Issue - meetings

Report ES13122

The report outlined progress at the half-year stage against commitments made in the 2013/14 Environment Portfolio Plan. Members raised the following issues –

(a)  Kerbside Collection of Textiles - This was still being investigated to find the most suitable methodology. The existing waste collection vehicles did not have an additional container for textiles, while a separate dedicated collection would be expensive.  Despite the delay income targets were still being met from the bring-banks. The Portfolio Holder pointed out that income from bring-banks would drop when kerbside collection started. 

(b)  Recycling of Carpets - Collection facilities for carpets at Waldo Road and Churchfields Road were being considered, but the variety of materials in carpets meant that this was not straightforward.

(c)  Organic Waste – The Portfolio Holder reported that there was broad cross-party support for AD facilities at London Councils and confidence that pollution controls were adequate, but there was usually local opposition.  Councillor Grainger asked whether there was a possibility of building smaller, more local AD plants.

(d)  Transport Strategy - Councillor Peter Fookes suggested that there was a need for a transport strategy statement that took into account the aims for extending the DLR to Bromley and Tramlink to Crystal Palace.

(e)  Leaf Clearance - Councillor Peter Fookes commented that he thought that leaf clearance in some areas of Bromley could be improved, and that residents needed more information about when leaves would be collected. The Portfolio Holder responded that the borough had more street trees than other boroughs, so leaves were more of a problem in Bromley. Leaf collection depended on when particular trees shed their leaves, so it was difficult to make detailed plans in advance, but extra crews had been brought in and residents were being encouraged to use the “purple bag” scheme. 

(f)  Coordination of Streetworks – Councillor Peter Fookes asked whether webcams in key locations might assist the public in checking whether delays were likely. The Executive Director of Environment and Community Services confirmed that all highway works had to be logged with the Council and that there was London-wide coordination. On occasion the Council did postpone planned works, but the system depended on the utilities passing on information quickly and emergency works presented a challenge. The Council had, in April 2013, launched web-based system mapping all known planned and emergency works and giving members of the public the opportunity to set up text alerts. Councillor Catherine Rideout drew attention to problems caused by roadworks in Westmoreland Road – officers responded that there had been some short-term emergency works, but these had now been completed.

(g)  Satisfaction Survey - The Executive Director of Environment and Community Services reported that a recent independent survey had shown a 75% resident satisfaction rate with street cleanliness. 

(h)  Lamp Column Replacement Invest to Save Project – Councillor David Jefferys reported that there had been problems and delays with the project in Shortlands Ward, and also in neighbouring Copers Cope Ward – he stated that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29