Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment.  

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director Environment on the City Gardens update.

The Committee discussed the future of the western roadway of the Finsbury Site noting that the Department of Built Environment had provided assurances that this site would be returned to public access. A Member commented that he had received a number of complaints from the Ward constituents but noted his understanding was that by the end of the week all traffic cones would be removed. The Executive Director Environment informed Members that this project was under the authority of the Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee and would be taken forward with Members being informed appropriately. The Chairman requested that Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee be copied into the correspondence to ensure they are kept appropriately informed.

A Member noted that of the five new vehicles to be procured only two were electric and three Euro 6 diesel tippers. Responding to this comment the Executive Director Environment informed the elective vehicles were considerably more expensive than the diesel models noting that budgetary concerns had contributed to the decision to procure only two electric vehicles. Further to this response the Member commented that central funding should be increased in order that the City Gardens section can contribute properly to the City of London Corporation’s commitments on sustainability and stated that he would be asking a question of the Policy and Resources Committee on these grounds. 

RESOLVED- That the report be noted.