Issue - meetings

Joint Report of the Head of Leisure & Wellbeing Services and Head of Operational & Street Scene Services

The Committee received the report (as set out on pages 49 – 58) which asked it to note the update on the Borough’s green and natural spaces and the work undertaken by Operational Services throughout the third quarter of 2018/19.

In respect of the request received from the South Wigston Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for the approval to use a section of the land at Blaby Road Park as a community garden, concerns were raised by Members as to whether sufficient research had taken place to establish a community demand for the project. It was also noted that the proposed site was situated beside a storage unit which was said could be problematic in the future due to the potential of restricted access.

The Committee concluded that for the LAC’s proposals to be approved, evidence of wider public consultation would be required and that new location should be sought. It was also suggested that a pilot scheme would be effective in order to review and amend certain practical elements of the project.

It was noted that the levels of recycling had increased since the introduction of wheeled bins in June 2018. It was suggested that promotional information be circulated and exercises undertaken around the Borough to raise awareness of what can and cannot be recycled. This would provide an opportunity for Officers to collect feedback in order promote the recycling scheme more effectively.

It was reported to that the new draft Volunteering Policy has been completed and circulated to the Council’s Senior Management Team, all staff and the Trade Unions. The consultation period for the Policy was said to end 8 February 2019.

It was moved by Councillor J W Boyce, seconded by Councillor D M Carter and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

(i)       Consideration of the proposal for a Community Garden at Blaby Road Park (as set out in paragraph 5.1 and Appendix 1 of the report) be deferred to a subsequent meeting of the Committee; and

(ii)     The contents of the remainder of report be noted.