Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) introduced the regular update report to consider progress towards the delivery of impacts set out in the 2016/17 Improvement Plan, focussing on the areas of under performance relevant to the Committee at year end.

The one major risk area on flood alleviation was due to the lack of national funding to support schemes.  A brief update was given on the scheme in Mold which was being split into four areas to help with bids for funding.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) explained that the only red performance indicator was due to a decline in uptake of the Pass Plus Cymru course for newly qualified young drivers.  On actions taken to achieve outcomes, he reported on progress on community transport arrangements in Kinnerton, with four more planned to be implemented over the Summer.

Following a query by Councillor Paul Shotton on reducing the occurrence and impact of environmental crime, it was agreed that a breakdown of the 3900 fixed penalty notices (FPN) issued would be shared with the Committee.  The Chief Officer said that the majority were for litter offences whilst around 90 were for dog fouling.  He reiterated the challenges in enforcement of dog fouling and gave a reminder that the current contract with the enforcement company ensured a proactive approach to monitoring broader areas and would be reviewed by the Committee before the end of the pilot.

In welcoming this engagement with Members, Councillor Bibby pointed out that a number of complaints had been received on the enforcement company focussing on litter offences as these were seen as easier targets.  A similar point was made by Councillor Joe Johnson on discarding cigarette ends.  This prompted discussion on the need to extend provision of multi-use bins at bus stops which should be regularly emptied.

The Chief Officer stressed the importance of reporting evidence on dog fouling hotspots and pointed out that the positive impact of littering enforcement on town centres was evident.  Councillor Cindy Hinds commented on the need for an increased Police presence in town centres.

The Chairman cited dog fouling and fly tipping as the main two environmental complaints and asked that an update on dog fouling be included on the Forward Work Programme.  He asked about the locations of the FPNs issued for dog fouling and the Chief Officer agreed to include this in the breakdown information, but gave a reminder that Members were able to contact Ruth Cartwright if they wished to view details of the enforcement work programme for their respective areas.

Councillor Owen Thomas commented on the timing of fly tipping incidents in his ward and was urged to report any intelligence.  He reiterated a previous suggestion about the stamping of car registration numbers on fast-food packaging to reduce incidents of this type of litter.  The Chief Officer replied that representations had been made to the companies involved but to no avail.

Councillor Haydn Bateman referred to specific examples of FPNs issued for littering and was informed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18