Agenda item

ES2006

The Idverde Annual Contract Performance Report was presented by the Assistant Director for Environment and by the ECS Neighbourhood Manager. Representing Idverde was Martin Bradley (Operations Director). It was noted that the contract had 11 key performance areas and that 8/11 had been maintained at 90% or above. There had been a focus on sustainability and carbon reduction.

Reference was made to the woodland management practice of coppicing and that this had caused alarm to some residents as they were not aware of the nature of the work being undertaken. It was agreed that better communication with the public was required. 

A Member commented that 50% of the general public that had been surveyed with respect to the condition of toilets in green spaces had expressed dissatisfaction with their condition. He also felt that there were not enough drinking fountains available in green spaces, the use of which would also discourage the use of plastic.

Members were informed that surveys were currently underway to see what needed to be done with respect to refurbishing toilets in green spaces. Once the surveys were completed, then costs could be estimated. In the meantime routine infrastructure maintenance had been undertaken. Surveys would also be undertaken with respect to drinking fountains. It was noted that there were eight in the borough and a new one had recently been installed in Chislehurst.

It was mentioned that greater usage had been made of parks and green spaces because of lockdown and this had resulted in an increase in waste and litter in the parks. It was sometimes the case that these bins were not being emptied soon enough and this had resulted in litter being blown about onto surrounding streets.

A Member asked about events and income from events in parks. The Neighbourhood Manager replied that this area had been challenging and had reduced because of lockdown. Officers were now looking at the Crystal Palace Park Trust and the possibility of clawing back funds into parks. Some bookings and events had now been made for the new year and more information could be provided regarding this if required.

A Member asked about the ‘Brilliant Butterflies’ project and whether this had been successful. It was noted that the project was still in its infancy and that two out of four projects had now been initiated. It was hoped to introduce another two ‘Brilliant Butterfly’ projects in the new year and the report on these matters would be presented to the Committee in due course.

A Member stated that he had received reports concerning padlocked car parks and he asked what could be done to resolve this issue.  It was noted that LBB had requested Idverde to ensure that contingency plans were in place to deal with this matter. 

The Chairman stated that the Green Flag awards were a great achievement and he was pleased to note the various biodiversity projects that had been started. It was noted that plans were in place for bio-diversity projects where the grass and plant life would be allowed to grow out. Pilot sites had been identified. This could include the use of churchyards and cemeteries where they were not been used for grave plots. Most parks would have a naturalised conservation area. The Chairman stated that in these cases signposting would be important so that local residents understood what was taking place. 

The Chairman requested that an update report regarding bio-diversity projects be brought to the Committee in 2022. 

RESOLVED that the Idverde Annual Contract Performance Report be noted and that an update report regarding bio-diversity projects be brought to the Committee in 2022.