Agenda item

Wendy Twigg and John Twigg from Twigg Grounds Maintenance were welcomed to the meeting to give an overview of performance for the new contract period started in April 2020 to date including delivery throughout the pandemic.

An overview of the service was given, which included the types of work undertaken and the groups and organisations engaged.  113 Twiggs led social action projects had been undertaken, work with 67 groups including Parish/Town Councils and independent groups, schools on 2 occasions which was a reflection of the schools being closed followed by restrictions due to the pandemic, and with businesses on 13 occasions.

121 litter picks with a total number of 482 sacks of waste cleared by both the Team and the independent volunteers, it was reported that volunteers had also been disposing of the waste themselves.  22 volunteers and 13 young volunteers had been engaged.

Members heard about a variety of interventions and assistance delivered through the contract.  These included supporting a number of business, schools and community groups on a variety of environmental projects and litter picking. 

A number of other projects had been carried out including support provided to residents through a Tool Bank in order to assist with litter picking, handing out educational packs and Easter treats to thank volunteers, in particular the young independent ones who had engaged with the service during lockdown.  Hbee+ project had gained momentum after initial support to get up and running, and had been linked  in to support from the Men in Sheds Group. This has now been handed over to the Community to maintain as a sustainable area. Support has also been given to Springvale Gardens with trees planted and beds prepared for planting. The service has now benefitted from the introduction of a full range of re-chargeable electric tools.

Members praised the work showing that, with a little support from Twiggs, residents, businesses, schools and community groups could achieve positive results and that enhancement in skills was encouraging people to come forward and do more to improve their environment.

RESOLVED that thanks be given for the presentation and hard work undertaken by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance to improve the area.