To received apologies for absence and notice of any substitutions

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Members were reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

To consider the Minutes of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 26 September 2016 and 28 October 2016.

That the Minutes of the meetings held on 26 September 2016 and 28 October 2016 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any public questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 5.00pm on 23 October 2016

There were no public questions received.

To receive any questions of which members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification for this meeting is 5.00pm on 23 October 2016

There were no questions from Members.

To receive and consider a petition regarding the retention of the X75 bus service which runs through Ford, Wattlesborough and Halfway House.

A petition requesting the retention of the X75 bus service which runs through Ford, Wattlesborough and Halfway House was received and considered. 

Councillor Roger Evans was in attendance and expressed his concerns regarding the impact on local residents should the X75 service through Shropshire cease.  This service was crucial and for some was the only way to attend work, college and hospital appointments.

The Transport Commissioning Manager was in attendance and in response to comments/concerns explained that Shropshire Council had been in discussions with Powys County Council over funding proposals.  An initial funding contribution from Shropshire Council towards the cost of the service had been accepted by Powys County Council and would ensure continuation of the service in its current format for the foreseeable future.  In the meantime, a survey of passenger number and individual users and their respective journeys would be undertaken and further discussions between Shropshire Council and Powys County Council would be undertaken in early January.

RESOLVED:

That following the survey to assess passenger numbers and individual users and their respective journeys and the planned discussions between Shropshire Council and Powys County Council in early January a further update on the situation be reported to a future meeting of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee.

The report of The Highways, Transport & Environmental Commissioning Manager is to follow marked 6

The meeting received the report of the Highways, Transport & Environmental Commissioning Manager which summarised Shropshire Council’s Winter Maintenance Service preparedness for the 2016/17 winter maintenance season.  He reported that following the 2016/17 winter the policy would be reviewed and updated and would be reported back to this Committee for comment in the summer of 2017.  In response to questions from Members, he provided clarification on our performance, optimisation of routes, legal and cross-border agreements, staffing, and the provision of and use of equipment and salt bins.

RESOLVED: That,

(i)            The report be noted;

(ii)          The defined gritting routes and policy for the 2016/2017 winter period season as set out in the report, be noted; and

(iii)         Following the 2016/17 winter period the Winter Maintenance Policy be reviewed and updated and considered by the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee during the summer of 2017.

The report of the Waste Contracts Manager is attached marked 7

The meeting received the report of the Waste Contracts Manager which provided an update on progress regarding changes to the waste collection service following discussions with Veolia and redesign work as part of the Shropshire Energy and Growth Solutions (SEGS) project.  The Waste Contracts Manager answered questions from the floor and provided clarification on the proposed changes and the planned promotion and timetable for the roll-out of the changes.  In response to a question, he specified that the ultimate aim of the service was to increase the recycling rate which in turn would generate money/savings.

RESOLVED:

That the progress on the implementation of the new waste collection service be noted.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Monday 23 January 2016 at 2.00pm

RESOLVED:

That it be noted that the next meeting of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Commmittee will be held at 2.00 pm on Monday, 23 January 2016 in the Shrewsbury Room, Shirehall, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND.