Agenda and minutes

The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting.

Report of the Head of Streetcare

The Committee received information in relation to Dog Fouling as contained within the circulated report.

Officers reported that the Authority were performing satisfactorily in prosecuting offendersand officers were witnessing an increase of people cleaning up after their dogs. Officers stated that there were still individuals who were not compliant and there were still some areas in the county borough area that were proving problematic.

Members requested whether it was possible to receive a breakdown by ward area of persons prosecuted for dog fouling. Officers stated that this information would be made available to Members.

Members commented that they were pleased that the Public Spaces Protection Order was being upheld on Aberavon Beach. Members requested that officers inform Local Members when dog fouling bins were being installed in their area in order for them to have an input into the location of the bins. Officers apologised if there had been isolated instances were dialogue had not taken place, as this was not the standard practice. Officers stated that this would be taken back and addressed. 

Members requested for a location map of all dog fouling bins in the county borough area. Officers agreed to circulate this information.

Members commented that there was not enough signage informing the public of the penalty for not cleaning up dog fouling in the Gnoll Country Park; and raised concerns regarding the Council’s ability to prosecute offenders if there was no adequate signage. Members added that the number of bins in the Gnoll Country Park were not sufficient, and that this was contributing to the problem. Officers stated they would look to provide more bins and signage in the park. 

Members questioned whether it was possible to make a concerted effort in the Gnoll Country Park to prosecute offenders. Officers stated that it was difficult to enforce as this was resource intensive and the officers in question were also responsible for prosecuting offenders caught fly tipping.

Members queried whether woodland areas and parks could be prioritised for enforcement action. Officers stated an issue was that budgets for woodland parks were reduced in previous years as part of past Forward Financial Plans.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.

Members requested for the new arrangements at the recycling centres which were agreed under the new waste strategy to be reviewed in 12 months, amid concerns of potential traffic build up and disruption at the centres, particularly in Briton Ferry, due to the new process of checking and opening black refuse bags before disposing of waste. Members raised concerns that the opening hours were no longer sufficient either due to the new system, particularly during the summer months. Officers agreed to bring a report back in 12 months, but provided assurances that if there were any significant issues that they would be dealt with and reported back to the committee in the meantime. Officers added that they would carry out further publicity activities in order to remind members of the new process and expectations required of them before visiting the recycling centres. Officers added that City and County of Swansea had implemented a similar system, and despite experiencing a number of issues initially, the process had now bedded in and was effective. Officers made a commitment that traffic issues would be dealt with at the Briton Ferry site if necessary.

Officers reported that the Japanese Knotweed report was not ready in time for the meeting, and that officers indicated that they would prefer to bring the report back to a meeting in June when the service had been operational for a year, and there was more meaningful information to report. The committee agreed for the item to be deferred to June.

The committee noted the work programme.