Interview with:

·  The Assistant Director of Environmental Services, Steve Goulette; and

·  The Environmental Enforcement Operations Officer, Martyn Jeynes.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Goulette, the Assistant Director of Environmental Services and Mr Jeynes, the Environmental Enforcement’s Pollution Team’s Operations Officer to the meeting.  Following a brief introduction from the witnesses regarding litter enforcement, the Committee discussed the following topics:

·  The newly formed Environmental Crime Group which offered a strategic approach to all environmental crimes, including litter enforcement.  GIS mapping was used to identify environmental crime cluster sites in order that resources were targeted and outcomes monitored.  The Group were also producing an events diary to mange resources and this would include actions in rural areas.  The Committee agreed to receive an update in 6 months including information with regard to the success of the joint co-ordination of environmental crime issues and the number of offences in rural areas and urban areas;

·  Two Environmental Crime Wardens had been in post since January 2009.  A relatively low number of 16 enforcement notices had been issued in 2008/09 as a result of the vacant posts and the labour intensive changes to guidance by DEFRA in issuing notices.  The Environmental Crime Wardens were deployed to undertake a series of enforcement actions including targeted foot patrols, multi agency stop and searches and enforcement events;

·  Smoke free legislation has seen Businesses assisting the Council in identifying drivers who had dropped cigarette butts from their company vehicles as they were also smoking in vehicles designated non-smoking.  Councillors were encouraged to inform Environmental Enforcement Officers of vehicle registrations if they witnessed cigarette littering from commercial vehicles;

·  ENCAMS national surveys had identified that the most common age group to litter was the 18-24 year old age group.  The Council had therefore undertaken targeted campaigns during the evenings as well as the day.  As a result of the recent fast-food litter campaign the before and after monitoring showed a 57% reduction;

·  Secondary schools had indicated a willingness to allow a road show to educate students in their lunch breaks with regard to environmental crimes.  Members voiced their support of this.

·  Members highlighted the importance of monitoring the area surrounding the Youth Café for litter and encouraging peer pressure to prevent littering;

·  Clean Kent had purchased a chewing gum removal machine that would be shared between four local authorities including Maidstone Borough Council.  The new machine could be used on block paved areas unlike the Council’s existing machines, which would continue to be used in the other areas;

·  The relationship with businesses in Maidstone was improving with regard to litter and waste containers.  Initiatives were being explored to promote best practice including business awards and business sponsorship of local areas for litter picking;

·  The durability of plastic bins was questioned.  Members highlighted that vandals had been able to destroy the plastic bins as both the bin and its contents were destroyed when ignited.  Metal bins cost from £300 to £400 each, however it was agreed that it was not financially viable to keep replacing burnt out plastic bins.  Members agreed that the purchase of plastic bins should cease and an alternative cost effective metal bin be explored;

·  A review of the success of the recycling bins on the high street was planned.  Members agreed that pending the outcome of the review, recycling bins be installed in other locations across the Borough, including Mote Park;

·  Members noted that litter offenders were from a variety of age groups and agreed that Officers should attend and utilise a stall at local village events to educate and update residents with regard to litter.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses for an informative presentation.

The Web cast from this session is available at http://clients.westminster-digital.co.uk/maidstone/archive.aspx  (00.03.22 to 01.23.10).

Resolved:  That

a)  An update on litter enforcement be received in September 2009;

b)  Road shows with regard to environmental crime at secondary schools be undertaken;

c)  The area surrounding the Youth Café be monitored for litter and peer pressure be advocated and supported to prevent littering if necessary;

d)  The purchase of plastic bins cease and a cost effective metal bin be explored;

e)  Recycling bins be installed as appropriate across the Borough, including Mote Park, pending the outcome of the recycling bin review; and

f)  Officers attend local village events to educate and update residents with regard to litter.

The meeting was adjourned from 7.53pm to 7.57pm.