Environment and Highways Cabinet Board

ENVIRONMENT AND HIGHWAYS CABINET BOARD

4TH DECEMBER 2008

ENVIRONMENT

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF STREETCARE – M. ROBERTS

INDEX OF REPORT ITEMS

PART 1 – Doc. Code: EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR

SECTION A – MATTERS FOR DECISION Report Item Page No.’s Wards Affected

1. Vehicular Footway Crossings 2-5 All

SECTION C – MATTERS FOR MONITORING Report Item Page No.’s Wards Affected

2. Action Plan & Targets for 6-22 All Waste Services

3. Action Plan & Targets for Parks and Neighbourhood 23-35 All Services

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 1 PART 1 SECTION A, ITEM NO. 1

VEHICULAR FOOTWAY CROSSINGS

Purpose of Report

To consider the level of any charges for the administration of approvals for vehicular footway crossings.

Background

Many homes and properties within the County Borough were originally built with no driveways or parking areas and some have narrow entrances which may need widening to allow for safer access to and from the highway.

When people construct driveways and accesses, it is important that vehicle crossings over adjacent footings etc are built without compromising the safety and convenience of all road users. To this end it is essential that footway crossings are approved by the Highway Authority, as set out under the provisions of the Highway Act 1980. Vehicular accesses and footway crossings which are proposed on classified roads (A, B, & C class roads) also require planning permission, guidance on which is available from the Council’s Planning Section.

The Council has in place a procedure whereby the public can apply to construct access points to their property. The existing system requires that a person writes to the Authority requesting permission to construct a dropped footway entrance and an officer will carry out an inspection to determine the suitability of the proposed crossing point. Permission or refusal is then sent in writing to the applicant. Where a vehicular footway crossing is approved, the Authority provides a specification detailing the works and materials needed to meet the Highway Authority’s requirements. An indemnity form is also provided that needs to be signed and returned before work commences. It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange the works along with insurance cover during construction.

To administer the system there is a cost to the Council for both the inspection and administration time, which is set out below.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 2 Calculation of Costs

Hrly Rate Minutes Cost (Inc Overheads) Required Clerk 16.81 40 12.60 Streetworks Admin 16.81 20 5.60 Finance Assistant 16.15 5 2.69 Highways Surveyor 22.74 135 51.15 Van 2.61 105 4.57

Total per 73.87 application

The Authority has received, on average, 183 applications per year to construct vehicle crossovers over the past 3 years which, taking into account the average time allocated to each application request as set out above, costs the Authority some £13,500 per year. This cost is not currently met by applicants.

Research into the fees charged by neighbouring authorities to consider vehicle crossover applications has been undertaken and these were found to be as follows,

Bridgend (£90) Carmarthenshire (£95) Swansea (£60)

Sustainability Appraisal

It would seem appropriate, in terms of sustainable development, that costs for processing applications for vehicular footway crossings are met by the applicants as opposed to the wider community.

Recommendation(s)

It is recommended that Members approve a £75 fee per application for vehicular footway crossings.

Reasons for Proposed Decision(s)

To recover the costs of administering applications for vehicular footway crossings.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 3 List of Background Papers

Appendix A – Calculation of costs and figures.

Wards Affected

All Officer Contact

Steven David Owen Drainage, Streetworks and Trunk Roads Manager  – 01639 686 304  – [email protected]

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 4 PART 1 SECTION A, ITEM NO. 1

VEHICULAR FOOTWAY CROSSINGS - COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

(a) Implementation of Decision

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period

(b) Sustainability Appraisal

Community Plan impacts Economic Prosperity - no impact Education & Lifelong Learning - no impact Better Health & Well Being - no impact Environment &Transport - no impact Crime & Disorder - no impact

Other Impacts Welsh Language - no impact Sustainable Development - positive Equalities - no impact Social Inclusion - no impact

There has been no requirement under the Constitution for external consultation on this item.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 5 ITEM NO. 2 PART 1 SECTION C

ACTION PLAN AND TARGETS FOR WASTE SERVICES

Purpose of Report

To present for Scrutiny the Action Plan and Targets from the Operational Business Plan (OBP) for Waste Services.

Background

Every Business Unit within the Authority is required to complete an OBP for each financial year, outlining the following:-

 Performance against last year’s Action Plan and Targets.  The challenges and opportunities faced by the Unit in the short and medium term.  The actions and targets for the 12 months from April 2008 to March 2009.

In line with Corporate requirements, risks to the service are identified and addressed in the Action Plan.

Consultation Outcome

Employees within the Unit and the Authority as a whole were consulted, as were any external customers in the development of the Action Plan.

