Ops Perf Report January 2023 FINAL
Renfrewshire Council · 25 January 2023
Back to Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board — 25 January 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
0 To: Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board On: 25 January 2023 Report by: Director of Environment & Infrastructure Heading: Operational Performance Report 1. Summary 1.1 This report provides an overview of key service activities since the last Policy Board report on 9 November 2022 and an operational performance 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 Approves the operational performance update detailed within this report 2.2 Approves the proposals for Causeyside Street outlined in the report, with regular progress updates being brought to the Board in future Operational Performance Reports. 3. Background 3.1 Environment & 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 within Environment & Infrastructure, in respect of the areas of activity delegated to this Policy Board, is detailed below.
Page 2
2 3.2 For Operational Services while most of the COVID-19 restrictions have now been removed, Covid related absences continue to be a challenge to service delivery. In addition, whilst assisting the services to continue to operate last year, staff accrued annual leave which they have now been using this year. Updates for Infrastructure Land and Environment Policy Board 4. Fleet, Roads and Transportation 4.1 Fleet Services Fleet Services are exploring piloting of a new fuel for the heavy Council fleet, HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel. HVO is a renewable, sustainable fuel, that also potentially offers better combustion and cold temperature performance than fossil diesel, whilst significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions on combustion. This means that running vehicles with HVO fuel could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emissions by up to 27% and PM (particulate matter) emissions by up to 84%, all of which are key factors to achieving improved air quality. The fuel is a slightly higher cost; however, this pilot will provide us with an opportunity to test our existing fleet, we will select six commercial vehicles 3x Refuse Collection Vehicles, 1x Bus & 2x Crewcab tipper all with comparable combustion engines for result testing. This trail will start on the 6 February when the HVO is delivered into Underwood Road. 4.2 Roads Capital Investment Programme The programme for 2022/23 is substantially complete with 78 of the programmed 90 carriageways complete (a number are commencing at the end of February). The large area patching programme is around 85% complete and will finish in February and the pre-patching in advance of next year’s surface dressing contract is now complete. The service is currently reviewing the capital investment programme for 2023/24 which will include schemes delayed in 2022/23. 4.3 Winter Maintenance During December the service was busy with gritting duties, as of Monday the 9 January 2023, we have used a cumulative total of 2,997 tonnes of salt. We have gritted our primary network 52 times and our secondary network on 13 occasions. We have also replenished the stock within the grit bins when required. In addition to gritting, the service has also had to respond to several flood warnings over the period with the priority hotspot locations being cleared in advance. There are however areas where even with preventative action the volume of water will cause periods of flooding and will only be passable once the weather has improved. 4.4 #YouDecide 4.4.1 Phase 2 commenced on 11 November with an extensive community engagement programme running for 4 weeks. 40 roadshows were held throughout Renfrewshire and residents were invited to use their postcode to vote for projects in their local area. There was an overwhelmingly positive response received with 4,800 votes cast.
