The Environment, Arts and Culture Policy and Accountability Committee met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss a range of service updates and to consider the draft work programme for the upcoming municipal year. Key discussions included the Parks and Environment Service, waste and recycling developments, and a briefing on culture, tourism, and sport. The committee agreed to the proposed course of action to further develop the draft work programme for 2026/27.

Parks and Environment Service

Jessica Bastock, Assistant Director of Parks and Environment, presented a comprehensive overview of the service's responsibilities, which encompass parks and open spaces, cemeteries, flood risk management, and capital projects. A significant achievement highlighted was the borough's success in securing 26 Green Flags, the highest number ever for Hammersmith and Fulham. Challenges identified include the need to address ageing infrastructure within parks and the upcoming procurement of a new grounds maintenance contract.

Councillor Amanda Lloyd-Harris commended the report, and Jessica Bastock confirmed that all park gullies had been cleansed last year and would be cleared annually, with efforts underway to repair any remaining blockages. Councillor Stala Antoniades raised concerns about safety improvements at Loris Gardens following a tree-falling incident. Jessica Bastock explained that the council was working with residents to establish a Friends group and that the Arboriculture team was collaborating with the Law Enforcement Team (LET) to improve visibility by trimming hedges and trees. The pond at Loris Gardens had also been repaired.

Councillor Laura Janes inquired about the collaboration between the Parks team and the LET to maintain park cleanliness and safety. Jessica Bastock detailed the reporting system, joint meetings, and the use of CCTV to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). Mark Raisbeck, Director of Public Realm, added that the CCTV investment programme aimed to enhance safety in parks. Councillor Lloyd-Harris raised concerns about ASB in parks after closing hours, prompting Mark Raisbeck to explain that while gates were locked, fencing designs did not entirely prevent entry, and that increased CCTV coverage would aid targeted interventions.

Regarding litter, Jessica Bastock mentioned the rollout of larger bins and regular bin placement reviews, acknowledging that surges in park visitors during hot weather could strain capacity. Councillor Antoniades sought information on tree surveys and their frequency. Jessica Bastock stated that the current three-year inspection policy was under review, with officers mapping high-risk areas for more frequent inspections. The policy for closing parks during high winds was also being reviewed.

In relation to cemeteries, Councillor Lloyd-Harris noted disparities in maintenance standards between the four sites, with out-of-borough cemeteries requiring more attention. Jessica Bastock acknowledged this and outlined improvement plans, including resurfacing work at Mortlake Chapel. The process for grave reclamation was explained, with an aim to reclaim approximately 500 graves in the first phase over two years, potentially leading to thousands of reclaimed graves in the long term. Mark Raisbeck highlighted the urgency of this issue, as cemeteries were projected to reach full capacity within two to three years.

Update on Waste and Recycling Service Development

Annie Baker, Assistant Director of Street Environmental Services, presented an update on waste and recycling services, highlighting the borough's strong performance in waste minimisation, with less than 250kg of household waste per head collected annually, placing it among the top 10 authorities nationally. The recycling rate had now surpassed 30%. Recent improvements include the ability to recycle a wider range of materials, the introduction of a garden waste recycling service, and the expansion of food waste recycling to communal bin stores and schools.

Councillor Lloyd-Harris raised concerns about bins being left in front of property gates, creating a security risk, and the occasional misplacement of bins. Annie Baker agreed to provide feedback to the collection service regarding neatness and correct placement. She also addressed concerns about the collection of small electrical items, clarifying that they should be left next to bins on private property and that capacity issues were not currently a problem. A visit to the Smugglers Way Household Reuse and Recycling Centre was proposed and agreed upon.

Councillor Laura Janes praised the new recycling initiatives and asked about educating children on recycling. Annie Baker detailed school outreach programmes and the education centre at the Western Riverside Waste Authority (WRWA). Councillor Stala Antoniades inquired about the frequency of recycling events, with Annie Baker confirming plans for a regular programme to make recycling more accessible. She also discussed the challenges and solutions for textile recycling. Councillor Bora Kwon noted the growing trend of retailers taking back products and the potential for future government mandates.

The committee discussed incentivising residents to recycle, with Annie Baker explaining the complexities of measuring individual household performance but highlighting the positive impact of community norms. The Chair sought clarification on the tactics driving waste reduction, with Annie Baker attributing it to a focus on waste minimisation and encouraging home composting.

Culture, Tourism and Sport Briefing

Val Birchall, Assistant Director of Culture, Tourism & Sport, provided an overview of the services, including arts development, events, filming, tourism, libraries, archives, and sport and active wellbeing. The borough boasts high levels of cultural engagement, with 94% of adults participating in the arts.

Councillor Lloyd-Harris raised concerns about no shows for booked sports facilities and suggested increased publicity for the Linford Christie Outdoor Sports Centre. Val Birchall acknowledged the difficulty in managing no shows but undertook to explore solutions. She also confirmed that efforts were underway to promote the Linford Christie centre more effectively. Councillor Antoniades inquired about the possibility of installing more public realm sports facilities, such as padel tennis courts. Val Birchall stated that while there was demand for such facilities, existing spaces were heavily utilised, but the team would continue to explore options.

The Chair asked for details on initiatives to encourage inactive residents to become more active. Val Birchall explained the focus on low-resistance activities like chair yoga and walking, and the strategy to address growing inactivity. She also confirmed that activities were inclusive of individuals with disabilities, with specialist provision where necessary. Councillor Janes inquired about partnerships for wellbeing walks, and Val Birchall highlighted the Active Wellbeing Partnership, which aimed to engage with communities through trusted local organisations. Councillor Kwon added that wellbeing promotion was a cross-departmental effort.

Regarding filming, Councillor Lloyd-Harris suggested engaging local producers to share their expertise with young people. Val Birchall noted the existing youth cultural strategy, which included creative education and careers strands, and welcomed the involvement of experienced producers. She also agreed that further promotional work could be done to attract filming to the borough. Councillor Antoniades asked about theatre outreach programmes for schools, and Councillor Kwon mentioned successful initiatives by the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Councillor Janes enquired about the promotion of the pop-up library, and Val Birchall acknowledged the ongoing challenge of ensuring residents were aware of local activities. Councillor Kwon highlighted the multi-functional role of libraries as community hubs and their contribution to sustainability initiatives.

Draft Work Programme for 2026/27

The committee considered the draft work programme for the municipal year 2026/27. Members were invited to suggest additional topics for future meetings. Councillor Bora Kwon proposed that members could submit suggestions via email, and Councillor Laura Janes suggested a focus on inclusivity, outreach, and communication with residents. Mark Raisbeck, Director of Public Realm, offered to assist the Chair in developing the programme. The committee agreed to the proposed course of action to further develop the work programme.

The committee also noted the dates for future meetings: 18 November 2026, 2 February 2027, and 27 April 2027.