ILE Service Update Report
Renfrewshire Council · 19 March 2025
Back to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board — 19 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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_________________________________________________________________________ To: Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board On: 19 March 2025 _________________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure _________________________________________________________________________ Heading: Service Update Report _________________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an overview of key service activities since the last Policy Board report on 22 January 2025 and an update on the services and key projects delivered during this period. _________________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the content of this report. _________________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure provides essential services to every household in Renfrewshire and works in partnership with the local community, other service areas and Community Planning Partners, to deliver key Council priorities and initiatives. A progress update on the main activities delivered by the services in respect of the areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board, is detailed below. _________________________________________________________________________
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Updates for Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board 4. Climate Change 4.1 Energy Management District Heating Network feasibilities 4.1.1 Feasibility reports are now complete looking at the options surrounding the introduction of a District Heating Scheme in Central Paisley and an extension to the current District Heating Network at AMIDS. 4.1.2 Work is ongoing to undertake an Outline Business Case for the extension of the District Heating Network at AMIDS and the creation of a new network in Paisley Central. External Consultants have been appointed to undertake the work in partnership with the Energy Team. It is expected that the business cases will be concluded by Summer 2025 Clean Energy 4.1.3 Business Cases have been compiled with the aim to reduce our carbon emissions and running costs in our public buildings. The measures to be installed include heating controls, Solar Photovoltaic panels and equipment aimed at reducing gas consumption in heating systems. 4.1.4 A programme of works aimed at reducing water consumption within our public buildings is now complete. This was primarily through the installation of urinal controls to reduce the frequency of flushes. This project was undertaken in partnership with our water provider (Business Stream). 4.1.5 Renfrewshire Council have been successful in obtaining £17,500 of funding from Business Streams Water Efficiency Fund. The successful application was for the 100% fully funded installation of Pool covers in the pools at Riverbrae. Renfrewshire received one of the largest funding allocations, with the £100k fund being split across 17 projects throughout Scotland’s Public Sector, NHS Trusts, Universities, Police Scotland and Scotland’s Fire Service. Carbon Management Plan 4.1.6 A new Carbon Management Plan is being written. The plan will have a baseline year of 2023/24 and will cover the years 2025/26 to 2027/28 and will set targets for the reduction in carbon emissions within: • Electricity in public buildings • Gas in public buildings • Water in public buildings • Street lighting • Waste services • Transport Fleet • Staff mileage
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4.1.7 The Carbon Management Plan will set annual milestones based on a project register. ECO4 Flex 4.1.8 ECO4 Flex will allow the Council to approve funding to Renfrewshire’s private sector, fuel poor households that do not meet criteria for other schemes, as well as low- income households that are vulnerable to the effects of the cold. The scheme is part of the UK Government Energy Company Obligation and is managed by Ofgem. 4.1.9 The qualifying criteria for ECO-Flex, as set by Ofgem, is published on our website in a document called a Statement of Intent. Renfrewshire’s Statement of Intent can be found here: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/media/15354/ECO4-flex-statement-of- intent/pdf/Renfrewshire_Council_Statement_of_Intent_for_ECO4_flex.pdf?m=16756 8 7584337ECO-flex. 4.1.10 ECO-flex does not apply to Council Housing or Registered Social Landlords. 4.1.11 The table below highlights the savings ECO4 Flex has achieved to date based on annually recurring savings: Financial Year Value of Grant Funding Requested (£) Total Annual Consumption Saving (kW) Total Annual CO2 Saving in Kg Total Annual Cost Saving (£) 2023/24 £3,583,940 £1,310,162 £648,617 £231,789 2024/25 £2,480,165 £1,194,477 £400,577 £138,756 Total £6,064,105 £2,504,639 £1,049,194 £370,545 5. Community Development 5.1 Team Up to Clean Up/ Environmental Taskforce 5.1.1 Team Up to Clean Up Team Up to Clean Up grew to 7,000 group members by the end of January 2025 due in part to the clean up following Storm Eowyn in late January. As detailed in section 12 of this report. 5.1.2 Fixed signage has been installed on Moss Road to deter flytipping. The sign warns potential offender’s cameras and ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) are in the area. Similar signage has been erected in alternative local rural hotspots warning perpetrators the area is a “No Flytipping Zone”. 5.1.3 Poles have been erected on Moss Road and other rural areas to facilitate mobile cameras. Cameras stream images back to the Environmental Taskforce Officers to assist in identifying those responsible for flytipping. 5.1.4 A positively worded fixed sign, aimed at reducing litter, has also been erected in the Gleniffer Braes car park.
