To receive a verbal update from the Chair.
Minutes:
The Chair of the Grounds Maintenance Task and Finish Panel, Councillor Sarson, provided a verbal update on progress of the panel to date.
The panel had met twice since August 2024 and another meeting was scheduled for October. Discussions had been constructive. The scope of the panel was to explore the performance of the grounds maintenance contract; understand how it compared to previous contracts and prestige areas; understand the impacts of changing weather patterns on grass cutting; have an overview of the communication arrangements in respect of grass cutting; consider implications and benefits of using wildflower/ no mow areas; and explore the cost of grass collection and whether Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) would contribute to those costs. The objectives of this scrutiny were to determine if recommendations could be made to improve public perception in terms of grass cutting, improve biodiversity, and improve the level of service using financial contributions from HCC if possible.
The meetings had so far discussed details of the contract with Continental Landscapes Limited (CLL); weed treatment, including recent research about the use of glyphosate herbicide; a presentation from CLL about the challenges with the grass cutting season earlier in the summer (unseasonal weather patterns had caused a significant flush of growth which impacted mowers and productivity); the measures CLL had put in place to address the flush of growth; and an update from CLL about the improvements and investments proposed for grass cutting arrangements next spring. Measures being proposed and discussed included a different method of scheduling cutting, significant investment in new machinery, reducing the height of the grass cut and changing the KPIs in the contract. The current grass cutting round was on schedule and the number of contacts from councillors and the public had now reduced to normal levels. Discussions had also taken place about increasing biodiversity. The group had explored what it would cost to cut and collect the grass; most local authorities cut and left it, as did Welwyn Hatfield and it was estimated that the cost to cut and collect it would be an additional £3-4m per year due to the additional staff, machinery, vehicles and disposal costs that would be required. The panel was due to present its report to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 20 November 2024.
A member asked if blowers had been raised, as he was aware of complaints due to slipping hazards when long grass had been cut and was on paths. Cllr Sarson responded that this had been discussed; CLL had said paths should be blown but unfortunately this would mean grass going into gutters or the road given that some verges were small. The member had seen some cut grass on public footpaths (so it did not block guttering); Cllr Sarson reiterated that with a small verge, grass would go into the road.
Another member commented that CLL did not collect leaves as part of the contract so it was likely they could potentially lead to people slipping. The member felt CLL’s work was not of a good standard and there was still work to be done. Cllr Sarson said he would discuss the issue of leaves with CLL.
A member was concerned that councils did not work well enough with the County Council: grass was cut and blown and could end up in gutters which HCC then needed to clear, and it would be more cost-effective and efficient to have a joined-up approach. Cllr Sarson said cleaning gutters had been discussed by the panel. The Chair noted that HCC and Welwyn Hatfield might have contracts with different companies which would make this difficult to organise on a practical level.
A member reflected on the importance of the panel as these were issues that caused angst among local communities. The weather had exacerbated issues this year and it was important to see the contractor adhered to the contract. The member also noted the need to be conscious of potential sites for wildflowers in safety terms, for example, at the end of a dual carriageway when visibility could be affected.
A member of the panel said there was felt to be a difference between how Hatfield was treated in comparison with Welwyn; CLL had said there would be improvements next year. Another member commented that both Hatfield and Welwyn were treated differently to the town in Welwyn Garden City which had a different contract. Another councillor noted Welwyn Garden City had a BID which was why the town centre looked more colourful.
The Committee noted the update.