Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Streetscene.

The Team Manager Streetscene presented the report which

Provided an update on the current and future expenditure related to the capital funding (c£200,000) available to undertake some cemetery infrastructure works in financial years 2020/21 and 2021/22.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.  He was pleased to report that the Council was currently out to tender for all works associated with the pathways infrastructure within the cemeteries.  It was likely that those works would come under budget, which would enable the Priority 2 works to be progressed.

A Member referred to the list of works highlighted in Appendix 1 and said he would have expected ‘cut back vegetation’ to be undertaken as part of normal day-to-day maintenance.

He said he had made visits to all the Borough’s cemeteries and questioned why the following had not been included within the report:

·        Blaina – remedial works or removal of the shelter.

·        Brynmawr – removal of the canopy attached to the old Chapel of Rest.

·        Ebbw Vale – removal or remedial works to the shelter.  He also questioned the need for a cattlegrid and felt that money would be better spent on drainage.

·        Brynithel – sought clarity on whether the shelter would be removed or repainted.

In response the Officer said he would be happy to meet with   local Members on site to discuss the works to be undertaken.  In terms of the Member’s comment regarding ‘cut back vegetation’ he agreed that this was ‘good housekeeping’ and confirmed that discussions had been held with the Team regarding this.

In relation to Brynmawr cemetery, the Officer confirmed that the old chapel of rest building was subject to a separate piece of work, and a report would be submitted on this in due course.

The Member pointed out that there had been a vast improvement in the maintenance of cemeteries in the Borough.

In response to a question raised by a Member regarding benches, the Officer confirmed that a review was being undertaken to identify any that needed replacing etc.  He also confirmed that as a result of the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Task & Finish Group a policy was adopted to include certain specifications and a maintenance period for anyone wishing to donate a bench.

A Member enquired as to the timescale for the Priority 1 works and the Officer said hopefully within 3 months the infrastructure works would be completed.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and the information contained in Appendix 1, (cemetery maintenance priorities) be noted.