May 2007 to April 2012

NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
Scrutiny Committee
Agenda Item 2
30 August 2010
Subject: Litter around Schools
Purpose:
To advise the Committee of the location and servicing of litter bins on routes to schools in North Ayrshire.
Recommendation:
That the Committee notes the work being done to keep North Ayrshire and the areas around schools litter-free.

1. Introduction

1.1 At its meeting on 8 March 2010, the Scrutiny Committee considered a report on the progress made by schools in regard to the Eco-schools programme. The Eco-schools programme is an internationally recognised, accredited programme which provides schools with the opportunity to make environmental and global issues an intrinsic part of school life.

1.2 The Committee requested that information regarding the location and frequency of emptying of litter bins on routes to schools be provided.


2. Current Position

2.1 The Council provides and maintains litter bins to try and prevent the depositing of litter in public places. There are approximately 850 litterbins within North Ayrshire which are serviced on a regular basis. Street Cleaning is carried out in line with 'The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse' issued by Scottish Government. This sets down the standards required for duty bodies to meet their obligations under Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

2.2 Details of sweeper runs and the location and emptying frequency of litter bins on routes to schools in North Ayrshire are provided as an appendix to the report.


2.3 Litter in public places is unsightly, dangerous to animals and is an offence under The Environmental Protection Act. Fines of up to £2,500 and fixed penalties of £50.00 can be issued for littering. Council Enforcement Officers work closely with Strathclyde Police Officers conducting patrols to educate people on how to best dispose of litter and tackling problems such as dog fouling and illegal dumping.

2.4 North Ayrshire Council's Recycling Officers support local schools in taking forward litter and waste minimisation activities through visits to schools to deliver presentations, the provision of litter-pickers, participation in Eco Committee meetings and arranging for recycling lorry visits. Officers also work in conjunction with the Campus Cops to reduce litter in and around secondary schools.

2.5 The Council undertakes a number of activities with local communities and partner organisations to improve the cleanliness of the area. A recent example is a joint initiative undertaken on the 29 June whereby North Ayrshire Council cleansing staff teamed up with workers from Scottish Water and volunteers to clear litter from three sites in the Irvine area. The teams carried out litter picks over and above the Council's routine maintenance programme and collected everything from sweet wrappers to discarded drinks cans. The groups worked at Irvine Moor, cleared the walkway behind Greenwood Academy and removed rubbish from the path off Ayr Road near to Foulertoun Arches.

2.6 The recent re-structure of Environment and Related Services has created an integrated delivery unit, 'Streetscene' to maintain the cleanliness of public areas.

2.7 A Litter and Cleansing strategy is currently being formulated to set down how the Council can improve the cleanliness of the area. This will be reported to a future meeting of the Executive for consideration.


3. Proposals

3.1 It is proposed that the Committee notes the work being undertaken to keep North Ayrshire and the areas around schools litter free.





4. Implications

Financial Implications

4.1 There are no financial implications arising from this report.

Human Resource Implications

4.2 There are no human resource implications arising from this report.

Legal Implications

4.3 The Council has a statutory duty to maintain levels of appropriate cleanliness within public areas

Equality Implication

4.4 There are no equality implications arising from this report.

Environmental Implications

4.5 Litter in public places is unsightly, dangerous to animals and is an offence under The Environmental Protection Act. Efforts are made to keep North Ayrshire litter-free by the provision and servicing of litterbins and regular street cleaning.

4.6 Implications for Key Priorities

The work undertaken supports Single Outcome Agreement, Outcomes:-

1b - North Ayrshire is a more attractive tourist destination;
1c - North Ayrshire is a more attractive place to do business; and
12a - Our environment is protected and enhanced.


5. Consultations
5.1 No consultations were required in the preparation of this report.




6. Conclusion

6.1 The newly formed Streetscene service delivery area will endeavour to keep North Ayrshire free from litter and will continue to work in partnership with schools, local communities and interested parties to promote the anti-litter message.

ALASDAIR HERBERT
Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure)


Reference : CGM/14/1/CH/LB
For further information please contact Yvonne Hunter, Environment & Related Services , on 01294 541535

Background Papers : None

Committee Reports and Agendas