Agenda item

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.