Agenda item

Councillor Alan Schneiderman was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Schneiderman gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported his item.   He stated that a tiny forest was a really exciting and positive idea.   The Chairman invited Councillor Anne Clarke and Councillor Roberto Weeden-Sanz to speak.   Both Councillors spoke in support of the item.

During the consideration of the item the Chairman outlined his full support for the Council implementing a tiny forest, he suggested that Officer’s find a suitable location(s) and consider the funding options.  He added that locations should be considered with Councillor Anne Clarke and Councillor Roberto Weeden-Sanz 

Before voting on the item Councillor Jajeh stated that it was important that the location was on Barnet land and therefore this point should be considered. 

Resolved:

·       That the Environment Committee supported and agreed the item

·       That the Executive Director for Environment be requested to proceed with this matter and find a suitable location and consider funding options

Councillor Jo Cooper – Make our Parks Safer 

Councillor Jo Cooper was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Cooper gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported her item.     The Chairman gave his full support of this item as did Councillor Peter Zinkin.     Councillor Alan Schneiderman spoke in support of the item and in particular in regards to making parks safer.

Resolved:

·       That the Environment Committee supported and agreed the item

·       That the Environment Committee noted that this matter would be reported to the relevant committee

Councillor Geoff Cooke – Full and Overflowing Little Bins on Streets and in Parks

Councillor Geoff Cooke was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Cooke gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported his item.

The Street Scene Director Mr Craig Miller spoke on this item and noted that Officers had been gathering information on the use of litter bins.  He agreed that there had been an increase in the number of service requests for litter bin type issues and a decrease in the number received in regards to requests to the street cleansing team.   He noted that this could be due to the switch in usage due to the pandemic.   Mr Miller said that he would be happy to share the analysis with Councillor Cooke. 

Resolved:

·       That the Environment Committee supported and noted the item 

Councillor Lurie Williams – Sustainable Park Benches

Councillor Lurie Williams was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item.  Councillor Williams requested that the Committee agree that the costings of the benches be looked into.

Ms Cassie Bridger noted that the Council had adopted a standard specification for park benches.  She noted that other products have been tested but these have gained unwanted attention from vandalism.   Councillor Williams requested that Officers contact the London Borough of Enfield in order to see what they do.    The Chairman requested this also and noted that Councillor Williams be updated.

The Chairman requested that Mr Miller update Members on the combustion bin that was agreed at the last meeting.   Mr Miller said Officers had introduced a trial bin that had installed on Montrose Playing Field and was moved to East Barnet in order to test it in two different settings.   Mr Miller noted that he would conclude the trial process and report back to the Committee.   This was noted by the Committee.

Resolved:

·       That the Environment Committee noted the item

·       That the Environment Committee requested that the London Borough of Enfield be consulted with in order to understand their approach to Sustainable Park Benches

·       That the Environment Committee supported a trial to take place.

Laithe Jajeh – Policy Regarding Cross Overs

Councillor Laithe Jajeh was invited by the Chairman to introduce the item. Councillor Jajeh gave a summary of the issue and requested that the Committee supported his item

The Chairman proposed that the Executive Director for Environment be requested to review this matter and consider the locations and what the impact could be. He stated that in the event that a decision is required to change policy then this matter be reported to the Committee to determine, this was seconded by Councillor Peter Zinkin.    Councillor Simberg supported this and said that the impact to trees should be taken into account.   Councillor Schneiderman suggested that it was important to look at locations where this takes place to avoid damaging and losing grass verges.   Councillor Jajeh agreed with the comment that had been made.

Resolved

·       That the Environment Committee noted the item and requested that the Executive Director for Environment look into this matter and consider such locations and in the event that a policy decision is required the item be reported back to the Committee.