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6 Fleet, Roads, and Transportation Fleet Services 6.1 Fleet Investment 6.1.1 Three new 26T RCVs with the latest Euro 6 engines were delivered on 24 December 2024. These vehicles replace 3 of our older collection vehicles which have been removed from our fleet. 6.1.2 Following a successful trial, Waste Services are progressing the purchase of an 18tonne narrow track collection vehicle. Procurement of the vehicle was considered and approved by the Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board on 13 February 2025 and the contract awarded to Dennis Eagle Ltd. Delivery of the vehicle is expected around November 2025. Roads & Transportation 6.2 Roads Capital Investment Programme 6.2.1 To date we have resurfaced 43 carriageways, with some roads remaining to be completed as follows: Mill Street To complete in March 2025 Old Mill Road Requires drainage works in advance, delayed to 2025/26 programme Broomlands Street Delayed to allow upgrade of traffic signals, capital programme 2025/26 Hamilton Street Delayed to allow upgrade of traffic signals, capital programme 2025/26 6.2.2 In addition, there are 5 locations due for resurfacing, where coal tar was detected during testing (Bonar Crescent, Montrose Road, Floorsburn Crescent, Harelaw Crescent and Ivanhoe Road). These locations will be treated using a re-tread method where the existing surface is broken down and mixed with retread emulsion, prior to compaction. These schemes were proposed to be completed in March and April 2025. Unfortunately, due to contractor’s programme this will now not be completed until after autumn 2025. We will carry over the funding allocated for these works and include in next year’s programme. This will allow the works to be completed without impacting funding allocation for next year. In the meantime, our contractor is attending to any defects that have appeared during the 1 year- correction period. 6.2.3 The footway resurfacing programme commenced in November 2024 and will run to March 2025. There are 12 footways included in the programme with Lochfield Drive, Lochfield Road, Rowan Street, Netherhill Way, Ben Ledi Avenue, Bruce Road, Corseford Avenue, Endrick Drive and Lansbury Gardens completed.
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6.2.4 The service is currently reviewing the capital investment program for 2025/26. Any schemes delayed in 2024/25 will be delivered from funds carried forward from the current programme. 6.3 Winter Resilience Update 6.3.1 The winter resilience service continues, and as of the 03 March 2025, we have gritted our primary network route 112 times and our secondary network on 29 occasions. We have also spent 16 nights refilling the 540 grit bins we maintain on the public road. To date we have used just under 3,042 tonnes of salt keeping our road network moving through the winter months. The winter service will continue until May. 6.4 Active Travel & Infrastructure Improvement Update 6.4.1 Work to introduce pedestrian safety traffic calming measures in Renfrewshire’s villages continues. Gateway features and informal pedestrian crossings have been implemented in Howwood. Speed humps are being progressed in Howwood and Kilbarchan where positive consultation responses were received. 6.4.2 The second phase of the villages pedestrian safety traffic calming project’s concept designs for Lochwinnoch, Bishopton, Elderslie and Bridge of Weir have been displayed at drop-in sessions in the villages. Analysis of the comments received continues. 6.4.3 The Paisley to Renfrew active travel route, including upgraded shared footways and carriageway improvements at Wright Street, is now complete. It will be officially opened in the coming days by the Board Convener and representatives of the funding bodies. 6.4.4 A new signal phasing has been installed at Arkleston Road/ Glasgow Road/ Hawkhead Road, to assist with peak hour traffic. 6.5 Elderslie for Everyone Project 6.5.1 The Elderslie for Everyone Project has displayed its concept designs at two public drop-in sessions at Elderslie Village Hall. Comments are being analysed. 6.5.2 The project is on-track to have full concept designs completed by March 2025, with additional collaborative design sessions to be arranged following issue of the concept designs.