Sustainability Appraisal

The activities of the Environment Directorate have an impact on all theses in the Community Plan. Operational Business Plans contribute to service improvement by setting out service specific priorities for the next 12 months and how they will be met. Managers are required to consider Corporate policies such as equalities and health when determining how they meet their service priorities.

List of Background Papers

None

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 6 Wards Affected

All

Officer Contact

Howell Beaton Waste Manager 01639 686381  [email protected]

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 7 NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT

OPERATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – SUMMARY

WASTE SERVICES 2008-2009

Introduction

In 2007/08, the Head of Streetcare undertook a reorganisation of the services. The reorganisation was implemented in May 2008 with the merger of waste enforcement with waste services. The Operational Business plan 2008-09 for waste services will therefore contain relevant information associated with waste enforcement.

This Operational Business Plan for Waste Services covers the period 2008-09.

The number of employees within waste services and waste enforcement and their working base are as follows:

Staff Function No. Employees Working base

Refuse collection 39 Tregelles Court Depot “Safari” collection 6 Tregelles Court Depot Bulk refuse collection 6 Tregelles Court Depot Clinical Waste 1 Tregelles Court Depot collection Recycling collection 33 (Includes 6 Quays Seasonal) Waste 4 Tregelles Court Depot. Supervisors/charge hands Waste services staff 7 Quays Enforcement 1 Quays supervisor Enforcement officers 6 Quays (Two posts vacant) Dog wardens 2 Quays Total 105

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 8 Unit Structure

All waste and enforcement services are delivered in-house except for:

(i) Provision and management of the Materials Recovery and Energy Centre at Crymlyn Burrows (72 employed). (ii) Management of the Council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres at Briton Ferry Dock and Cymmer (18 employed) (iii) Provision and management of the Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Pwllfawatkin Rhyd y Fro (5 employed). (iv) Provision of stray dog kennelling by Tyn Yr Graig Kennels. (v) Provision of services for the disposal of Abandoned cars through Baylissrecovery Ltd. (vi) Provision of landfill disposal at Pwllfawatkin

The Waste Management Section is responsible for: -

(a) Refuse Collection: Delivering a refuse collection service to around 62,000 households on a weekly basis, the majority of which use wheelie bins and a small proportion (12%) are served using black sacks.

(b) Trade refuse Collection: Providing a trade waste collection service to some 1,300 commercial properties.

(c) Clinical Waste Collection: Providing a free clinical waste collection and disposal service for householders. Yellow clinical waste bags and/or sharps boxes are supplied for the safe collection of waste. Collections can be arranged from weekly to bi-annually depending on requirement.

(d) Bulky Waste Collection: Providing a free doorstep collection service by appointment for bulky household items.

(e) Pull out Service: Providing a free service to the elderly and or infirm who find it difficult to handle their wheelie bin or bags due to physical disabilities and or age related illnesses.

(f) Kerbside Recycling Collection: Delivering a kerbside collection scheme for dry recyclable materials and compostable green garden waste. This service collects glass and cans in a box, newspapers/magazines (*card and textiles) in a clear sack, plastics

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 9 in a blue sack and green garden waste in green sacks, all on a weekly basis. *To be introduced during the year (g) Recycling Facilities (‘Bring’ Sites): There are currently 15 recycling sites at various locations across the County Borough.

(h) Waste Disposal via:

 A Materials Recovery and Energy Centre: The facility, which is situated in Crymlyn Burrows, is designed to process, recycle and recover value from municipal waste. The plant utilises mechanical and biological treatment technologies to maximise the diversion of waste from landfill, in line with UK and European legislation and currently deals with both Bridgend County Borough Council and Neath Port Talbot waste.

 The facility has an as yet un-developed planning/permitted capacity of 94,200 tonnes. The operating company Neath Port Talbot (Recycling) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Neath Port Talbot Waste Management Co Ltd which is in itself owned by the Council.

 Household Waste and Recycling Centres: The Council has three sites in the County Borough (Briton Ferry Dock, Cymmer and Pwllfawatkin) which provide waste disposal facilities for householders as well as additional facilities for the recycling of household waste.

 Landfill: Residual waste from the MREC and Household Waste Recycling Centres etc are disposed of through arrangements with the Waste Recycling Group Ltd at their Pwllfawatkin landfill site.