Page 3
3 4.4.2 The successful projects will be known by the end of January with an event being arranged to celebrate the efforts of those who have been responsible for the nomination of the successful projects. The works will then take place throughout 2023. 4.5 Active Travel & Infrastructure Improvement Update 4.5.1 Renfrewshire Council have been successful with Active Travel grant funding applications to Sustrans for two feasibility studies to link Linwood to the Phoenix Retail Park and Howwood to the National NCN7 cycle route. Sustrans are funding the concept stage including development of a robust business case for the project based on stakeholder feedback, exploration of early design options and agreement on a preferred option. In addition, Sustrans have awarded funding to develop a detailed design for the junction of Glasgow Road, Hawkhead Road and Arkleston Road, whose concept design for improvements for cyclists was recently chosen after a public engagement exercise. Work on these projects will commence in the new financial year. 4.5.2 The engagement phase detailing the “You said – We did” information of the Causeyside Street regeneration and active travel route concluded on the 15 January. The engagement attracted significant interest in the project which will improve infrastructure and connections between Gilmour Street and Canal Street train stations, provide cycling infrastructure, formalising car parking arrangements to remove illegal parking activity and improve the streetscape and connections to Dunn Square and High Street. The service will now move to procuring the works, with an estimated completion date of September 2023. Items raised within the consultation that were not covered under this regeneration project have been allocated to the appropriate service. 4.5.3 Members will be aware of the Council successfully being awarded £2 million from Transport Scotland’s Bus Partnership Fund for improvements to public transport infrastructure in Paisley Town Centre. Officers have been working up design proposals and a consultation will be launched in late January 2023 to gather feedback on the proposals. The outcome of the consultation will be reported to a future board. 4.5.4 A recent consultation exercise has concluded in relation to the Villages Traffic Study that was carried out in Howwood, Kilbarchan and Houston. Officers are currently reviewing the feedback to the consultations with a view to compiling a prioritised list of interventions for each location. This will allow the conversation with the communities to continue to in order to deliver on the community priorities. 4.5.5 Junction improvements have been consulted on with the local community and ward members at the Bowfield Road/ Midton Road junction in Howwood. Officers attended the Howwood Community Council meeting on 11 January and agreed to implement the proposed changes. Works are expected to take place by end of March 2023. 4.5.6 The tender process for design only of Linburn Bus Turning Loop in Erskine concluded in December 2022. The successful tenderer has been notified and the contract will start by the end of January 2023. There were no compliant tender
Page 4
4 returns for the Milliken Park Rail Station Drop-off/ Pick-up and officers are currently reviewing options for a route to market with colleagues in procurement. 4.5.7 Contract for improvements at the signalised junction of Kings Inch Drive and the M8 slip road at Braehead was awarded in December 2022 with works planned for March 2023. 4.5.8 Renfrewshire Council have been regularly working with Peel Ports maritime group and haulage contractors during 2022 to transport abnormally heavy, long and wide loads on appropriate roads in Renfrewshire. Examples of this include transporting of 75 metre wind turbine blades from King George V Docks near Braehead to wind power farms across Scotland and UK. This involves planned activities with Police Scotland and the temporary removal of street furniture including traffic lights to use the road network. 4.5.9 The tender process for design and construction of a replacement Plymuir Bridge in Paisley concluded in January. This will bring the last council-owned bridge up to national requirement of being able to carry 40 tonnes, when built during 2023/24. 4.6 Festive Lights 2022/23 4.6.1 The festive lights programme for 2022/23 completed as planned with our officers providing support to Christmas light installations and switch on events across 15 locations in Renfrewshire. 5. Parks Investment 5.1 The renewal of Lochwinnoch Park play area was successfully completed in December 2022 and reopened to the public. A further 5 play area renewals, awarded late June 2022, were also completed in time for Christmas 2022 at • Campbell Street, Renfrew • Crags Park, Paisley • Ardgryffe Park, Houston • Churchill Drive, Bishopton • Dunvegan Avenue, Elderslie 5.2 The final Contract awarded late June 2022 started at the beginning of January 2023 at Elm Drive & Sycamore Avenue in Johnstone. 5.3 A contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of play equipment at Moss Road Park in Bridge of Weir following on from preliminary work completed to renew the rubber safer surfaces in August 2022. The final works are expected to start in January / February 2023. 5.4 The first phase of refurbishment of the play area at Inchinnan Playing Field took place early in December 2022 with the complete replacement of the timber retaining edge and full replenishment of the loosefill safer surface. Further works to refurbish the play equipment will take place later in 2023. 5.5 Work continues specifying refurbishment requirements for Howwood Park Toddler /
