Agenda item - Responses to residents questions

30 minutes

4               Responses to residents questions

          Weeding and maintenance of footpaths and pathways

4.1      Jenny Simmonds, Jane Hunter, Desmond Jones and Ian Beck highlighted that issues         related to weeding, footpaths and verges were ongoing throughout the city and        despite repeatedly being raised there had been no action taken.

4.2      Cllr Fowler advised more staff had been employed for weeding and new machinery        had been introduced and outlined the traffic and light system that had been           implemented

4.3      In response to Mitch Watkinson’s query, Cllr Fowler detailed why glycosides had         been banned.

4.4      In response to Jane Hunter’s request about community payback, Sam Warren advised     Community Engagement were working with the team but it was not always feasible,           though they were doing work on weeding but not public highways.

4.5      Cllr West detailed the history of the situation with weeds and raised points about the          traffic light system being a coping mechanism and the need for additional funding.

          Internal Decorations Eligibility

4.6      Grant Ritchie confirmed he would follow up with Jenny Simmonds with an update on       the outstanding works requested in her hallway.

4.7      Grant Ritchie provided a verbal update on the decorating scheme.

4.8      Theresa Mackey sought clarification on the review of discretionary help and if the         criteria was changing.

          Maintenance of Communal Areas

4.9      Barney Miller raised concerns regarding cleaning in The Pines and sought clarification       on whether the cleaners were overloaded.

          EDB Bids

4.10    Heather Hayes’ highlighted that bids were put in for Coldean last year and the works hadn’t been completed, to which Sam Warren outlined the issues that had contributed   to the backlog and the work that was being undertaken to improve the process.

4.11    In response to Carmel Stevenson’s query about the length of the procurement process, Keely McDonald confirmed this was still being finalised and work was being           undertaken with contractors.

4.12    Jane Hunter raised points about bids submitted several years ago that now could not        be completed due to increased costs.

4.13    Martin Reid confirmed he follow up with Heather Hayes regarding the EDB bid for outstanding works at the youth club in Coldean.

          Estate Walks

4.14    Justine Harris provided a verbal update on the rollout of weekly estate walks in all   areas of the city.

          Adaptations

4.15    In response to Theresa Mackey’s query, Martin Reid advised he would confirm the       lifespan of level access showers.

4.16    Cllr West raised points about the fire service being put under additional pressure due      to being called out for avoidable situations.

          Clear-up on estates

4.17    In response to Ian Beck’s query about skips, Justine Harris advised City Clean were    running initiatives, a wastebin trial had been rolled out in Whitehawk and        considerations were being given to how to tackle bulk waste.

4.18    In response to Donna James’ request, Justine Harris confirmed she would look into      providing signage and installing cameras at Bates Estate.

4.19    Carmel Stevenson raised points about bulk waste left by students in Moulsecoomb.

4.20    Jane Hunter raised points about disposable vapes.