Agenda item

(a)       That the reports be noted: and

(b)       That feedback be provided to the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee who are responsible for the overview and monitoring of performance.

The Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) introduced the 2014/15 Year End Service Performance Report for Planning and Environment.  He explained that this was the first Chief Officer Year End report following the development of the Planning and Environment portfolio in June 2014.  He gave a performance overview and reported on areas of positive performance and  areas where there was a concern.  He also reported on the performance indicators which were appended to the report and drew attention to the data concerning planning applications, planning appeals, and enforcement.

Councillor Paul Shotton expressed his appreciation on the extinguishment from the Rights of Way network of the Golftyn and Wepre Park areas within his Ward.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation)  introduced the 2014/15 Year End Service Performance Report for Transport and Streetscene.  He provided a performance overview and referred to the areas of positive performance which were detailed in the report.  He also referred to the key performance indicators appended to the report which were used to manage services and the operational risk detail for those risks currently assessed as high.

            Members were invited to raise questions.

            In response to a concern raised by Councillor Ray Hughes regarding streetlighting the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) explained that all the sites where lighting applied had been identified and discussions had been held with the North Wales police last week.  Members would be invited to comment on risk assessments prior to the scheme being approved.  Councillor Nancy Matthews raised concerns around the time taken to replace or repair damaged columns.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) asked for details to be provided outside the meeting with regard to the columns concern so that he could investigate further.

            Councillor Hughes raised the issue of dog fouling.  The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) advised that officer enforcement teams  proactively addressed the problem which was caused by irresponsible dog owners and fixed penalty notices were issued as appropriate.  The Lead Member advised that the increase in the number of  enforcement officers and a zero tolerance approach should have a positive impact, along with improved intelligence gathering and the targeting of resources at areas of most concern.  In response to a question concerning how many owners had been taken to Court the Chief Officer said he could provide that information following the meeting.  The Chair referred to the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and the  OWL Alert Scheme and suggested that the Authority considered establishing links to such community schemes.  It was agreed that details of the OWL Alert scheme would be circulated to all Members. The Chair also asked for information on Paws on Patrol to be circulated to Members of the Committee.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) agreed to circulate a report entitled ‘How clean are our streets’ to Members of the Committee for information.

Councillor Joe Johnson referred to a spray used in some areas to highlight dog fouling and the Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation)   confirmed the background to the initiative.

            Councillor Paul Shotton congratulated the Chief Officer and his team on the much improved road network along the coastal corridor with the synchronisation of traffic controls. He also referred to the subject of recycling and asked if there was provision for ‘white goods’ and other household or gardening items which were still in working order to be recycled rather than destroyed.  The Cabinet Member for Environment and the Chief Officer commented on the procedure for recycling items of household equipment and referred to engagement with the social enterprise market and other local registered charities.

            In response to a query from Councillor Carver concerning contact points, the Chief Officer advised that the preferred route for day to day enquiries was via the Contact Centre, where calls were logged and an audit trail provided if necessary.

            A question was raised regarding the allocation of work to employees.  The Chief Officer gave an assurance that planning meetings were held the day before to plan and agree the work schedules for the following day and to ensure that employees were trained and capable of doing the task assigned to them.

Councillor Brian Lloyd raised a concern relating to broken kerbs and pavements and asked how this problem was identified and reported.  The Chief Officer explained that the local supervisor routinely checked every road and footpath to monitor its condition and identify any need for repairs to be undertaken.

Councillor Haydn Bateman sought further information on the maintenance policy of cycle routes.    The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) advised that some funding had been made available jointly with Planning and Environment for the maintenance of prescribed cycle paths. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the reports be noted: and

(b)       That feedback be provided to the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee who are responsible for the overview and monitoring of performance.