Page 5
5 Junior, Houston Public Park and second phase Inchinnan Playing Field play areas. 6. Climate Change 6.1 Electric Vehicle Charge Points Following a successful bid to Energy Savings Trust of £77,000 for Fleet EV charging infrastructure. Installation works have begun at Gallowhill Community Centre, Hawkhead Road, Williamsburgh Court, Arkleston Road and Barochan Road Children’s Homes to further decarbonise our fleet vehicles. In addition, Scottish Power are scheduled to install a new substation near Hunter Street Car Park Paisley during Spring that will provide an addition of 8 charging bays for public use. 6.2 Biodiversity Wildflower corridors/areas were created across Renfrewshire this year. Wildflowers flourish more effectively in a low nutrient soil where they can out compete the shorter grass types. Wildflower areas were cut back and the cuttings were removed to reduce the nutrient level and provide the best medium for the perennial wildflowers to flourish next year. Engagement on the next phase of Biodiversity sites is underway and Elected Members, Community Councils, Forum’s etc. have been advised of this engagement and provided links to the story boards/engagement portal which closes on 22 January 2023. E&I will fully review all engagement feedback and prepare areas during February through to April for seeding when the temperatures will allow the seed to germinate. Further pictures will be added to the story board during preparations for Communities and Elected Members to view. The next tranche of sites as agreed through the Climate Change Board are at the following locations: • Mill Lade, Linwood • Shaw Place, Linwood • Knockhill Park, Renfrew • Cunningham Road, Kilbarchan • Woodside Park, Paisley • Nursery Area at Oldhall Road, Ralston • Station Road Playing Fields, Langbank • Erskine Pool Area (rear of), Erskine • Auchenlodment Road, Johnstone • Barscube Terrace to Ladykirk Crescent, Paisley • Arkleston Road, Renfrew 7. Team Up to Clean Up 7.1 Team Up to Clean Up celebrated its 5-year anniversary on 17 October 2022. Volunteers offered kind and supportive comments on Facebook and acknowledged how far the project has come and how much they enjoy participating. Group numbers continue to grow with over 4,100 members engaging, working together and celebrating efforts. 7.2 Team Up to Clean Up, in partnership with Environmental Health and SWECO, is undertaking visits to over 230 hot food retailers across Renfrewshire. The visits will
Page 6
6 establish the impact of the single use plastics ban on takeaway premises and support businesses in moving towards a more sustainable approach. Businesses will further receive information on recycling, energy efficiency, and single use plastic alternatives. The publishing of a ratings system, enabling the public to identify businesses adopting a more sustainable approach, is also under review. 7.3 Delivered under the Team Up to Clean Up banner, the Environmental Task Force has been operational since 1 December, undertaking daily patrols to key identified hotspot areas. Close links, already firmly established with StreetScene, are being utilized to ensure processes to obtain evidence of flytipping sources are maximized. 7.4 The Environmental Taskforce has already issued 9 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) since their implementation, 4 of these are paid, 5 actively being progressed. Evidence is being gathered for 1 larger scale investigation, with advice sought, and relations formed with the West of Scotland’s Environmental and Wildlife Procurator Fiscal at the outset. SEPA have also been made aware of the Taskforce and requests for support submitted. Intelligence gathered in relation to suspected businesses is being shared on the Scottish national database (IDB) used by SEPA and Trading Standards. 7.5 Flytipping investigations so far have created stronger links with a local van hire company, who are providing evidence for an investigation, and private landowners. To date 3 private landowners have cleared flytipping from their land as requested by the Taskforce. A greater working relationship is also being created with Williamsburgh Housing Association considering available options to reduce flytipping in the Seedhill area. 7.6 StreetScene’s role is fundamental to the success of the Taskforce so far. Operatives are removing flytipping quickly, where on Council land, and supporting Officers in their search for evidence in presented flytipping. The teams are building a strong working relationship which is assisting to deliver the required outcomes. 7.7 “Building Communities” has taken on responsibility for recording all reported instances of flytipping on one software system. Historically, the Community Safety Partnership recorded on one software system while StreetScene adopted another. Navigating only one source of enhanced data will increase the quality of flytipping intelligence, as well as offering accurate data to support flytipping investigations. Improved data will be monitored to provide a greater opportunity to focus resources where evidence dictates. 7.8 Scotland-wide, analysis of the National Litter and Flytipping Strategy Consultation was published in July 2022 with 80% of respondents agreeing the penalty cost for flytipping, £200, is too small. Local Authorities await the publication of the new Strategy which will consider the 978 national responses. 8. Waste and Recycling Services 8.1 The implementation of the new operational management system (Webaspx) launched in December 2022 has progressed well. In-cab devices have been fitted to the vehicles and staff are being trained in its use. The technology improves work instruction capabilities and has functionality for same day live allocation of missed