(i) Reducing Biodegradable Municipal Solid Waste (BMSW) to landfill: As part of the waste disposal process and in compliance with the Land Allowance Scheme (Wales) Regulations 2004, the Council must keep within set allowances for the amount of BMSW that it can dispose of to landfill. The Council aims to address targets for diversion of BMSW by the following means:

 Separate collection of green garden waste from households.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 10  Separate collection of newspapers / magazines, mixed paper cardboard and textiles from households.  Provision of facilities at Household Waste and Recycling Centres for green garden waste, newspaper and magazines, cardboard, textiles and wood.  Sending residual waste to the Materials Recovery and Energy Centre where further separation takes place together with the manufacture of fuel for use within the cement industry. The facility itself continues to generate energy from waste.  Improving public participation in home composting.  Implementing Waste Minimisation Measures: Such as multi- media campaigns and provision of low cost home composting bins.  The collection of office mixed paper from council offices.  The collection of cardboard from trade waste customers.

The following external arrangements are in place:

Contractor Materials Recovery and Energy Neath Port Talbot (Recycling) Centre. Ltd. Management of Household Waste Environmental Waste Controls and Recycling Centres at Briton Ltd. ferry and Cymmer.

Provision and management of Waste Recycling Group Ltd. Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Pwllfawatkin, Provision of services for the Tyn yr Graig Kennels, impounding of stray dogs. Crynant Provision of services for the BaylissRecovery Ltd disposal of abandoned cars.

A working arrangement also exists with the Enfys Foundation Charity, which enables suitable household furniture and white goods to be reused for the benefit of the local community.

Waste Enforcement responsibilities:- Waste Enforcement Officers deal with fixed penalty notices and prosecutions in respect of fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, littering, illegal transportation of waste, excess/early presentation of waste, dog fouling and the management of stray dogs

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 11 Enforcement officers also deal with the Aberafan Dog Prohibited Beach Bye Law. The Service Structure is given as Appendix 1.

Achievement of RPI Targets

Refer to Appendix 2 for detailed information concerning Key Performance Indicators and Performance Standards.

Key Priorities/Action Plan

The Service Improvement Action Plan detailing priorities for the next 12 months is given in Appendix 3.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 12 Appendix 1

AAAppendix 1 Directorate of Environment Waste Manager Streetcare Services 2934 Howell Beaton

Enforcement Supervisor 2820 Waste Management Officer Waste Operations Officer Leighton Case 2960 2967 Vaughan Thomas Wayne Curtis

6 Waste Senior Dog Warden Contracts Officer Waste Officer Enforcement 2825 Trade Waste Refuse Supervisor Recycling Supervisor 2937 2936 Officers Dave Phillips Officer 2963 2963 Alan Harvey Mike Jones 2815/2816/2818 2938 Steve Forey Brian Williams Gareth Evans, Lynne Meredith Guy Hewson Phillip Powell, Paul Davies, Dog Warden (2 vacant posts) 2814 Trade Waste Recycling Crews John Rossser Refuse crews Assistant/Modern Apprentice Dave Edwards

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 13 Appendix 2

Key Performance Standards & Indicators

PI PI Linked Performance Performance 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Type Code Service Standard Indicator Actual Actual Actual Target Target Objectives “ WMT “ “ (i) The % or municipal /001b waste reused 13.48% 15.81% 19.84% 20% 25% and or recycled

“ “ “ “ (ii) The % of municipal waste 6.63% 9.37% 7.76% 10% 15% composted. WMT “ “ b) the percentage of /002b biodegradable 83% 60% 55% <55% <55% municipal waste sent to landfill

Core WMT Achieve or The % of municipal /004 S02 exceed Wales waste sent to landfill 58% 58% 52.6% <52% <50% waste targets

Core WMT S02 Landfill The % of municipal /005 Allowance waste used to recover 5% 4.9% 8.6% >8% >8% Scheme heat and power

Core WMT/ S01, S02 Achieve or The percentage of 007 exceed Wales municipal waste received 35% 42.47% 50.84% >50% >50% Waste targets. at a household waste amenity site that is reused recycled, or composted.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 14

Appendix 2/2

PI PI Linked Performance Performance 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Type Code Service Standard Indicator Actual Actual Actual Target Target Objective s Local L1 S03 Collection Average number of days within 10 waiting time for bulky 4 NA 7.45 <10 <10 working days item collection Local L2 S04 Respond to % of waste management 75% of mail mail responded to within 82.69% 80% 73.33% >80% >80% within 8 8 days working days Local L3 S05 Keep No. of days lost due to sickness sickness per FTE 13 17 20 <20 <20 absence within 10 days FTEs Local L4 S05 Weekly No. of complaints collection on concerning missed 21 35 34 <34 <34 prescribed collections per 100,000 day collections Local L5 S05 Be within Cost per tonne for upper collected refuse £39.44 £38.55 £39.68 NA NA quartile in Wales