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6.6 Pavement Parking Ban 6.6.1 Work continues on the National Pavement Parking ban, and the second Renfrewshire Exemption Order identifying where parking will be allowed on the footway, has undergone its consultation process. Comments have been analysed for a board report to be presented to this board for consideration. 6.7 Street lighting Capital Investment Programme 6.7.1 A new street lighting installation for Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan will commence on site in April 2025 after the festive lights have been removed. This is later than anticipated due to road space being booked on the Scottish Road Works Register. 6.7.2 It is anticipated at the current time that the works outlined above will be completed ahead of Summer 2025. 6.7.3 In order to address some longstanding issues with the lighting network arrangements have been made for the Council to have regular engagement sessions with Scottish Power in order to address issues raised in a more efficient manner. 6.8 Renfrew Bridge Update 6.8.1 Commissioning and testing works of the new Renfrew Bridge have now completed, and the project is in its final phases. The Operational Team have been fully trained in the operation of the bridge, along with Suicide Intervention and First Aid training. It is anticipated that the Council will take ownership for the operation and maintenance of the bridge in mid-April. The official opening of the bridge is currently planned for late- April/early May subject to the completion of all final required works and testing. 7. Neighbourhood Services 7.1 Preparation for Biodiversity Enhancement 7.1.1 As part of the biodiversity program, preparatory works have been completed at Linwood Road, Paisley St. James, and Knockhill Park. The next phase includes bordering Linwood Road roundabouts in preparation for seed mix planting, while Paisley St. James will receive plug plants for the summer season. All biodiversity site developments are progressing as planned. 7.2 Arterial Routes Programme 7.2.1 The Arterial Routes Programme has enhanced the appearance of Renfrewshire’s main entry and exit routes through a systematic approach. To date, efforts have focused on the removal of detritus, sweeping away silt and debris, clearing vegetation and fly-tipping, and cleaning signage. Areas completed to date include Barrhead Road, Renfrew Road, Paisley St James, Linwood Road, and Hurlet Road.
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7.2.2 As the service prepares for the new season starting on 1 April, the Arterial Route Programme will focus on the following key routes: Location Route Works Erskine B815 - A726 Bishopton to Erskine Sweeping, grass verge preparation, Biodiversity preparation works, vegetation removal and road sign cleaning. Johnstone Beith Road Mechanical sweeping, litter picking and verge works Johnstone B789 High Street Biodiversity panel preparation, road sweeping, vegetation removal and litter picking Foxbar Brediland Road Sweeping, grass verges preparation, litter picking, vegetation removal and road sign cleaning. 7.2.3 Further areas to be completed as part of the Arterial Route Programme will be shared at a future board. 7.3 Grass Cutting Seasonal Recruitment 7.3.1 The service has successfully completed the recruitment process for this year’s intake of seasonal staff to support the extensive summer grass-cutting program. The grass cutting season will start on 1 April 2025 7.4 Cemeteries Update 7.4.1 Following the approval of the Cemetery Management Policy, the cemetery team has been working to integrate it into the service. Efforts are underway to improve the cemetery website section and enhance signage within cemeteries. Additionally, progress has been made in implementing the approved Memorial Contractor Scheme, with ongoing collaboration with local memorial masons seeking to join the program. 7.5 Clyde Muirshiel 7.5.1 Regional Park staff provide recreational, conservation, and wellbeing services year- round. Two Branching Out mental health programs have been delivered, and popular ‘Dark Sky’ evenings continue in partnership with Coats Observatory. Summer retail and catering hours will start on 5 April 2025, alongside a bookable events program celebrating 20 years of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
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7.6 Playpark Update 7.6.1 Work is currently underway for the 2024/25 play park renewals at Braids Road, Paisley; Laura’s Play Park, Barshaw Park, Paisley and Elm/Maple Drive, Johnstone. It is anticipated that these renewal works will be completed in April 2025. 7.6.2 Consultation activity commenced in February 2025 for the 2025/26 play park investment at Robertson Park, Renfrew; Barshaw BMX, Paisley; Ferguslie Gardens, Paisley; Poplar Avenue, Johnstone; Campbell Street, Johnstone; Stuart Road, Bishopton; Braehead Road, Paisley and East Fulton, Linwood. 7.6.3 The consultation period will close towards the end of March, after which the service will review the responses and prepare the tender specifications. It is anticipated that the renewals will be completed late in 2025, subject to receiving valid tender bids for each Contract. 7.7 Avian Influenza 7.7.1 A case of H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed in a wild bird at Castle Semple Loch, Lochwinnoch on 6 February 2025. National guidance was followed in response, and signs produced by the Animal & Plant Health Agency and Scottish Government were displayed at key points around the country park and visitor centre. Avian influenza is a virus that mainly affects birds. 