Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
6.1 Review of Kerbside Collection of garden
Waste
Members considered the review of the kerbside
collection of garden waste.
Members queried what the impact would be on people with
large gardens and people who cut grass that belong to the authority. Officers
highlighted that in other authorities where this process is used there hasn’t
been any particular issues raised.
Members queried whether compost bins were still
available to the public to reduce waste. Officers confirmed that the issuing of
compost bins was agreed to be ceased, however, some compost bins are still
available to purchase at the Briton Ferry Re-use shop.
Members queried what the capacity of the re-useable
Garden waste sacks was. Officers confirmed that the re-useable Garden Waste
Sacks would hold up to 4 to 5 bag fills of ordinary plastic bags.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
6.2 Taxi Rank – Orchard Street, Neath
Members considered the objections received
following the advertisement of the proposal to have a taxi rank at Orchard
Street, Neath.
A petition was circulated at the meeting that
contained approximately 76 signatures from taxi operators. Members noted that
the petition was received out of the time limit; however felt it was
appropriate to consider it.
The RMT wanted a Rank in front of the Gwyn Hall,
Officers highlighted that the original proposal was to have the taxi rank near
the Gwyn Hall, however, there were several objections and it was also not ideal
due to the two-way traffic and busy location due to pick-up of bulky goods from
nearby stores.
Members queried why there was no Equality Impact
Assessment. Officers confirmed that there had been a screening assessment
undertaken which highlighted that there was no requirement for a full Equality
Impact Assessment.
Members queried if there was any other suitable
area for the Taxi rank to be placed. Officers confirmed that it was proving
difficult to identify other suitable areas and most would have some form of
objection. It was noted that there was
very limited time as it would have to go through due process which could take
up to 8 weeks when the taxi rank is temporary for approx. 20 weeks.
Following scrutiny, the committee was unsupportive
of the proposals to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
6.3 Rhianna’s Swing – Gnoll
Park
Members considered a request for a 5 year repairing
lease to an area of land adjacent to the existing children’s playground within
the Gnoll Country Park, Neath.
Members commended the report.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of
the proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.
6.4 Port Talbot Integrated Transport Hub – Material Change
Proposal
Members considered a report to obtain authority for the
Director and Head of Engineering and Transport to enter into a Material Change
Proposal with Network rail, in relation to land adjacent to Port Talbot Parkway
Station.
It was highlighted that the cleanliness of Port
Talbot Parkway Station was not up to standard and there had been bad press
relating to it.
Officers advised that this was the responsibility
of Network Rail and that the matter had been raised with them directly.
Following scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the
proposal to be considered by the Cabinet Board.