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 15

Appendix 2/3

PI PI Linked Performance Performance 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Type Code Service Standard Indicator Actual Actual Actual Target Target Objectives Local L6 SMP Customer satisfaction - S05 Refuse Survey 91% 88% >90% >90% To be Conducted 06/07 Local “ SMP Customer satisfaction – S05 Recycling Survey 92% 94% >90% >90% To be Conducted 06/07 Local “ SMP Customer satisfaction – S05 Bring sites Survey 83% 91% >80% >80 To be Conducted 06/07 Local “ SMP Customer satisfaction – S05 Household Waste and Survey 94% 97% >90% >90 recycling Sites To be Conducted 06/07 Local CP SMP By 2009 % participation rate of S01 S02 establish and those householders NA NA Survey to be <60 <60 increase receiving the service. conduced participation 2008/09 levels by residents in kerbside recycling collection

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 16

Appendix 2/4

PI PI Linked Performance Performance 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 Type Code Service Standard Indicator Actual Actual Actual Actual Target Objectives Local L7 S06 Number of fixed penalty notices issued per 1000 1.61 1.69 2.09 2.99 >2.99 population

Local L8 S06 Number of prosecutions - per 1000 population 0.32 0.68 0.49 >0.49

Local L9 S06 % of successful - prosecutions 97.67% 97.82 95.77 >95

Local L10 S06 Number of abandoned - vehicles reported 875 584 341 <341

Local L11 S06 % of abandoned cars - removed within 24 hours 63% 89.6 80.67% <80.67% of notice expiring and contractor being informed.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 17 Appendix 3

Service Improvement Action Plan

Action Plan

No Action Supporting Officer/group Finance Target date Linked Risk/ Sustainability Corporate/Service Responsible Identified Milestone Indicators & Objectives & SMP Health Impact Soc/Env/Econ 1 Address ongoing S01, S02 Director of Finance to be Ongoing 1 litigation issues Environment/Director identified _ relating to the MREC. of Finance and Corporate Services 2 Resolve the S01, S02 MR/HB & Finance to be June 08 3 procurement exercise Procurement identified _ for the sale of the MREC in light of WAG discussion paper. 3 Develop additional S01, S02 HB/RL Finance to be Ongoing 2,3 Positive infrastructure at the identified environmental MREC for the impact management of kerbside recycling and or compostable materials. 4 Address the MRECs S01, S02 HB/RL Finance to be Ongoing 2 Positive ability to deal with identified environmental future national targets impact for landfill diversion through the production of fuel and impacting upon the reduction in use of fossil fuels.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 18 Appendix 3/2

Action Plan

No Action Supporting Officer/group Finance Target date Linked Risk/ Sustainability Corporate/Service Responsible Identified Milestone Indicators & Objectives & SMP Health Impact Soc/Env/Econ 5 Review “bring bank” S01,S02 HB/VT web Ongoing 5,6 Positive Recycling service. environmental impact 6 Extend the coverage (on S01,S02,S05 VT/WC Sustainable Ongoing 5 Positive a rolling programme) of waste grant environmental kerbside recycling to impact flats. 7 Review kerbside S01,S02,S05 VT Finance to be Depending NA Positive recycling service for identified upon producer environmental household responsibility impact batteries/household legislation hazardous waste. 8 Introduction of kerbside S01,S02,S05 HB Specific WAG To be 5,6 Positive collection of kitchen funding determined environmental compostables on phased impact basis. 9 Develop existing S05 HB/VT/WC Sustainable Sept 2008 5,6 Positive arrangements with the waste grant environmental unpaid work unit of the impact probation and community services. 10 Undertake a survey of S01,S02 WC/LM web Ongoing 5 Positive schools to ascertain environmental their recycling needs. impact 11 Provision of recycling S01,S02 VT Sustainable June 2008 5,6 Positive bins to Neath, Port waste grant environmental Talbot civic centre and impact Aberafan house. 12 Introduce new system S05 WC N/A Sept 2008 N/A Positive for replenishing environmental householders with bags impact for recycling waste. EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 19 Appendix 3/3

Action Plan

No Action Supporting Officer/group Finance Target date Linked Risk/ Sustainability Corporate/Service Responsible Identified Milestone Indicators & Objectives & SMP Health Impact Soc/Env/Econ 13 Introduce the collection S01,S02,S05 HB/VT/WC Sustainable Sept 2008 5,6 Positive of additional recyclable waste grant environmental materials at the kerbside impact eg card and textiles. 14 Review pricing policy S05 HB/LM web Dec 2008 12 Positive for trade waste environmental customers. impact 15 Review options to S01,S02,S05 VT/WC Sustainable Dec 2008 5,6 Positive increase the collection waste grant environmental of recyclable litter from impact town centre locations. 16 Continue to address SMP,S01,S02 VT/LM Sustainable Ongoing NA Positive waste awareness issues waste grant environmental through continual radio impact advertisements and the provision of literature regarding waste services.. 17 Progress with S01,S02,S05 HB/AH Finance to be To be NA Positive improvements to WRGs identified determined environmental Household Waste and impact Recycling Centre in line with EA requirements. Also to develop new contractual arrangements with WRG who are the owners and operators of the site

