Agenda item

London Borough of Barnet - Welsh Harp Management Plan

Minutes:

Mr Gunyon from the London Borough of Barnet introduced the report.

Mr Gunyon updated the Committee that there had been no reports of illegal encampments for January 2017 and that the data for February would be available shortly. The key points in regard to illegal encampments are summarised in table 1.3 on page 16 of the report.

 

Mr Gunyon informed the Committee that maps had been included in the report for sites where Knotweed had been identified. He asked that if any other locations were identified that they are emailed to parks @barnet.gov.uk and these would be investigated.

 

Mr Cohen told the Committee it was important that all knotweed is treated before it flowers; otherwise the nectar might be collected by bees and enter into the human food chain. Mr Gunyon noted this and said treatment would commence before flowering. Mr Hider agreed with Mr Cohen that it should be treated before flowering, but said it can also be treated after flowering.

Councillor Langleben asked Mr Gunyon whether there was a tender being put through for bins and if so would this be implemented before the beginning of the summer season. Mr Gunyon said a tender was due to commence at the beginning of next week and was hopeful these bins should be in place before the beginning of summer. However the time of implementation is depended on the value of the contract. Mr Gunyon said he would update the Committee on the progress of this.  (Action: Mr Gunyon)

 

Mr Dale Langdale said the bins were often overflowing and were not emptied regularly enough. Mr Gunyon said all the bins were on a programme to be emptied and he would look into any bins that had been missed. He asked that any missed bins should be reported to parks@barnet.gov.uk , and these cases would be passed on to a supervisor to sort out.

 

Councillor Langleben asked whether the bins on the pathway which cut through the West Hendon Estate were Barnet Council or Barrett Homes bins. Mr Holroyd said currently the land could be readopted by the Local Authority if it wished to do so; however the decision had yet to be made. Mr Holroyd assured the Committee that whoever ended up owning the land would ensure that bins were maintained and managed properly and this would be done throughout the process. In the short term, he said, the land would remain with Barratt, however Barrats were in discussion with  Barnet Council regarding adoption of  the roads, bridges and greenspaces over the long term. Mr Holroyd said that over the summer the bins would be provided on the site by Barratts, and that Barratts and Barnet Council would ensure they work together to ensure a maintenance regime is established.

 

Mr Shepherd enquired as to how often the bins were emptied as he had found rubbish spilling out of bins in the area. Mr Gunyon said that in the winter season bins were emptied twice a week and this increases to 4 times a week during the peak summer season. Mr Gunyon said during summer the emptying of bins would be assessed and could be increased to up to 7 times a week if required. Mr Gunyon also confirmed that play areas are inspected and emptied every day. Mr Langdale commented that he found the bins were always full. Mr Gunyon said he would take this back to the team to look into. (Action: Mr Gunyon)

 

Supporting documents: