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MINUTES of the ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Meeting held on TUESDAY 8th APRIL 2008 at 7.00pm in the GUILDHALL.
Present: Councillor: Chairman: Hawes.
Councillors: Edwards, S Harvey, J Phillips, Mrs L Brown and Mrs J Barton Constable.
Also in attendance: Miss T Weaver (Committee Clerk).
PART I
EN81. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs S Haywood and R Knight.
EN82. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest received.
EN83. MINUTES
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held 4th March 2008 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. (N/C)
EN84. North Devon Biosphere and AONB Discovery Day Feedback
The Chairman reported that the Environment Committee's exhibition at the North Devon Biosphere and AONB Discovery Day on Sunday 16th March 2008 was a great success. The exhibition was in a good location and it generated a lot of interest regarding the promotion of reusable bags. Councillor Greenslade complimented the Committee on its innovative ‘Environmental Wish Tree' and was keen to support the idea of a plastic bag free town, which would support Barnstaple in becoming the lead green town in Devon. Councillor Cann approached Members during the day and promised to support the ‘Tidy up our Town' event in June 2008 by providing equipment.
Plastic bag free town
The Chairman explained that Town Centre Management had already begun consulted with businesses in the town regarding the use of reusable bags. The Town Centre Manager had suggested that a meeting should be arranged between all agencies eager to promote a plastic bag free town.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee Clerk request Town Centre Management to provide the Committee with a copy of its results from their consultations with the businesses regarding the use of reusable bags in the town. That if the results are not received within 10 working days the Committee will hand deliver letters to all businesses requesting if they support having a plastic bag free town. That Councillor Mrs Barton Constable and Mrs Brown would represent the Environment Committee at the meeting with Town Centre Management and other agencies. (N/C)
Provision of Dog Bins in the Town
The Committee considered the issue of dog fouling in the town. This was the second highest concern of the public from the consultation held at the ‘It's in our hands: Environmental Expo event'.
Councillor Harvey explained that the North Devon Council's dog bin contract would be coming up for a review in the near future and that he understood parish and town councils would consulted regarding this, therefore he felt the Committee had two options. Inform North Devon Council that the Environment Committee is keen to be involved with the consultation process regarding the review of the dog bin contract. Barnstaple Town Council to provide dog bins in the town, and enter into an external dog bin contract.
The Committee felt that there were areas in the town that were in need of dog bins. However, Members were concerned that by providing dog bins this maybe a double taxation.
RESOLVED:
To request initial and ongoing costs to provide dog bins from Coombe Martin and Fremington Parish Council. To request Councillors to identify areas in their Wards which are in need of a dog bin. Members to take the Committees concerns to the Neighbourhood Alliance Meeting on Wednesday 16th April 2008. To investigate holding a dog awareness and good dog ownership event. To approach the Police and request if they would promote good dog ownership at their PACT meetings. To develop and implement a protocol to provide dog bins in the town by the end of the financial year 2008/09. (N/C)
EN85. EMERGENCY PLAN
The Committee considered the information provided by Devon County Council to create a parish emergency plan. Members were concerned regarding the relevance of the emergency plan at parish and town council level.
RESOLVED: That Mr Bourton, North Devon Council Emergency Planning Officer be invited to attend the Committees Meeting in July to discuss the creation and purpose of a parish emergency plan for Barnstaple. (N/C)
EN86. ‘TIDY UP OUR TOWN' WEEK 16th - 21st JUNE 2008
The Committee considered a report by the Committee Clerk regarding the ‘Tidy up our Town' week to be held from 16th until 21st June 2008.
RESOLVED:
Logo A be used to promote the ‘Tidy up Our Town' week. The Committee to print 100 t-shirts to be worn during the ‘Tidy up our Town' week. The Committee to purchase 40 high visibility jackets. The Committee to purchase up to 1000 printed waste/recyclable bags. £1,500 to be allocated for the provision of skips during the ‘Tidy up our Town' event. The deadline for application to be received for a project during the ‘Tidy up our Town' week will be 19th May 2008. £60 to be allocated to provide refreshments at the ‘Tidy up our Town' open evening. £3000 to be allocated to the entire event from the Environment Committee's Clean Neighbourhoods Budget. (N/C)
EN87. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
The Chairman reported that Councillor Greenslade was keen to support the Town Council regarding the Trade Waste Award for businesses.
RESOLVED: The report be noted. (NC)
EN88. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Members were concerned regarding the front of a building in Boutport Street which had become an eyesore in the town with items of clothing entangled in the netting attached to the front of the building. This had been featured in the North Devon Journal on several occasions and the Committee felt that something should be done to eradicate the situation.
RESOLVED: That the Committee write to North Devon Environmental Health and Greensweep to request if in accordance with the Environment Act 1990 they would be able to contact the owner of the building and request him to remove the discarded items in the netting. (NC)
Councillor Harvey was concerned regarding the condition of Theatre Lane, he informed that North Devon Council had tried to tackle this in the past but the lane is still targeted with graffiti and used as a human toilet especially during weekend evenings. He felt that the lane should be gated but was aware of the issues regarding this. Councillor Roome suggested that the Committee monitor it as the situation may be improved once the redevelopment of the Strand has been completed.
RESOLVED: That the Strand Working Party be invited to the ‘Tidy up our Town' open evening and requested if they would like to hold a tidy up project along the Strand. (N/C)
Meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.
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