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 20 Appendix 3/4

Action Plan

No Action Supporting Officer/group Finance Target date Linked Risk/ Sustainability Corporate/Service Responsible Identified Milestone Indicators & Objectives & SMP Health Impact Soc/Env/Econ 18 Undertake a citizens SMP, S04 VT web Subject to NA Positive panel consultation corporate environmental process to ascertain strategy impact public satisfaction and timescales. measure service efficiency. 19 Assess public S01,S02,S05 VT/WC web Dec 2008 NA Positive participation in kerbside environmental recycling. impact 20 Review options for SMP VT Subject to Ongoing to NA Positive future regional European 2013 environmental collaboration (in line funding impact with the Collaborative agenda of the Strategic Management Plan (Subject to application to WEFO for funding). 21 Continue with home S01,S02 VT web Ongoing 6 Positive composting service environmental through WAG impact subsidised home composting bins. 22 Undertake the S01,S02,S05 HB/AH Finance to be To be 5,6 Positive development of a waste identified determined environmental transfer station at Briton impact Ferry Household waste and recycling centre.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 21

Appendix 3/5

Action Plan

No Action Supporting Officer/group Finance Target date Linked Risk/ Sustainability Corporate/Service Responsible Identified Milestone Indicators & Objectives & SMP Health Impact Soc/Env/Econ 23 Increase anti litter and S06 LC web To be 16 Positive dog fouling campaigns determined environmental impact 24 Improve communication S06 LC web To be 16 Positive with police officers determined environmental impact 25 Extend use of fixed S06 LC web To be 16 Positive penalty notices as determined environmental provided for under the impact Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 22 ITEM NO. 3 PART 1 SECTION C

ACTION PLAN AND TARGETS FOR PARKS & NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES

Purpose of Report

To present for Scrutiny the Action Plan and Targets from the Operational Business Plan (OBP) for Parks & Neighbourhood Services.

Background

Every Business Unit within the Authority is required to complete an OBP for each financial year, outlining the following:-

In line with Corporate requirements, risks to the service are identified and addressed in the Action Plan.

Consultation Outcome

Employees within the Unit and the Authority as a whole were consulted, as were any external customers in the development of the Action Plan.

Sustainability Appraisal

List of Background Papers

None

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 23

Wards Affected

All

Officer Contact

Nigel Waters Parks & Neighbourhood Services 01639 686020  [email protected]

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 24 NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT

OPERATIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – SUMMARY

PARKS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES 2008-2009

Introduction

The service has 34 managerial/support staff and a variable number of operational employees ranging between 227 employees during the winter season up to a maximum of 341 employees during the summer months.

The main location for management, support and operational employees is at the SRC, The Quays, Briton Ferry.

The Service Structure is given as Appendix 1.

Parks and Neighbourhood Services are responsible for the strategy and maintenance of:

 Country Parks ◈ Afan Forest Park, Craig Gwladys, Gnoll Country Park.

 13 Recreational / Ornamental Parks ◈ Baglan Park, Bryn Recreational Park, Jersey Park, King George V Park, Melyn Park, Mount Pleasant Park, Parc y Darren, Parc y Llyn, Parc y Werin, Talbot Memorial Park, Tollgate Park, Victoria Gardens, Vivian Park.

 2 Bandstands ◈ Talbot Memorial Park, Victoria Gardens.

 49 Childrens Playgrounds ◈ Aneddfan, Baglan Park, Bishops Mead, Bowen Street, Brynbryddan, Bryn Park, Cefn yr Allt, Church Crescent, Cimla Common, Coed Hirwaun, Cross Street, Evans Road, Fairyland, Fire Station, Ger yr Afon, Giants Grave, Gnoll Park Adventure, Gnoll Park Special Needs, Goytre Close, Grahams Terrace, Heol Glynderwen, Heol Godfrey, Heol y Coed Cae, Hopkin Street,

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 25 Jersey Park, King George V Park, Llwyn Road, Lon Tan yr Allt, Maes yr Hafod, Margaret Terrace, Mount Pleasant, Oakwood, Parc y Darren, Parc y Llyn, Parc Ynysderw, Parc y Werin, Pendarren, Sea Front Sand Castle, Talbot Memorial Park, Tollgate Park, Tudor Park, Vale of Neath, Victoria Gardens, Victoria Street, Vivian Park, Wauncierch Park, Wellfield Park, Western Avenue, Ynyscorrwg Park.

