Agenda item

Find out more about ways we’re working to improve the environment of the ward an how you can help.

Clair Bailey, Street Environment Officer.

Matt Matravers from Heslington Scouts

Environmental Protection Team

a) Clair Bailey, Street Environment Officer explained to residents what York Pride money has been spent on between April 07-April 08. This included wildflower planting on Selby Road, graffiti removal and repainting streetlights. She asked residents to provide her with suggestions for York Pride spending in the next year.

Q There is a problem with fly-tipping between the Plough pub and garages at Delwood, what can be done about this and who can I contact?

A Clair Bailey replied saying that she will get back to the resident if she fills out a complaints form explaining the problem and its location.

Q Why have daffodil bulbs been planted in straight lines on Heslington Main Street, when they should be in random clumps?

A Cllr Jamieson-Ball answered explaining that it was a contractor who planted these bulbs last year. Clair Bailey suggested it as a possible scheme for York pride funding.

b) Matt Matravers and Ed Coop from Heslington Scouts talked to residents about the work they have done clearing up the garden of Heslington meeting room as part of the centenary of scouting. Matt thanked the Ward Committee for funds for roof repairs and other projects in the past. They also detailed some of the Scout groups plans for the future including redecorating Fulford Cubs hut. They asked residents for help in sourcing funds to send two scouts to Malawe to help renovate a hospital.

Q How long are they going out to Malawe for?

A 3 weeks

Q How many scouts are there in the Heslington troup?

A There are 25 scouts, which is small for a York group, but they are very keen to do things in the local community, so please get in touch with them if you have any ideas.

c) Neil Dodds from City of York Council Environmental Protection team explained to residents what the team do, which included dealing with the following:

Noise pollution

Light pollution

Bonfires

Smoke Control Areas

Waste pollution

Licensing

The team are available on weekends and during the daytime, as well as weeknights, but will need prior notice for weeknight work.

Neil outlined what the team does to tackle nuisance noise, including statutory abatement notices, seizing of equipment and prosecution. Last year 216 noise abatement notices were served.

Neil explained that Smoke control areas are different from bonfires because they relate to domestic chimneys, and that Heslington village is not a Smoke Control Area.

Q Can you tackle nuisance car alarms?

A The environmental protection team can deal with stationary vehicles, they can turn car alarms off once a warrant has been acquired, but this can take a number of hours.

Q How many of the 216 noise abatement notices have been to the same people?

A We only issue one notice to each person, so there were at least 216 people who were causing nuisance noise last year.

Q Do you let landlords know about noise complaints and abatement notices served to tenants?

A Yes, we can inform the letting agent or landlord, but will approach the residents first.