Agenda item

1.

Question from Councillor Jacky Fletcher to Cabinet Member Development and Safety Andrew McKinlay

Following the article in the Echo on 19 February 2015 when it was stated that Cheltenham is the county's lowest in food hygiene investigation, how can the Cabinet Member say that the inspections are robust when Cheltenham is the lowest ranked in the County?

Response from Cabinet Member

The methodology used to produce the figures in the Echo article is not transparent, or consistent with any other data reporting format. However, the high level of compliance in Cheltenham’s food businesses is evidence of CBC’s robust inspection programme.

The facts are that as of Monday 23^rd February, Cheltenham had the lowest percentage of non-compliant food businesses in Gloucestershire. (3.3% N=28/839). This reflects the team’s approach of targeting their resource at the highest risk premises, and utilising the full range of regulatory tools and powers to secure sustained compliance. Examples include: coaching referrals for consistently poor performing businesses; establishment of a Primary Authority Partnership with Edwards & Ward; tailored advice on how to improve a food hygiene rating given to every premises following intervention; use of formal enforcement where appropriate (e.g. Hygiene Improvement Notices and Simple Cautions); demonstration of cleaning results and techniques using an ATP monitor.

2.

Question from Councillor Tim Harman to Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment, Councillor Chris Coleman

Residents in Great Norwood Street in my ward have contacted me several times with regard to issues involving rats and problems of waste accumulating in Casino Place at the rear of their properties. The Pest control Officers have been asked to look at the Rat problem which may arise from the Severn Trent Works in Suffolk Road but I understand that there is a long waiting list before our Officers would be able to visit.

Would the Cabinet member investigate both of the above issues including measures to ensure that waste in collected regularly.

I would be happy to meet him on site.

Response from Cabinet Member

The only complaint involving rats in Great Norwood Street and Casino Place this year was made by an individual household and received by the Council’s environmental health team on Thursday 19th February.

I can confirm that the Council is investigating the issues reported and that a Senior Environmental Health Officer at Cheltenham Borough Council has both spoken to the resident concerned on the telephone and also visited her.

At the present time, it is entirely appropriate for Severn Trent to first complete their investigation and make good any structural sewer defects, as this will resolve or reduce any rodent activity arising from such defects. I can confirm that the case will continue to be handled by a Senior Environmental Health Officer who will arrange for any necessary enforcement action to be taken, if deemed appropriate.

I have asked to be kept up-to-date with the matter. As I am sure that Cllr Harman will also want information on how the matter progresses, I have asked for this to be given to him.

In respect of the issue of the waste and recycling collection in Casino Place I can confirm that I have visited the site myself. As a result, I requested that UBICO attend to carry out an inspection and arrange for an immediate collection of all waste and recycling in the location. Following a further site visit shortly before finalising this answer (10pm on Wednesday 25th February 2015), I can confirm that the waste and recycle has indeed been collected.

It may be that there have been some difficulties with the collection of waste and recycling during the Severn Trent works in and around Suffolk Road, although to the best of my knowledge we have not received any complaints about missed collections on Casino Place.

I know that local residents and businesses in and around the area affected by the works have been very patient as the work has been carried out but I would encourage them to report any issues with the refuse and recycling service if they arise. They can do so by calling Cheltenham Borough Council 01242 262626 or by using the online ‘report a problem with your bin’ form on our website.

I have asked to be kept informed about the collection of waste and recycling in this location in the coming weeks and would welcome any feedback from Cllr Harman about the service in and around Casino Place.

Finally, I can confirm that I would of course be very happy to meet with Cllr Harman at the site to discuss this issue with him and his constituents in more detail if he and they would like me to.

In response Councillor Harman accepted the Cabinet Member’s offer to meet him on site to discuss the issue.