Issue - meetings

A member of the public asked if Members felt that the system and premises available in Gloucester for vulnerable homeless people were suitable.  He brought to Members’ attention nine cases where he perceived failings to have taken place by agencies within the city and enquired what steps will be taken to rectify each of them.  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning thanked the questioner for bringing these matters to Members and assured him that each point would be considered in detail and responded to.

An independent volunteer litter-picker, active in the Hucclecote area, raised concerns about litter on the approaches to the city and his experience attempting to find the right organisation to report the problem to.  He asked Members whether the Council actively works with other organisations to keep the city surroundings litter-free and enquired to whom the public should make reports.   The Cabinet Member for Environment expressed Members’ own frustration with these issues and stated that officers were taking steps to improve co-ordination with the other agencies, such as the Highways agencies, the neighbouring boroughs, and Amey the Council’s contractors, with the expectation that progress would be visible soon.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods highlighted the importance of communities in tackling litter issues and thanked all volunteers for their efforts.  She took the opportunity to ask the questioner how the Council could be of more assistance to people willing to be active in dealing with litter.  He responded that requiring volunteers to complete forms and courses put people off and that ways to encourage wider participation should be explored.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods gave assurance that these comments would be taken into account.  The Managing Director reminded Members of Gloucester’s participation in the `Great British Spring Clean’ and the city centre litter pick on Friday 6^th April which the public are encouraged to join.