matthewleopold

Responses from Councillors to issues raised during 2023 AGM

During the 2023 AGM, we were joined by Cllrs Issa and Costa. A number of questions were put to them. Below are the questions (adapted from the minutes) and the responses received. ASSA ask that any further follow-up questions, clarifications or concerns be directly put to the Councillors – DCosta@lambeth.gov.uk and IIssa@lambeth.gov.uk

The ASSA Committee have noted that some of the questions raised have not been answered. We will chase these. If residents feel the answers below are insufficient or fail to answer the question, we urge them to contact the councillors directly.

Q: There are insufficient eclectic car charging points in the area and all pragmatic suggestions from residents for resolution have been ignored or rejected.

A: Council ref: UFN18433490

In response to your query received 12 June 2023, I can advise you that we have plans to roll out 116 new EV chargepoints to our lamp columns this summer and we are currently bidding for funding which will enable us to install (approximately) a further 160 lamp column chargepoints for the 2023/2024 period.

Out of the initial locations identified, some of the lamp columns are the Heritage type. This type provides a broad range of EV charge point products, installation service and maintenance service contracts across the UK to lower the emissions and work towards the “Road to zero” strategy set by the British Government. Discussions are currently taking place on what possibilities are open to us, as our upcoming programme seeks to ensure that where possible, there is a more uniform coverage of lamp column EV chargepoints across the borough, including within the locations you have mentioned. 

Subject to a full check of the lamp column, Albert Square has been allocated within the batch of 116, while the other roads mentioned, as well as other local roads, provisionally earmarked for the batch of 160.

Once our programme is finalised, we will endeavour to update our website and seek to advise you of our future plans for your area, once all is confirmed.

Q: Following the bin consultation on reducing the frequency of collection, will this apply to houses on Aldebert Terrace? 

A: Council ref: UFN18433289

In response to your query received on 12 June 2023, households that use sacks or communal bulk bins for their non-recyclable waste would not be affected by these proposals. 

Q: Some of the pavements in the ASSA area are of poor repair. Can they get repaired?

A: Council ref: UFN18432889

Many thanks for your enquiry received on 12 June 2023.

As you may be aware, we apply a risk-based approach for our Highways Improvement Programme (HIP), using a series of criteria to prioritise areas of carriageway and footway. These include condition, scheme size, highway classification, amenities, reactive maintenance history and sustainable travel. We commission a detailed survey of carriageways and footways every two years, and these surveys provide us with a priority list that takes into account all of these key criteria. The HIP webpage explains in a bit more detail how schemes are selected – https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/streets-roads-transport/highways-improvement-programme-hip/road-prioritisation-information

During the last footway condition survey undertaken in 2021, the footways to Albert Square, Aldebert Terrace, St. Stephen’s Terrace and Wilkinson Street were found, in the main, to be in serviceable (grade 3) or damage free (grade 1) condition with some localised patches deemed to be in a state of functional impairment (grade 4). Based on the condition survey information alongside a broader assessment of the various criteria outlined above, these footways have not been identified as a priority for renewal as part of the current HIP programme. A new footways condition survey is underway, and these footways will be re-assessed as part of this process, which will inform the future HIP programme.

We also undertake a rolling programme of inspections and reactive maintenance repairs on our carriageways and footways. During an inspection, any area which the Council thinks may become an imminent danger to users is noted and a repair arranged. Unfortunately, we do not currently have the resources to repair areas that are simply worn and unsightly, so we focus on areas that are hazardous or have clear potential to become hazardous. If you or your constituents note any specific defects that you think may be hazardous on the footways listed, please let us know giving a precise location (door number or lamp column ideally) and we will arrange an interim inspection, outside of our normal scheduled maintenance inspections.

Q: The communal bins on Albert Square are constantly over-filled or surrounded by fly-tipping. What can the council do to remedy this? 

A: Council ref: UFN18431589

In response to your query received on 12 June 2023, The supervisor confirms one of the doors for the metal enclosure bin wedged tight we are unable to open it to empty the bin which cause bin to overflow. The supervisor has cleared it. We have forwarded it to Lambeth who contact company who installed the units and we are waiting for repair details. We will update you on progress and the timescale involved.