Issue - meetings

To receive any verbal reports from Members regarding Ward matters and Outside Organisations.

The following items were discussed in relation to Ward Matters and Outside Organisations:

·         Plastic Free Hitchin

·         The Dell

The Chair led a discussion on ward matters and outside organisations. The following issues were discussed:

Plastic Free Hitchin

Councillor Val Bryant advised:

·         The first Hitchin Eco Day ran well and was scheduled for 1 July 2023, with plans being put in place at the moment to look at what can be run for Plastic Free Month.

·         There was a school uniform swap at the pavilion in Bancroft at the end of term.

·         There was a Pick and Nick event scheduled for 31 July, which would involve a picnic and litter pick, on Windmill Hill.

The Dell

Councillor Ian Albert advised that photos had circulated on social media of The Dell in a mess, following the site clearance last year. Suggestions had been made, including installing more bins, but ultimately there needed to be clarity over the future of the site.

Councillor Sam Collins noted that previous “Don’t be a tosser” signs had reduced littering. He suggested that the Committee could look to launch a voluntary scheme to ask takeaway businesses in Hitchin to pay to increase litter picking and rubbish collections in the town. Those who do not take part and their rubbish is found could be named.

Councillor Richard Thake suggested the BID would be the most suitable place to develop Cllr Collin’s suggestion and the BID Manager could liaise with the Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management.

Councillor Clare Billing noted that the broken glass on site could be a fire risk, especially with the trees surrounding.

Councillor Keith Hoskins noted that the task to clear the site last year was huge prior to any public attendance.