Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Dennis Meredith.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

Mr Appleyard addressed the Scrutiny Panel on agenda item 6 – Chair’s draft report.  Mr Appleyard commenting that in his opinion the evidence gathering had not been wide enough. He referred to the objectives of the Scrutiny Review and felt that had been a need for more information about litter, such as:

• Type of litter
• Who is dropping the litter, why and where from
• When the litter was dropped, how, how much and where
• Behavioural patterns

Mr Appleyard supported the conclusions and recommendations of the draft report in respect of education and National Citizens Schemes but felt that co-ordinated clean ups by Environment Services could have a negative impact.  Mr Appleyard went on to convey his disappointment that the report did not refer to lay bys, footpaths or the problem of HGV littering.

Mr Appleyard was thanked for his address.

Members to state any interests.

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 January 2015.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a response to its core questions from a variety of expert advisors.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a written brief detailing the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Policing Plan in relation to environment issues.

The Scrutiny Panel noted the briefing paper of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire.

Andrew Leighton, Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Northamptonshire County Council, addressed the Scrutiny Panel and answered further questions the Panel had.

Key points:

• Community speedwatch cameras were supported by the Scrutiny Panel.  The cameras are owned by the Police and rotated by request.  They are effective as they are in situ temporarily.
• Parish’s often buy their own speedwatch cameras.
• Concern was raised regarding the de-cluttering of signage in specific areas of Northampton.  It was suggested that specific queries and concerns would be discussed outside the meeting.
  The Scrutiny Panel commented that there are a number of signs that need de-cluttering and cleaning. The cleaning of signage is picked up on general inspections.  There is not a specific budget for sign cleaning.
• In response to a query regarding litter picking of the outer ring road, Andrew Leighton confirmed that this is an NBC function.  The road is litter picked twice a year.
• The Scrutiny Panel supported the work of the Community (Parish) Enhancement Teams and suggested there was a need for them to undertake duties in the town more.  It was further suggested that this be a potential recommendation of the final report.
• In response to a comment about widening the Report It App; Andrew Leighton gave his support to this suggestion.  It was noted however that the App. is area specific.

Mr Leighton was thanked for supplying further information.

AGREED:     That the information provided informs the evidence base of this Scrutiny Review.

The Senior Manager, London Midland, to provide a response to the core questions of the Scrutiny Panel.

A response to the core questions was not received from London Midland. 

The Scrutiny Panel to consider the Chair’s draft report and include any additional conclusions and recommendations, as appropriate.

The Scrutiny Panel considered the Chair’s draft report, updating and adding further conclusions and recommendations. A copy of the final report is attached to the minutes.

AGREED:        That the final report of Scrutiny Panel 3 (Keep Northampton Tidy) is presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 23 March 2015 for approval.