Agenda item

The Neighbourhoods Services Manager delivered a presentation about Bristol City Council’s approach to graffiti (details are in the published pack).

There was a discussion about a need to clarify policy and messaging.  The following points were raised by officers:

·         Data shows us (including the Quality of Life Survey), that perceptions of littering increases when there is a higher amount of graffiti.  The data shows a higher perception of littering in comparison to previous years, although the amount of litter is not dissimilar to that of four years ago. 

·         If there is a popular community mural, this will not be removed. 

·         Tagging will always be removed. 

·         Bristol Waste has invested money in new equipment so can remove at height now.

·         Proposal to Cabinet next month to increase maximum penalty for graffiti. 

·         Using Community Protection Notices more for private businesses to take more responsibility for their  buildings.

There was a discussion surrounding reasons people do graffiti, and how to prevent tagging on large empty spaces, and the following points were raised:

·         Suggestions include growing plants up buildings; and using anti-graffiti paint;

·         There is a need for clarification on the availability, role, funding, and ability of volunteers to remove tagging and graffiti;

·         Advice should be provided to developers to design out graffiti.

Officer response:

·         Funding for use of anti-graffiti paint will be investigated.

·         Proposals to use an App to report tagging which will enable a quicker and easier way to target prolific taggers.

·         Proposing to use our operations centre to use CCTV for identifying tagging.

·         Discussions are being had with planning colleagues about planning out graffiti.

RESOLVED: That clear messaging regarding the policy and approach to graffiti and murals across the city will be welcomed by the summer.

The Neighbourhoods Services Manager delivered a presentation about the Clean Streets Enforcement contract (details are in the published pack).

There was a discussion about examples of fly tipping, specifically in Avonmouth being seen as not treated as a priority.

ACTION: Officer to ask Bristol Waste to contact Ward Member about the Avonmouth site

Chair stated that there is public support for enforcement, but due to Kingdom’s way of working, some support has been lost and it needs to be regained.

Members asked how the community is communicated with about the clean streets work.

Officer response:  

·         There are no resources to visit community groups; but representatives of groups do attend the Clean Streets forum.

Members asked how enforcement by 3GS is measured and reported on.

Officer response:

·         Councillors receive monthly updates with a breakdown of enforcement by offence.  The updates are within the wider report which provides Councillors with updates on the whole of the Neighbourhood Services service enforcement area.    Councillors are able to review the data and ask questions.

There was a discussion about partnership working with the Police.  It was acknowledged that the relationship with the Police needs to improve, although there is not usually a need for Police intervention (eg for identification).  Following the change of contract this will be focussed on.

Member stated he is reassured by monthly briefing and ethical approach, although these assurances were given before; and asked what lessons have been learned to avoid past mistakes.

Officer response:

·         It was a pilot, so what we have learnt is built into new contract.  The reporting will be more robust, and from next month there will be updates on offences by type, broken down by ward. 

·         The staff moved over from the previous contract have received further training.