 20 Bowling Greens ◈ Baglan Park, Blaengwynfi, Briton Ferry Steel, Bryn Park, Cwmllynfell Park, Cymmer Welfare, Dyfed Road (2), King George V Park, Mount Pleasant, Parc y Darren, Parc y Llyn, Parc y Werin, Pontrhydyfen Park, Talbot Memorial Park (2), Tudor Park, Vivian Park (2), Ynysmaerdy.

 11 Cricket Squares ◈ Bryn, Cefn Saeson (2), Cwrt Herbert (2), Evans Bevan, Groeswen, Parc y Llyn, Pontardawe Recreation Ground (2), Western Avenue.

 17 Rugby Pitches ◈ Briton Ferry Wharf, Bryn Park, Cefn Saeson, Cwrt Herbert (3), Little Warren, Maerdy Sportsfield, Parc y Llyn, Parc y Werin (2), Parc Ynysderw (2), Pontardawe Recreation Ground, Red Field, Seven Sisters, Western Avenue

 38 Soccer Pitches ◈ Briton Ferry Wharf, Bryn Park, Caewern, Cefn Saeson (2), Cwrt Herbert (5), Evans Bevan, Groeswen (3), Gwynfi, Little Warren, Maerdy Sportsfield, Parc Newydd (2), Parc y Llyn, Parc Ynysderw (5), Parc y Werin, Pontardawe Recreation Ground (3), Red field, Seven Sisters, Talbot Memorial Park, Tudor Park, Vivian Park (2), Western Avenue (3)

 21 Tennis Courts ◈ Cwmllynfell, Cymmer Welfare (2), Dyfed Road (6), King George V (2), Parc y Darren (2), Parc Ynysderw (2), Vivian Park (4), Bryn (2).

 22 Mini Soccer Pitches ◈ Cefn Saeson, Cwrt Herbert (3), Evans Bevan (3), Groeswen (2), Little Warren (3), Melyn Park, Parc y Llyn, Parc Ynysderw,

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 26 Pontardawe Recreation Ground (2), Seven Sisters (2), Talbot Memorial Park (2), Western Avenue.

 1 Synthetic Pitch ◈ Parc-Y-Werin - Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

 1 MUGA ◈ Parc-Y-Werin - Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

 3 Paddling Pools ◈ Caewern, Jersey Park, Melyn Park.

 2 Skateboard Ramps ◈ Aberavon Sea Front, James’ Field - Briton Ferry

 5 Allotment Sites ◈ Crawford Road, Cwmavon, Glyncorrwg, Margam, Moor Road.

 8 Cemeteries ◈ Carmel, Cymmer, Godrer’graig, Goytre, Llantwit, Margam, Onllwyn, Ynysmaerdy.

 7 Rural Cycleways ◈ Upper Afan Valley, Bryn to Goytre, Colbren Square (GCG), Cwmtawe, Tonmawr, Route 47, Ystalyfera to Afan Twrch.

 2 Canals ◈ Neath Canal (Resolven – Glynneath), Swansea Canal nature reserve (Ynysmeudwy)

 9 Woodlands ◈ Eaglesbush Valley, Shelone Woods, Coed Llan Isaf, Godregraig, Melin Court, Tonna, Aberdualis, Terreni, Glanrhyd Plantation

 6 Rural Walkways ◈ Old Pontwalby railway, Bryn to County Boundary, Pontrhydyfen to Port Talbot, Riverside Walk (Pontardawe), Graig Newydd to Ystalyfera, Rhoddfa Clarke

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 27 Parks and Neighbourhood Services are also responsible for:

 School Grounds (maintenance only)

 Managing and enhancing broadleaved woodlands and providing the tree maintenance service

 Support for community/volunteer groups to carry out positive environmental activities in their local area

The service also delivers reactive day to day on street maintenance and planned ‘janitorial’ type activities including:

 Cutting of urban grass verges

 Street cleaning, sweeping and litter collection

 Fly poster and graffiti removal

 Maintenance of certain Council Housing gardens

 Maintenance of shrub beds and landscaped areas including hanging baskets

 Street weed spraying and removal

 Pothole and other highway repairs

 Removing damaged / redundant road signs

 Cleaning and replacement / renewing of non-illuminated signs

 Maintenance of road markings (minor works)

 Replacing damaged manhole covers

 Fly tipping removal

 Overgrowth clearance

 Beach cleaning

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 28  Service related enforcement activities

Services to fulfil these responsibilities are undertaken by:

 Multi disciplined and service specific teams dedicated to individual operational zones.

 Other teams providing services on an area-wide basis such as ‘hot box’ crews, main road teams and large sweepers.

 Sign Technician who inspects and arranges for defective signage to be replaced throughout the Authority area.

