Agenda item

There will a presentation on the rollout of the City Warden Service across the

city and how this will benefit the Fosse Ward.

Barbara Whitcombe, Team Manager, City Wardens was present to let residents know of the rollout of the City Warden scheme across the city.

Barbara commented that the City Wardens had initially commenced as a pilot scheme in some wards however now it would be rolled out to all wards across the city. A six month action plan was circulated which displayed the priorities for the City Warden in the Fosse ward. These included:

Vehicles for sale on the highway

Barbara commented that the Parking team at the Council were responsible for parking issues and the Police were responsible for obstruction problems. Residents stated that this problem occurred mainly in the following areas:

• Tudor Road
• Mantle Road
• Empire Road
• Battenberg Road

Barbara stated that she would pass these on Vinci who were responsible for enforcing parking in the city. Residents reported that vehicles that were not taxed were also a problem. PC Andy Groadby suggested that the City Council and Police should do a joint sweep of the area looking for vehicles that were currently not taxed.

Residents also raised concern that Fosse Neighbourhood Centre had currently blocked their Car Park due to scaffolding and users of the Centre were now parking their cars on Mantle Road. The Chair agreed to find out what was the latest situation with regard to this by the next meeting.

Residents suggested that a residents parking scheme should be implemented. The Chair stated that a previous consultation process had taken place and residents had voted against implementing a scheme. Concern was also raised about the parking problems which the Fiveways House flats application would cause.

Residents also stated that vehicles were being put on sale by the same owner on the highway. It was agreed that the Police and City Wardens along with Vinci would do a joint co-ordinated sweep of the area highlighting such vehicles.

Bins on Streets

Barbara commented that the Fosse ward was the worst in the city for bins remaining on streets. She informed residents that the City Warden would be working as part of a Task Force to combat the problem. There was a currently a target to remove 5,000 bins in one year and 10,000 bins in two years across the city. Barbara commented that currently 450 had been removed in the past four weeks. Barbara explained how enforcement action was taken against Residents who persistently left their bin on the street. This consisted off sending them an information pack at first, then if the bin remained on the street a letter would then be sent, following this if the problem persisted then a visit to the resident would be arranged and finally if the bin still had not been removed then an illegal notice was served. Residents were informed that a survey of which bins were left on streets was done 48 hours after the bins had been emptied by the waste collection service which gave residents time to return the bin back to their property.

Residents were informed that a bin fire cost the taxpayer £2,000 to extinguish. It was hoped the Task Force would help to reduce the amount of bin fires caused. Barbara commented that a considerable amount of work was being done with both universities in the city to ensure that students had the necessary information about waste collection and other services.

Dog Fouling

Barbara commented that the City Council had powers to deal with dog fouling. This included asking dog owners to put dogs on leads. Residents reported that dog fouling was a particular problem on the top of Pool Road and in Rally park.

Free Distribution of Printed Matter

Barbara reported the licensing of printed matter had had a huge impact on litter in the city centre. She also commented that nightclubs had been prosecuted for distributing material without a licence. Residents also raised concern at posters being tied to lamp posts and traffic lights.

Flytipping

Barbara commented that businesses had been prosecuted for fly tipping and it could be checked with business where they placed their waste.

A resident raised concern about a building on the corner of Pool Road. Barbara commented that this would be looked into. She added that the City Council had powers under the Town and Country Planning Act to take action against building owners. The Chair stated that he would also speak to the Director of Environmental Services about this issue.

Graffiti

Barbara informed residents of an anti graffiti campaign that would be launched in the city to clear graffiti. Residents were also informed of the new One Clean Leicester initiative which would allow Members of the public to submit photographs they had taken of environmental problems. Barbara commented that the pictures would be placed on the One Clean Leicester website and any actions taken on them would be updated on the website as well.

Litter

Barbara commented that Street Litter Control Notices could be issued against takeaway premises in order for them to clear their waste which was placed in front of their premises. She added that work was also being done with pubs to combat similar problems. Residents were informed that the issue was an ongoing problem. Barbara commented that the issue was linked with waste collection services only collecting waste from premises between 5am – 7am and commented that this timing needed to be changed. She informed residents that if the waste collection company refused to change the time then they could be taken to the Magistrates Court and then the company would have to liaise with Biffa.

A Resident raised concern about litter in the canal at the old Kirby and West site. Barbara commented that Severn Trent Water was responsible for the canal and that she would look into this issue.

Barbara informed residents that litter picking kits were available and if anyone wanted to organise a litter picking event then they should contact the City Warden service.