Minutes:
Members were provided with an update from M Holdroyd, Environmental Community Caretaker.
Members noted that between July 2023 to December 2023 a total of 197 activities had been planned with support from the North Area Council Team, of which 83% of the activities had been delivered, 16% of the activities had been deferred and 1% of the activities had been cancelled across all Wards. A large focus had been given to litter picking during the period, with over 110 litter picking events held, together with the completion of other environmental works and requests to support volunteers in action days.
It was noted that no overspend was forecast. It was envisaged that staffing would remain static over the next 6 month period; the individual that had been providing cover within the team in M Holdroyd’s absence would return to their substantive post on 5 February 2023. Plans for the future included the procurement of a ride on grass cutter.
Councillor Hunt expressed his thanks to M Holdroyd and the team for the work undertaken in the Darton East area. He considered that the team had very good attributes, attitudes, behaviour, and a very high quality of workmanship. In particular, he wished to highlight the work undertaken by Sammy. He queried whether the team carried out investigations in relation to fly tipping.
In response, M Holdroyd commented that all members of staff were trained to report any evidence of fly tipping sites i.e. bank statements, letters etc. which would be forwarded onto the Environmental Support Officers.
Councillor Lofts commented that on several occasions he had reported the moss on the pavements around the Kensington Road area, which would become slippery and dangerous to pedestrians in wet weather. He would provide M Holdroyd with a photograph of the moss.
Members noted that moss removal requests would be forwarded onto the Neighbourhood Services Team to be dealt with. M Holdroyd would ascertain whether the removal of moss in the Kensington Road area was on the schedule to be dealt with.
Councillor Howard expressed her thanks for the work undertaken by the team in the Darton West Ward.
Councillor Tattersall expressed her thanks for the work undertaken by the team in the St Helen’s Ward. She was pleased to observe that M Holdroyd had returned back to work and was in full health.
R Adams gave thanks to M Holdroyd and the team who had been very responsive to requests in the North Area over the last 6 month period.
On behalf of the North Area Council, Councillor Leech expressed his thanks for the work undertaken by the team.
RESOLVED that Members noted the update.