Agenda item

Public questions were received and published with the agenda. The Chair noted that Public Participation rules in the Constitution had changed, removing the limit to the number of questions residents can ask per agenda item. Under the new procedures responses are provided by the Chair at the meeting, rather than in advance.

The Chair invited Ben Samuel to the table. Mr Samuel asked a supplementary question: how many times a year glyphosate is sprayed on highways/verges. The Chair responded that the administration has made a commitment to stopping the use of glyphosate and minimising the use of all pesticides. Currently it is used three times a year on highways and the cost of treating weeds is £160k.

Mr Samuel noted that there is an alternative budget, but would the council ensure that alternatives used were not more expensive. The Chair responded that some of the alternatives were more resource intensive and could cost more. This would be assessed and cost would be one of the deciding factors given the financial position of all local authorities.

A question from Wendy Alcock was noted. As she was not at the meeting the Chair did not respond. Cllr Longstaff stated that it would be helpful to have the answer. The Chair noted that under the Constitution there was no requirement to respond but that Cllr Longstaff could raise this with the Constitution & General Purposes Committee. The Chair offered to send a written answer to the resident.

Action: Chair

The Chair invited Joan Roselie to the table. The Chair noted in response to her question on the stopping up order on Little Strand that because of objections received it has been referred to the Greater London Authority (GLA) to determine whether a public enquiry needs to be held.

Ms Roselie asked why freeholders were not taken into account. Mr Edser, Director of Highways and Transportation would respond outside the meeting with more details but noted that the Stopping Up Order was made under Section 247 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Action: Mr Edser

The Chair invited Mr Samuel to the table in relation to his second question on the community skip service. Mr Samuel asked what items might be collected in the community skip. The Chair noted that a list is in the report but is not exhaustive. Craig Miller, Street Scene Director reported that small electrical equipment is not currently included but the level of demand would be ascertained by the pilot period. Electrical equipment can be collected directly from residents and taken to the Summers Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Mr Samuel asked whether it would be possible to return to having the ‘Passover Skip’. Mr Samuel reported that additional rubbish had been left after bank holiday weekends in parks. The Chair responded that subject to the report recommendations being approved, officers would look into locations of skips in consultation with Ward Members. Mr Miller responded that bank holiday demand could also be considered.

Note: following the meeting Mr Miller confirmed that the council provides several chometz drop off locations in identified locations as part of the Passover service.  This is primarily a caged tipper vehicle where residents can take up to three bags of chometz.