Page 7
7 collections. This improves response times through the real time allocation to in-cab system and optimization of routing. 8.2 Funding from the Recycling Improvement Fund (RIF) has been invested to initiate civil engineering works at HWRC’s across Renfrewshire to accommodate the new compactors and roller packers. These remain on schedule for delivery late January / early February 2023. In addition, a comprehensive communications exercise is being planned to make householders across Renfrewshire aware of the forthcoming improvements in recycling opportunities at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). 8.3 Following World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2022, waste services carried out six mental health awareness workshops across all services with great response rates. The workshops looked at crisis areas, coping skills and trigger points and included how council services can help support anyone going through a difficult time. 8.4 The Paisley HWRC site will increase its opening hours by 30 mins per day from the 30 January 2023. This means that all 5 sites in Renfrewshire will be brought inline and open from 8am until 6.30pm (last car in at 6pm). Previously, based on the volume of traffic in and out of the Paisley site it opened at 8.30am each day. Recent health and safety and infrastructure improvements have improved traffic flow with operational vehicles leaving the depot before 8am. 8.5 Following review of rural routes in Renfrewshire, dedicated crews have been allocated to these routes. This has allowed crews to develop knowledge of the route, assisted pull outs and reduced resultant complaints over the last few months. In addition, the new Operational Management System, gives live route viewing capability to enable supervisors a transparent management tool to monitor the work in real time. 8.6 Waste officers have worked with members, residents and businesses in Johnstone Town Centre on waste infrastructure. Communication with third party private waste collection contractors and clearance of unsuitable bin infrastructure have resulted in improvements to the streetscape. The service will continue to consult with communities and Elected Members on an on-going basis to address any specific issues raised. 9. Street Scene 9.1 The service is working through its winter maintenance programme of edging, weed scraping and shrub cutting tasks across Renfrewshire’s parks, cemeteries and green space. 9.2 Memorial Safety Assessments continue and are on track to complete all initial assessments by June 2023. Reinspection’s are underway with 72% completed to date. 10. Clyde Muirshiel 10.1 In October the resurfacing of the 300 metre path to Windy Hill (MCP) was completed. In November, staff worked on building pathway drainage channels and moving stone for path repairs at Courtshaw, Parkhill and repaired the gate at Johnshill (all CSCP).
Page 8
8 10.2 A Classic car rally was held at Castle Semple, in October, and countryside rangers continued weekly work with Branching Out (mental Health support programme), community walks, Community Networks, Sheltered Housing and a Duke of Edinburgh youth group. 10.3 Outdoor Activity staff have remained busy with groups throughout October and November with additional bookings for sailing coming in for 2023 and 2024. 10.4 The café and gift shop (CSCP) are fully accessible and moved to ‘winter hours’ (10am to 4pm) in November. They are supporting the ‘Better Points’ scheme and various ‘Warm Spaces’ activities. Implications of the Report 1. Financial – There are ongoing challenges with the impact of COVID and cost of living pressures, these are captured in the financial outturn report presented in a separate paper to this policy board. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None 3. Community & Council Planning Our Renfrewshire is thriving / Reshaping our place, our economy and our future - the service is actively involved in the Invest in Renfrewshire scheme and investing in road network to support and facilitate economic growth. Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - working in partnership with the community to deliver a cleaner Renfrewshire. Promoting and encouraging waste minimisation through reducing, reusing and recycling. Reducing carbon emissions, through LED streetlights and electric and low emission vehicles within the Council fleet. Our Renfrewshire is well - the service encourages use of our parks and open spaces to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. 4. Legal – None 5. Property/Assets – The Council’s roads, fleet and open space infrastructure is maintained and enhanced. 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, and the results of the assessment
Page 9
9 will be published on the Council’s website 8. Health & Safety – None 9. Procurement – None 10. Risk – CRMG are continuing to review the Council’s risk profile in light of the coronavirus pandemic. 11. Privacy Impact – None 12. CoSLA Policy Position – None 13. Climate Risk – The Council continues to explore opportunities to secure external funding to deliver sustainable, green infrastructure projects. List of Background Papers: none Author: Gordon McNeil, Director of Environment & Infrastructure e-mail: gordon.mcneil@renfrewshire.gov.uk