Summary
The Environment Committee considers issues relating to the environment in the parish, including planting schemes and public arts. It also is responsible for our management of Belmont Scrambles.
The Environment Committee normally meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6pm at Belmont Community Centre, Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 2LL.
Meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend. Opportunities for public participation are subject to the Council’s meeting procedures.
Members
Chair: Mick Watson
Vice-Chair: Tess Coll
Members: David Hodgson.
Terms of Reference
We believe that the health and well-being of our community is enhanced by a pleasant and well maintained environment in which to live. To support this, we will adopt the following environmental aims under the headings below: –
OPEN SPACES AND WOODLANDS
- 1. To consider and make recommendations to the full council in relation to improving, maintaining and utilising the Council’s urban open spaces and woodlands. These include the Parish owned Belmont Scrambles area. We will also support the Kepier Woods area.
- To support the conservation of trees, hedgerows, the River Wear and streams.
- To adopt and implement schemes and planting to make areas attractive and welcoming and promote positive biodiversity and combat climate change.
- To support and encourage the allotments within our area and to receive reports from their management team where possible.
- To work with the Finance & Assets Committee to ensure the Gardening Contract meets the needs of the Terms of reference for Belmont Parish Council.
STREETS AND FOOTPATHS
- To support our residents regarding appropriate street lighting, drainage, public benches and street furniture.
- To discuss measures regarding the management of street litter and dog fouling and organise community volunteer action to clear up mess via litter picks etc. To receive regular updates from Neighbourhood Wardens. To discuss and arrange the placement of new bins and arrange volunteer litter picking.
- To initiate, maintain and promote planting schemes to enhance our neighbourhoods.
- To consider and implement where appropriate, the planning and promotion of wildflower meadows, on roadside verges etc.
- To promote improvements in the appearance, cleanliness and use of streets, both commercial and residential.
- To discuss salt bins and street safety during winter months and highlight any issues of concern to the relevant department/officers.
- To promote maintenance, repair and enhancement of public footpaths and bridleways
- To consider parking issues and provision of cycle racks where possible.
- To consider the maintenance of bus shelters.
- To consider and make recommendations relating to traffic calming measures, potential speed limit changes, pedestrian crossings and other road safety measures. To encourage reporting of road potholes in our Parish and any damage to our roads/footpaths.
CLIMATE, BIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
- To work in all ways in accordance with actions which create a sustainable community. This could include the provision of information and education to residents and schools.
- To advise the Parish council on all issues relating to climate change in order to minimise the impact or reduce harmful factors.
- To consider practical matters to support energy and water management.
- To encourage and promote the recycling of metals, paper, cardboard, plastic and glass waste across the Parish.
- To use composting facilities at relevant amenities, including allotments and the cemetery and use only peat free compost.
- To work with partners and stakeholders to minimise the effects of light, noise and road traffic pollution within the Parish.
- To source materials locally to minimise environmental damage caused through transportation of goods.
- To promote the use of cycling, walking and public transport.
- To raise awareness of environmental issues throughout the Parish and through our own behaviour.
Committee Documents
No documents found.