Agenda item

To consider the performance of Waste Services and Street Cleansing Services.

Mr Blackledge, Director of Community and Environmental Services, provided the Committee with a Waste Services and Street Cleansing Performance report, which included an outline of the various elements of the services and highlight any current or anticipated issues.

The Committee was informed that waste collection and street cleansing proved a particular challenge in Blackpool, often due to the wind and seagulls. However, he reported that the services had made a number of achievements that had been recognised locally and nationally. Mr Blackledge summarised the successes of the Rover mobile recycling unit service that had recently won a National Award for Excellence in Waste Management and Recycling, as well as providing details of how the Household Waste Recycling Centre and Bulky Waste service had performed.

The Committee discussed the cost implications of the Council terminating its contract with Global Renewables Limited and its transfer of responsibilities for operating waste recycling facilities to an operating company owned by Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Council. Members noted that, whilst some savings had initially been realised in the financial re-modelling of its waste recycling contract, it had resulted in the loss of the Government’s waste-credits grant (Private Finance Initiative credits), which had been worth £850k per year. In response, Mr Blackledge advised that the contract with Global Renewables Limited needed to be terminated as the company had not been adequately delivering on the contract. The Council had not anticipated losing the Private Finance Initiative credits and Mr Blackledge reported that Blackpool Council and Lancashire County Council were taking the issue to judicial review. Upon further questioning regarding the issue, Mr Blackledge explained that he did not know when the hearing would take place, but that it would be beneficial for the Council for it to be resolved as soon as possible.

The Committee also noted that the report stated all shops had sufficient litter bin provision and questioned whether the Council held discussions with shopkeepers and businesses regarding litter being dropped outside of shops, in particular receipts from customers’ purchases. Councillor Campbell reported to the Committee that the Council was working with Keep Britain Tidy regarding this issue and this should include holding conversations with shopkeepers to improve the situation.

Members also raised a number of questions regarding the treatment of weeds. It was acknowledged that poor weather had hindered the Council’s ability to undertake spray treatment on weeds. However, it was considered that in certain areas the growth of weeds had been particularly problematic. Mr Blackledge assured Committee Members that those areas that were particularly problematic would be cleared of weeds as soon as possible, even if it was not feasible to spray in those areas due to the weather conditions. He advised that a review in light of the resources available would be undertaken to consider how the Council dealt with areas of heavy weed growth in periods of adverse weather in future.

The Committee also raised questions regarding Seagull-Proof Sacks. Responding to questions Mr Lovie, Commercial Waste Manager, advised that approximately 10 per cent of properties in Blackpool received black bag collections and the Council was piloting using Seagull-Proof sacks in 42 areas of the town. He reported that feedback so far had been positive and the pilot seemed to be helping to alleviate the problems caused by seagulls in those areas it was being tested. It was explained to Committee Members that, whilst the Seagull-Proof sacks did cost more money than regular rubbish sacks, the Council considered them value for money as it was far costlier in terms of resources, to clean up after rubbish had been spilled onto the street.

The Committee agreed to not the content of the report.

Background papers: None.