7.7.2 The risk to human health from avian flu is very low, and members of the public are advised to avoid touching sick or dead wild birds, to keep to footpaths with dogs on leads, observe good hygiene procedures and also not to feed wild waterfowl. 8. Waste Services 8.1 Recycling Improvement Fund Update 8.1.1 Phase 2 of the Recycling Improvement Fund projects, delivering communal food waste infrastructure to 8,142 flatted properties across Renfrewshire, was delivered from 10-16 February. 8.1.2 All properties were provided with an indoor food caddy, annual supply of biodegradable food waste liners and a reusable recycling bag to help recycle at home. New external infrastructure was also installed with aperture lids to prevent contamination. All bins have instructional stickers to support residents putting the correct materials into their bins. Informational leaflets designed in conjunction with Zero Waste Scotland were delivered to properties in advance of bin deliveries.
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8.1.3 Phase 3 of the Recycling Improvement Fund project; expanding brown bins for food and garden waste to 4,445 properties in Erskine and on difficult to service routes across Renfrewshire, and providing food waste caddies to 1,036 properties currently on sack only collection services, commenced on 17 March with deliveries taking place until the end of the month. 8.1.4 Each property will receive new infrastructure to allow them to recycle food waste from home and garden waste (where applicable). An informational leaflet designed in conjunction with Zero Waste Scotland, a letter and a new collection calendar was delivered prior to deliveries commencing. 8.1.5 Following the delivery of the 3 phases, a monitoring programme will begin to assess participation rates and support residents with recycling. 8.2 Waste Collection Method Update 8.2.1 As reported at the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board in November 2024, the Service are progressing the de-coupling of grey bins presented on a Saturday collection. This is being implemented in 3 stages as detailed in the table below. 8.2.2 Communications will be issued to ward elected members and those households affected within these phases. Stage 1 Alignment of recycling collections so that the same recycling stream is collected on the same day. Residents will receive a new collection calendar informing them which colour recycling bins to present on collection day. The grey bin collections will remain on Saturday at this stage: This is now complete (5 October 2024) Stage 2 Align the difficult to service properties with the standard collection frequencies and expanding recycling provision by providing them with a brown bin: In progress - Brown bins are being rolled out from 17 March 2025. Stage 3 Decouple the grey bins so that they are collected on a different day from recycling bins. E.g. recycling will be collected on a Saturday and residual grey bins collected on a Monday: Implementation from April 2025. 8.2.3 The service will provide an update at a future board on the implementation of stage 3 – decoupling of grey bins.
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8.3 Route Optimisation Software and In-Cab Technology 8.3.1 The Contract with the new supplier went live on 10 February 2025. The Service has allocated dedicated project resource to work alongside the supplier to implement the new software system and in-cab technology. Further updates and timescales for implementation will be provided at a future board. 8.4 Workforce Update 8.4.1 An update on levels of agency staff within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure was reported to the Joint Consultative Board on 13 February 2025. 8.4.2 Agency staff are being utilised by services for a variety of reasons including, cover of key vacancies and periods of long term sickness absence. 8.4.3 In addition, the Waste Service are progressing a restructure following a review of roles and job descriptions within the service. This has been driven by an ambition to enhance the quality of service delivered to our residents and increase the quality and quantity of recycling we collect. Recruitment to key posts within the new structure is underway and ringfenced to waste services employees only to provide existing waste staff with opportunities for promotion and development. The service engaged with trade unions prior to progressing the new staff structure. 8.4.4 Operational Services, in collaboration with the Employability Service, are developing a pathway to recruit local trainees into the service and provide them with training, development and employment opportunities helping to create a “grow our own” culture. 9. #YouDecide 9.1.1 Work continues on the remaining #YD projects with improvements to Arkleston roundabout, Paisley Rd/Renfrew Road underway. Improvements to Glasgow Road/Kingsinch Road roundabout, Renfrew will follow. The Scottish Power connection to the lighting columns in Kilbarchan Park should now be complete. We await a connection date from Scottish Power for lighting columns in Kintyre Park, Linwood, Millfield View path, Erskine and Lochwinnoch Park. 9.1.2 Community engagement and information gathering is underway on the information/interpretation boards for the villages of Inchinnan and Kilbarchan. These projects should be complete by Autumn 2025.to improve paths and signage in Gleniffer country park is ongoing as is information and interpretation boards for the villages of Inchinnan and Kilbarchan. These projects should be complete by Autumn 2025.
