concerns regarding increased footfall in Hayes and associated pest issues.

Officers advised that enforcement resources were limited and that some measures were subject to legal restrictions.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that the land which was the subject of the written petition was privately owned and had recently changed ownership. Officers had received assurances that engagement with the new owner was constructive and would continue discussions regarding possible bin relocation.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that they would seek to visit the area with residents and officers from the ASB and Waste Services teams to view the issues first hand.

It was agreed that gated bin storage could assist in deterring fly tipping and that this option would be explored further. The Cabinet Member also confirmed that the current street cleansing rota would be reviewed, although resources across the borough were limited.

Residents were encouraged to engage with their Ward Councillors as the first point of contact for ongoing concerns.

In considering the matters, the Cabinet Member made the following decisions.

RESOLVED: The Cabinet Member for Community & Environment:

1. Noted the work undertaken to date to improve the appearance and management of the bin storage area.

2. Noted the legal limitations on the Council’s ability to take enforcement action on privately owned land.

3. Noted the recent change of ownership, specifically of the land at 106 to 126 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.

4. Noted that the ASB team had been delivering a number of community?based initiatives in the area aimed at improving waste disposal practices among residents and businesses.

5. Agreed to the commitment to hold a site meeting to discuss the ongoing issues with the petitioner and concerned residents.