The Infrastructure, Safety and Growth Scrutiny Committee of Tamworth Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including water quality in local rivers, updates on the dual stream recycling scheme, and the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2024. Decisions were made to add water quality to the work plan for the next municipal year and to endorse the Community Safety Plan.

Improving Water Quality in Tamworth Rivers

The committee discussed a referral from the Full Council in February 2023 regarding improving water quality in the rivers in Tamworth. A report on this matter had been circulated with the agenda. The committee agreed to add this issue to the work plan for the next municipal year and to explore inviting a representative from Trent Rivers Trust to a future meeting.

Dual Stream Recycling Quarterly Update

Steve Gee, Operations Manager, and Victoria Woodhouse, Customer Relations and Performance Manager, presented an update on the Joint Waste Service Operations. Key points included:

• The report now covers general operations, not just the recycling scheme.
• Missed bins have increased slightly but remain at an acceptable rate of two per month.
• Resident participation in recycling is high at 98-99%.
• Contaminated bins have decreased from 1,488 to 1,279 compared to the previous year.
• The service is facing an overspend of approximately £40,000, which is not a concern against a net expenditure of £9 million.
• Future projects include a long-term strategy for the service and a fleet replacement expected to cost around £11.5-12 million, with a focus on alternative fuels to reduce the carbon footprint.
• A recycling campaign is being launched in collaboration with Lichfield District Council.

The committee noted the update on the performance of the Operation Service.

Tamworth Community Safety Partnership Plan Update 2024

Joanne Sands, Assistant Director of Partnerships, and Chief Inspector Rob Neeson presented the 2024 annual refresh of the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership Plan 2023-2026. Key highlights included:

• Priorities for 2023-2026 are expected to remain unchanged.
• £61,394 is available annually for community safety projects until March 2025.
• Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is declining, with the town centre identified as a hotspot due to the night-time economy.
• Ongoing work in community cohesion, domestic abuse, drug-related crime, public place and serious violence, vehicle crime, and support for vulnerable persons.
• The Chief Inspector emphasized a problem-solving approach to tackle issues proactively.

The committee endorsed the 2024 annual refresh of the Community Safety Plan and related actions.

Infrastructure Safety and Growth Scrutiny Annual Report

The committee reviewed a draft of the Annual Report for 2023/24 and the Introductory Report for the 2024-2025 municipal year. An error in the membership was noted and corrected. The committee endorsed the draft reports for submission to Full Council, subject to final amendments.

24-Hour CCTV Monitoring Shared Service Agreement

The committee received a progress update on the 24-hour CCTV monitoring shared service with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which runs from 30 March 2020 to 30 March 2027. The committee endorsed the progress update and recommended that the Chair write to the operatives thanking them for their work.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of Previous Meeting and the Public reports pack.