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9.1.3 Finally, there was an underspend noted in a few locations where all #YD projects have been completed. The areas are Lochwinnoch, Johnstone and Howwood. We have engaged further with these communities and are considering installing a fence around the play area in Lochwinnoch Park along with some items of outdoor gym equipment. 9.1.4 Additionally, installing items of outdoor gym equipment in Willow Drive/Poplar Ave Park, Johnstone. Various ideas have been put forward by the community in Howwood and these are currently being investigated. We will report back once suitable projects have been agreed. 10. EV Charging Infrastructure Update 10.1.1 The eight councils across Glasgow City Region have secured funding of up to £3.5 million from Transport Scotland to support the acceleration of new electric vehicle chargepoints. These new chargepoints will be delivered by a private sector operator, appointed by the councils, and include a mixture of charging speeds, installed across the City Region. 10.1.2 Over the coming months the eight councils will be working extensively to scope the shape of the proposal that will go to the market, with the goal of enabling a comprehensive network of EV charging across the region. 10.1.3 The appointed consultant Jacobs have now collated data from all the local authorities involved. Representatives from Glasgow City Region including Renfrewshire Council attended workshop on 30 January 2025 to identify and prioritise potential publicly available chargepoint locations. Next steps include carrying out a site feasibility and grid capacity exercise with Scottish Power Energy Networks during February and March. 11. Festive Lights 2024 11.1.1 The festive lights programme for 2024 completed as planned with our officers providing support to Christmas light testing, installations, and switch on events across 15 locations in Renfrewshire. Our contractor has now removed most of the festive lights. The other feature installed as part of this contract namely the ceiling of light on High Street, Paisley will be removed in March. 12. Storm Eowyn 12.1.1 Across EHI a range of teams supported the clean up operation following Storm Eowyn in late January as detailed below.
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12.1.2 Within Neighbourhood Services, there were dedicated teams working tirelessly to ensure critical infrastructure remained clear and schools were unaffected upon reopening. A total of 449 trees were removed across the council estate including priority routes, education establishments, cemeteries and open spaces. A significant amount of resource was diverted to support the safe removal of trees and work is still ongoing. This has impacted on routine work however the team are working hard to catch this up where possible. 12.1.3 Internal arborists worked alongside framework contractors to manage emergency tree works, while inspections and maintenance were scheduled to ensure the safety of Renfrewshire’s tree infrastructure. 12.1.4 The Roads Service worked tirelessly alongside colleagues from Facilities Management and Building Services to respond to the effects of Storm Eowyn and were central to our local response, keeping roads clear and removing fallen trees. 12.1.5 Team Up to Clean Up grew to 7,000 group members by the end of January 2025. Overall group viewings increased significantly in January, most likely, because of volunteers and neighbours supporting one another to clean up their neighbourhoods after the storm. _________________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – Any financial elements referenced in this report will be progressed through the Council’s financial & budget planning process. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community/Council Planning – The report details a range of activities which reflect local community and council planning themes. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – None 6. Information Technology – None 7. Equality & Human Rights - The recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored. 8. Health & Safety – None
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9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – None 11. Privacy Impact – None 12. COSLA Policy Position – None 13. Children’s Rights - None 14. Climate Change – there are a range of actions and activities throughout the Service Update Report which support the Council’s Plan for Net Zero. _________________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers: None _________________________________________________________________________ Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Email: Gordon.mcneil@renfrewshire.gov.uk