Minutes:
The Board received a brief verbal
report from Mr J Unsworth, Divisional
Manager, Waste and Environmental Improvement on incidents of arson and anti-social behaviour following Mischief Night/Bonfire Night.
The Board was advised that it was a brief report due to the short
timescale since the event. It was
reported that a pro active preventative approach had
been taken in respect of bonfires and there had been a significant reduction in
comparison to last year. The success highlighted
that people had not built a bonfire as they knew that they would be removed
prior to bonfire night. This had
resulted in over a 50 % reduction.
The Board was further advised that nine incidents had been reported,
seven of which had been reported prior to bonfire night and there were only two
on bonfire night itself. This it was
reported highlighted the success of the numerous preventative measures that had
been put in place prior to the event.
It was reported that unfortunately, there had been 64 wheelie bin
losses, approximately the same as last year.
Next year consideration would be given to ways of improving security of
wheelie bins and further work would be undertaken with RSL’s in respect of their
communal areas.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service had attended 26 incidents this year in
comparison to 37 incidents last year, which represented a 30% reduction. It was reported that details of specific
areas etc were not as yet available, but more
information would be reported to the Board in due course. Planning for next
year would also commence in February 2015.
In respect of anti-social behaviour, it was reported that there had been
a significant reduction this year, with only 30 incidents throughout
Halton. However, it was reported that
incidents of criminal damage had reduced but more targeted this year to police
cars and buses with 18 incidents reported.
The following comments arose from the discussion:-
·
It was
suggested that consideration could be given to HBC undertaking a procurement process
on wheelie bin locks and offering them to the public to purchase at a cheaper
rate than on the internet or the high street.
It was highlighted that the lock would have to be cheaper than a new
bin. In response, it was reported that this was a good idea and would be
considered. It was also reported that
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service could be approached for funding to subsidise
such locks as they would enable them to make a saving by reducing the number of
call outs for bin fires;
·
The Board
noted that hotspot areas were leafleted prior to mischief night and bonfire
night on the dangers of leaving their bins insecure. It was also noted that bin collection days
were changed to help address this issue. Clarity was sought on whether HBC would have
to replace the bins without a charge. In
response, it was reported that each incident would be considered on its own
merit but it was anticipated that some of the bins would be replaced at a cost
to HBC i.e communal area bins.
·
The Board
noted the success of the initiative and it was also noted that information on
possible hotspots could be sent to Mr Jimmy Unsworth directly so that it could
be incorporated in the preventative measures for next year.
RESOLVED: That
(1)
the
verbal report and comments raised be noted;
(2)
the
Board place on record their support for the initiative; and
(3)
the
Board support the exploration of a procurement exercise to provide low cost
locks to the public for wheelie bins.
Supporting documents: