Audit Commission says Great Yarmouth Much Improved
PR 186
1st June 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The
Audit Commission’s report on Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s environmental services reports that they are much improved and significant advances have been made since 2002.
The Commission awards between zero and three stars for services which include street cleaning, refuse and recycling, and the maintenance of grounds, parks, play areas and open spaces. Great Yarmouth has risen from zero to one star which makes its rating fair.
The report notes that most of the Borough’s streets are now clean and tidy. It also highlights that recycling has improved rapidly (recent figures show that recycling has reached 6,308 tons for 2005/6 compared to 4,028 a year ago).
“As the majority of the Borough’s wheeled bins have now been distributed to householders these figures are set to improve even further,” observed Councillor Paul Garrod, Cabinet Member for Recycling.
The maintenance of play areas, parks and open spaces are also noted as being better maintained.
“The report has many positive things to say about the Council and the service it provides through its partner GYB Services,” said Councillor Jim Shrimplin the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Waste Management.
“Initiatives such as introducing a full-time officer to maintain play areas have obviously been successful, as have the steps taken to address previously seen weak spots - such as the removal of abandoned cars. Last year we removed 322 – some of which were dealt with in less than a day of being reported.
“Fly tipping is a constant problem, but again it has been noted by the Audit Commission that we give a good service. The Commission’s Senior Manager also states that she is encouraged by the Council’s plans to develop and further improve our services.”
“I noted that the report was complementary about the way Councillors, and senior officers lead the service, and the recognition of the skilled and enthusiastic workforce that carries out the tasks,” said Corporate Director Mark Barrow.
“It also recognised the effective partnership between the Council and GYB Services and the scope it gives for an even more effective service.
“And it was heartening to see that the Audit Commission only has two recommendations to make: that we target enforcement on persistent fly tipping offenders; and that we ensure that we tailor or services to meet the diverse needs of local communities – both of which we fully intend to address as we keep building the quality of our services.”
For further information contact Corporate Director Mark Barrow on 01493 856302.Issued by:
Karla Symonds
Communications and Diversity Officer
01493 846512
on behalf of
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513