 Support and liaison staff who process and ensure that operational data and financial information required by the service is in place, coordinate mail responses, provide effective links with other services such as Anti-Social Behaviour, Housing and Community Policing; and produce service related press releases and information for the Council’s web site.

Achievement of KPI Targets

Refer to Appendix 2 for detailed information concerning Key Performance Indicators and Performance Standards.

Key Priorities/Action Plan

The Service Improvement Action Plan detailing priorities for the next 12 months is given in Appendix 3.

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 29 Appendix 1

Directorate of Environment Parks and Outdoor Services Manager Streetcare Services 2838 Nigel Waters Wef 19th May 2008

Principal Country Parks & Street Scene Manager Principal Development & Grants Officer 2901 Support Officer 2904 Andrew Lewis 2344 Colin Powell Richard Walters

Managing Managing Senior Technical Senior Senior Outdoor Play & Cemeteries Ranger Senior Ranger Arboricultural Officer Supervisor Supervisor Senior Community Development Officer Afan Argoed Supervisor Gnoll Park Officer 2205 2828 2827 Services Officer Officer 2859 2895 2912 2905 2842 Glenn Watkins Phil Davies Steve Curtis 2824 Alan Shields Joyce Arnold Dick Wagstaff Dale Rogers Liz Ford Nick Thomas Deborah Brambley

Technical Technical Officer Officer 2923 2923 Afan Forest Senior Ranger Steve Parker Richard Williams Gnoll Estate Park Senior Ranger 2910 Arboricultural Sign Technician Catering & Catering & 2911 Technical Community John O'Reilly Chargehand 5 Zone 4 Zone Phil John Reception Shop Mark Craske Assistant 3 Area Service Officer 2841 2922 Supervisors Supervisors Supervisors 2359 Lee Brannagh Paul Thomas 2919 2795/2836 2837 Jane Green (part Wayne Pugh Adrian Moore John Rushton time) Gary Slyman Mike James John O'Mahoney Technical Clerical Assistant Ray Thomas Ray Jones Evan Williams Assistant 2860 Derrick Morris Clive Rogers 2921 Ashley Rogers Lyn Davies Sarah Thomas Gnoll Ranger Arboricultural and Estate Park Ranger Operatives and Seasonals Playgrounds Operatives Modern Apprentice Vacant

Workways Team Operatives Policy & Administration Support Staff: (Temp)

Admin Assistant s Julie Percival, 2900/7187, Gill Rees Mandy Donovan

Customer Services Assistant, 2371, Gary Davies

Admin Assistant/WP Operator, 2367, Mary Brookfield Clerk/Typists, 2354, Christine Brown (18.5 hours), Yvonne Stone (18.5 hours)

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 30 Key Performance Indicators Appendix 2

Indicator 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 Linked Actions / INDICATORS Code Actual Actual Actual Target Target Service Objectives Info. Percentage of play areas provided that unavail POS 01 35% 72.5% 80% 84% S02 / S07 conform to national standards. - able Percentage of Play Areas inspected on at POS 02 100 100 100 100 S01 least one occasion per week. 100 Mail monitoring, percentage of public POS 03 71 68 83 84 S03 mail responded to within 8 working days 71 Number of complaints received which are POS 04 arbitrated as justified by ‘quality assurance 3 3 2 3 3 S02 section.’ POS 05 Number of visits to:

109,62 116,29 A Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre. 108,540 110,500 111,000 S03 3 9

161,89 B Gnoll Estate Visitor Centre. N/A 164,063 109,000 109,500 S03 8

Number of Visits by cyclists using cycle POS 06 53,734 59,831 62,784 55,340 55,840 S03 routes: Penhydd and Wall (AFP)

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 31 Key Performance Indictors Appendix 2/2

Number of visits by walkers to Afan POS 07 8,824 11,834 9,100 9,600 S03 Forest Park using footbridge access 13,504 Number of graves inspected for POS 08 0 0 0 6,100 7,000 S01 memorial safety. POS 09 Customer satisfaction levels: Survey to be a Afan Forest 99% 100% under- 95% 95% S02 / S04 taken in Sept. 08 No No S02 / S04 survey survey - 95% 95% b Gnoll Estate under- under- taken taken Funeral Directors/Monumental S02 / S04 c - 89% 89% 90% Masons d Outdoor Sports Facilities - 92% 96% 79% 80% S02 / S04

