Issue - meetings

(A report by Victoria Burgess, Assistant Director – Neighbourhoods)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Callum Butler

Councillor Callum Butler presented a report which sought approval to introduce a pilot scheme for the use of community skips to help reduce fly tipping. The proposal was to place a community skip in the St George Street car park, within Boston, on Mondays in August and November, in the hope that it would have a positive impact against fly tipping.

Members noted that the St George Street car park had been chosen due to its easy accessibility, its closeness to one of the main areas that was affected by fly tipping, it had good CCTV coverage and it was Council owned land. The Council’s approach would ensure compliance with  environmental legislation. The site will be managed by Council operatives in order to prevent commercial waste from being dumped. Many items such as gas canisters, asbestos, batteries, etc would not be accepted and residents would be directed to the household waste recycling centre. The use of a van was also available to dispose of any electrical white goods.

Members discussed the arrangements for the pilot scheme in detail. The scheme would only be available to residents of Boston. It was confirmed that residents would be able to contact the Council to arrange a booking slot for them to bring their unwanted household items to the collection point for disposal. Members requested that assistance also be given to any residents attending without an appointment. If successful, officers would investigate the potential for purchasing skips, rather than hiring, and they would also look to place them throughout the more rural areas of the Borough. Members noted that the skips would be staffed from existing resources.

It was agreed that the pilot would commence on Monday 19th August 2024 and each Monday for a four week period, and on Monday 4th November 2024 and each Monday for a four week period.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Callum Butler and seconded by Councillor John Baxter.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approve a trial for the use of community skips within the Borough within the next six months, to be provided on Monday 19th August 2024 and each Monday for a four week period, and on Monday 4th November 2024 and each Monday for a four week period.