Information Bulletin from the Department of Engineering Services - April 2006

walking bus

Orrell’s Walking Bus is just the ticket!

Something strange was happening at Orrell Newfold School last month: Parents and children were walking to school!

It was all part of the school’s travel plan, a nationwide initiative to cut traffic congestion and pollution around schools. And Newfold governors, parents and children have been giving their “Walking Bus” a test run around town.

Newfold Head teacher Mr McArdle says: “This is a fun and healthy way to transform our hectic school run. The children and their parents walked to school, from two designated meeting points, with the children passengers and the adults as the driver and conductor, just like a real bus. The walking bus week has been a great success.”

Along for the journey were parent governors Deb Newberry and Pat Bayman, “Cal”, the council’s mascot and also some of his officer colleagues.

School Travel Officer Andy Allen adds: “The children have learned a lot about road safety and fitness today, and we’re now hoping to mount a regular Walking Bus service for Newfold in the spring.”

All schools must have a Travel Plan in place by 2010, so to find out more you can call Andy Allen on 01942 488260.

More greens on their plate

The recycling team are delighted to announce that the green waste home collection service is being extended.

The cabinet has been monitoring the initial trial to 40,000 properties around the borough, and have given the green light for an additional 40,000 green bins. Delivery to properties across the borough has just begun and continues through to September.

Cllr David Molyneux, cabinet member for the environment told the press: “This service has been extremely popular with residents. More than two thirds of homes with green wheelie bins have been using the service, so I’m pleased to welcome another 40,000 homes to the scheme.”

green bins

From the launch of the scheme in April 2005 to the end of October, residents have put over 4,000 tonnes of garden waste and cardboard in their green wheelie bins. This means 4,000 tonnes not going to expensive landfill sites.

The green team are thanking residents for their support for the scheme. Here’s a quick list of what is welcome in the green wheelie bins:

But as the garden waste is used on local farms to grow new crops, some materials are not allowed in the bins:

Cllr Molyneux added: “Our worst offenders so far have been bin liners and plastic bags. Such materials seriously contaminate the process and means the whole load has to be sent to costly landfill.”

bin collections

Strict European legislation means the amounts of materials councils can send to landfill tips is being reduced. Authorities risk heavy fines for missing recycling targets, and Wigan Council has worked closely with residents to enhance awareness of recycling and improve local collection rates.

Over the summer, those properties joining the scheme will receive full information and a calendar with details of their fortnightly collection service.

And, for those properties not on the scheme, there’s a special deal between the government’s WRAP agency and Wigan Council. Residents can order home composters from just £4 delivered. Anything from fruit and vegetable peelings to egg shells and pet hair, and even old shredded bank statements and bills can be composted in the garden to form a good quality soil enhancer.

Dr Gail Schofield of the waste management team says: “Home composting works all year round – so why not start now. Come the summer months, your plants and flowerbeds will be blooming.”

The kits come with full instructions, although making compost is very straightforward and not at all smelly or unhygienic. In the last few years, local residents have been amongst the most enthusiastic nationally to take up the scheme. Residents can call 0845 0770757 to get composting at home.

Bikes – worth a look!

A new campaign is highlighting motorcyclists in danger.

You’re in your car, pulling onto the main road from a side street. You cast a quick glance to the right before pulling out and turning right into the main road.

Suddenly, a motorbike travelling along the main road crashes into the side of the car, leaving you confused and shocked.

“How close does a biker have to be before you see them?!”

It’s not really happened – this time. But it is an accident that’s repeated time after time on our roads, and each time the motorcyclist comes off worst.

Wigan’s road safety manager Julie Dagnall is concerned that, despite the general downward trend of accident statistics, motorcyclists continue to be in danger: “The first review of casualty reduction targets told us that motorcyclists continue to be over-represented in casualty statistics.”

Julie adds: “In fact, at that time biker casualty figures were the only ones going in the wrong direction. Bikers are just 1% of road users, but account for 17% of fatalities.”

