I met yesterday with the Environment Committee members of Monk Hesleden Parish Council and the following issues came up for discussion:
1. Litter at Hackworth Road Industrial Estate: this is an ongoing problem of litter and rubbish at the public footpath adjacent to the industrial estate. Debris has been collected regularly in the past by the environmental wardens but considering that this is a waste of time, money and resources I have asked that DCC contact the estate owners to remind them (and their tenants and businesses) of their responsibility in maintaining the area up to an acceptable standard. Meanwhile the environmental wardens will continue to clear the existing accumulations.
2. Breathless: members of the public have raised concerns about the poor and deteriorating condition of the former British Legion site. Following reports that youngsters are getting onto the premises I have asked the street/neighbourhood wardens to patrol the area regularly to ensure the security of the building and of course the safety of the youngsters. The owners of the premises are to be contacted by the environmental section at DCC with a request to make the site safe and secure.
3. Navy Club Bridge: concerns have been raised recently about the condition of the bridge from East Street to the industrial estate. In particular this relates to the brickwork and the need for pointing works. I have asked the structural engineers at county hall to contact the owners, Network Rail, with a request to investigate the issues raised. As far as I am aware there are no suggestions at this stage that the bridge is structurally unsafe.
If you are aware of any environmental issues similar to those mentioned above please let me know and I will take whichever steps are necessary to address the problem.