Minutes:
The Forum considered an update by the Director of
Environment and Transport regarding grass cutting. This update was introduced by Mr Kirk with a
copy filed with the minutes.
Mr Kirk took Members through the update and highlighted the
key areas of the report. He advised that
the number of customer contacts with regard to grass cutting had reduced in
2016 which followed a number of changes to the service which moved in-house at
the end of 2014. The frequency of the cutting reduced from 6 cuts to 5
following a public consultation on the MTFS budget where the public fed back
that they felt this was not a high priority and could be reduced, although
there were a high level of customer contacts regarding the grass cutting that
same year. A review was held as a result
of this and a decision made to increase urban cuts to 6 a year for the 2016
season. The service also included a more
responsive approach to customer care more reactive to the growth of the
grass and there may be more frequent cuts earlier in the season.
Mr Kirk explained that the performance monitoring
information in 2016
showed the lowest number of customer contacts since 2013 when 7 cuts were done
that year, substantially lower than 2014 and 2015. Mr Kirk went on to say that a number of
improvements were being made i.e. trackers on mowers which will give a more
responsive and better level of service than before. He stated that there will also be more
information available on the website.
Cllr Charlesworth asked about visibility splays and the
reporting of issues with these. Mr Kirk
answered that Highways Delivery have appointed an external contractor to
undertake these cuts who will be able to respond more reactively. Mr Kirk emphasised the need to contact the
Customer Service Centre on 0116 3050001 or email customerservices@leics.gov.uk
for any of these issues. The Chair
stated that when you ring you are asked to press 1 for Customer or 2 for
Councillor. Mr Kirk urged Members to
raise problems again if it they haven’t been resolved by 5 working days
especially with safety issues. He stated
that when you contact the CSC you will be given a reference number which can be
used if you need to call them back.
Mr Kirk mentioned the importance of the Member’s feedback on
the recent A Roads to Zebras consultation and he urged Members to feedback on
the next item on the agenda which looks at the Highways Maintenance Strategy
and Policy Review.
Cllr Darr raised an issue with
visibility on hedges and not grass. Mr
Kirk advised that the County Council will sort out the hedges that are on the
County’s land. If the hedge is on private land but is a safety issue, the
Council will sort it and bill the landowner.
If this is over a footway, we inform the owner of the land and if the
owner does not comply the Council will serve notice for the landowner to comply
or if they don’t comply the Council will do the work and invoice the landowner.
Cllr Charlesworth advised that he thought the grass cutting
was an improvement on previous years. Mr
Kirk informed Members that the cutting starts in April and goes through the
cycle but if there is a growth spurt the cuts can be brought forward as
required.
Cllr Charlesworth asked about hedge cuts and whether these
were done annually. Mr Kirk answered
that there are 12 Highways Inspectors employed to assess what needs doing and
how often and this would ensure any safety issues are dealt with as a
priority.
RECOMMENDATION
That the report of the Director of Environment and Transport be noted.
Supporting documents: