The Assistant Director (Operations) and the Waste Projects and Compliance Officer presented Members of the Committee with a report that outlined the proposed Street Cleansing Policy for comment and consideration. It was advised that Members consider the report and recommend its adoption. The following key points were highlighted from the report:

• Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) had a Waste Collection Policy and therefore created a Street Cleansing Policy to outline the expectations around Street Cleaning. This included what is GBC responsibility and what is not, and ensuring transparency is kept with the public and with Members.
• This tied in with a recent Scrutiny Topic Review titled, ‘Street Cleanliness, Littering and Fly-tipping within the Borough’.
• The Policy was formed under the Environmental Protection Act, which stated the council had a duty to keep the streets clear of litter and remove fly-tipped waste on public land.
• Section 5.1 outlined the hours of operation. The Waste Projects and Compliance Officer explained to Members that the Town Centre had an increased regime.
• Section 5.5.6 detailed a useful list of contacts to report issues such as graffiti on post boxes that can also be found on the GBC website.

Following questions from Members, the Assistant Director (Operations) and the Waste Projects and Compliance Officer explained the following:

• It was discussed that lorries carrying waste should have a protective sheet to prevent litter from coming out of the vehicle. The Assistant Director (Operations) advised Members that he would explore the legal standing and look at what enforcement actions could be taken.  Any incidents should be reported to the Assistant Director (Operations).
• The A2 and M25 fall under the responsibility of Highways England. The carriage way, litter and all furniture on the slip roads and the responsibility of National Highways. However, the A289 falls under the responsibility of GBC, and it’s not an easy road to clean. This often included partial/full closure at night and costs between £5,000 and £6,000. Highspeed roads were discussed across Kent on how they can be maintained more often and how they can prevent littering on these roads.
• When weeds were green, they were the responsibility of Kent County Council (KCC). When weeds were brown, they were classed as litter, and this was the responsibility of GBC, but both parties work together.
• There was discussion around holding a Member training session after the Local Elections, with a presentation on direct services and having a user guide.
• Following a Members query on whether the policy could be more user friendly, the Assistant Director (Operations) explained that the policy followed the corporate template. However, he agreed to take this away for consideration.
• The removal of graffiti will be done as quickly as possible, with an aim of 5 working days. When the graffiti was on a private building, they would seek written permission from the owner before proceeding.
• The Town Centre alley ways were regularly washed down with disinfectant, but Members were assured that this would be looked at further.
• The Assistant Director (Operations) advised Members he would have a discussion with the communications team regarding future promotion of the service.
• Companies that used signs on pallets placed on the pavement as a form of advertisement would have these removed.
• Following concerns raised in Rochester Road, Gravesend, Members were advised informative letters on refuse collection would be distributed.
• Whilst foxes had previously been an issue within the Borough, it had dramatically improved when wheely bins were implemented. However, some instances had occurred since. When this happened, the street cleaning crew were expected to clear what they could.

Resolved: Taking into account comments fed back by Committee Members, that the policy be agreed and formally adopted with the exception that consideration be given to making the policy more user friendly.