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 32

Key Performance Indicators Appendix 2/3

Indicator Code INDICATORS Actual Actual Actual Actual Target Linked 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Actions/ Service Objectives L1 85% 72% No survey No survey >85% S08, S09, Percentage of residents satisfied with cleansing standards under- under- A11, A13 taken taken L2 The percentage of highways that are of a high or acceptable 96% 96.6% 97.7% 97% 95% S08, S09, standard of cleanliness A11, A13 L3 The Cleanliness Index (LEAMS) N/A N/A N/A 71% 68% L4 The percentage of emergency repairs to roads and footways 67% 52% 95.31% 100% >90% A20, S08 reported by the public carried out within 24 hours L5 No of fly tip incidents reported 640 1378# 1151 1036 <1150 S09

L6 The average number of working days to remove fly tips 2 2.64 2.42 1.8 days <3 days S08

L7 % dog fouling reports cleared by end of the next working 75 82% 97.48% 94% >85% S08 day

L8 No of dog foul incidents reported N/a New PI 161 156 <156 S09

L9 % of residents satisfied with highway grass cutting New PI 97% No survey No survey >90% S09, A12 under- under- taken taken L10 No of pot holes reported by the public, monitored as a safety 877 829 925 (+) 725 <800 S09 aspect for the Traffic Management Act 2004 L11 % of non-emergency repairs to roads and footways New PI 48% 48% 96.35% 78% A20, S08 completed within 35 days. >75% L13 Mail responded to within 8 working days n/a 60% 57.42% 72% >80% A12 ( ^ ) # Data collection changed with introduction of ‘Fly Capture’ (+) Increase in the 4th quarter compared to previous year which is likely to be the result of an exceptional wet winter followed by a cold/icy period (^) Improvement in 4th quarter from 57.42% to 74.45%

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 33 Service Improvement Action Plan 2008/09 Appendix 3

Supporting Officer Finance Target date Linked No. Action Corporate/Service Responsible identified Mile-stones Indicators & Objective(s) Risks A1 Carry out safety testing of cemetery memorials – SO1, SO2, SO7 RW TBD March 2009 R1 Phase 1 of 5 and update existing records over 5 year period A2 £50k available to carry out surveys of SO1, SO2, SO7 CP TBD March 2009 R2 countryside structures and create database A3 Resurfacing work of footpaths within facilities SO1, SO2, SO7 RW TBD March 2009 R3 commenced, further funding to be pursued to continue work – ongoing action A4 Continue to engage with Trade Union regarding SO5 NW TBD March 2009 R4 implementation of Job Evaluation A5 Pursue funding to improve sports facilities SO1, SO2, SO3, SO4, NW TBD March 2009 R5 SO5, SO6, SO7 A6 Work with partners to reduce wilful damage to SO1, SO2, SO3, SO5, RW TBD March 2009 R6 play equipment and pursue additional funding to SO7 repair such damage. A7 Liaise with Property & Regeneration Division to SO1, SO2, SO3, SO5, CP WEB April 2008 R7 ensure that an appropriate scheme to renovate SO7 cascades is implemented in 2008

A8 LANTRA training for Fast Road Teams on new SO2, SO11 SC/DR WEB March 2009 SO8, R10 street works ‘D12’ card for erection of temporary Traffic Management

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 34

A9 Liaise with Property & Regeneration on the SO1, SO2, SO5 CAPITAL December 2008 POS 01 refurbishment of 6 playgrounds

A10 Coordination of maintenance of Saltings SO8 SC/DR WEB March 2009 SO8 roundabout to achieve improvement

A11 Identify and review management of litter ‘hot- SO8 SC/DR TBD March 2009 L1, L2, L3 spots’ in high profile locations A12 Improvement in mail responsiveness SO9, SO10 NW/RW/AL WEB March 2009 A13 Establish through survey data, Customer SO8, SO9, SO10 RW WEB March 2009 R11 Satisfaction for grass cutting, cleanliness, etc A14 Ensure reliable performance data is available SO10, SO12 RW WEB March 2009 All local indicators A15 Web page design and production SO8, SO11 RW WEB March 2009 SO8 A16 Any actions associated with weeds and SO1, SO2, SO11 SC/DR WEB March 2009 R15, L2, L3 knotweed A17 Maximise use of parks as operating centres for SO2, SO9, SO11 NW/RW/AL/ WEB Jan 2009 R12 zone based work, review cutting schedules and SC/DR/SP/ vehicle utilisation RW A18 Coordination of grass cutting as service SO2, SO5, SO6 SC/DR WEB March 2009 R11 ‘interfaces’ e.g. county boundaries, Trunk Roads/local roads A19 Purchase of mini “hotbox” SO2, SO11 NW/SC/DR WEB Nov 2008 L4, L11, S08 A20 Allocate budget and identify contribution for SO2, SO11 NW/AL WEB March 2009 R10 Traffic Management Work when in-house resources unavailable

EHB-041208-REP-EN-MR 35