Nationally, the distinctive “Think! Road Safety” campaign is sponsoring the British Superbike Championship for the third successive year. And locally, GM Police are backing Julie’s team.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts of Greater Manchester Police is all too well aware of the consequences of collisions involving motorcycles. He says: “Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, 8 out of 10 motorcyclists killed in road traffic collisions suffer major head injuries, and even at low speed, it’s the head that can be most seriously affected. Drivers can really help to reduce the dangers by just taking a second look around at junctions. Nearly 600 motorcyclists died on the roads last year. Look around, and it really could save a life.”

The police’s “Bike Safe” programme can advise on training for motorcyclists on 08452 307407

How Green Was My Valley?

Flytippers are the most rubbish people in Wigan. And we’re after you!

So says Street Scene manager Paul Dandy as he reminds local litter louts that more tough litter fines are coming their way.

Paul’s busy team were in Beech Hill this month tackling another local grot spot. But just round the corner, the picturesque Valley countryside was being blighted by fly tipping.

flytippers

“Just what do these people think they are doing?” asks Paul. “The cost to all residents of cleaning up mess like this is immense. When the vast majority know that the proper place for dumping rubbish is in the bin, let’s not let a minority spoil our borough.”

And work is well underway to identify this minority. In recent weeks, council staff have successfully identified the owners of several instances of dumped rubbish in Leigh. The residents were contacted and hit with strict fines. One fly tipper was prosecuted, landing a £300 fine with £300 costs. And there are several more cases pending.

Paul also took the opportunity to remind residents that up to 7 bulky household items can be collected by arrangement with the cleansing team for a standard charge of £10. Contact the Streetcare Helpline on 01942 404364 or use the online booking form at the council’s website.

Below: Paul Dandy issues a warning to residents after yet another instance of fly tipping in the Valley.

Household Waste Recycling Centre news

A major operation at the local household waste recycling centres has been judged a success by the police, Environment Agency and the council.

Recycling centres from Atherton to Wigan were patrolled by officials on the lookout for traders attempting to use the sites illegally. And more patrols are promised.

Waste management officer Philip Lamb said: “The aim of the operation was to ensure the word gets out – we are serious about keeping commercial traders out of household sites, especially small businesses who may pose as householders.”

Officers from the Environment Agency and the Police, as well as CCTV monitoring, added a robust presence to the day.

During the operation a number of people were caught with trade waste. At Kirkless in Higher Ince, officers prevented a trader disposing of materials from his takeaway restaurant. And non-domestic waste from a hotel was intercepted at Leigh’s Slag Lane site. Across the borough, monitoring officers reported vehicles entering the sites and quickly leaving when they saw officials present.

Since April this year, a permit has been required for anyone wanting to use one of the sites in a van or with a twin axle trailer. Trade waste of any kind is banned. This is to ensure the safety on site of householders wanting to dispose of genuine domestic waste, and to comply with strict European rules about sending materials to landfill.

The Environment Agency is the enforcing body for waste regulation. Their team was present to ask site users about their waste. Their advice is for everyone to take responsibility for the materials they throw away. If you’re paying someone to get rid of your rubbish, make sure that person is registered with the Environment Agency and will dispose of it properly.

And Dave Bithell, public health services manager from the council’s Community Protection Department, added: “It’s an important cross-council initiative. We have added extra fly tipping patrols to dissuade unscrupulous traders from dumping rather than using approved waste disposal firms.”

Household waste in a car is accepted at all the borough’s sites, but vans or twin axle trailers require a permit, which must be ordered in advance. Phone the helpline on 01942 404364 for details.

Further monitoring will be carried out at the sites in the coming days and weeks.

Meantime, residents planning a big spring clean are being reminded that they may need to obtain a permit to use the household waste recycling centres. And they can now apply for one online.

Household waste brought in a:

…needs a free permit booked in advance. The permits allow for one visit per month to a nominated site and must be handed in upon use.

The majority of site users will be unaffected because household waste brought in a car, with or without a single-axle trailer (maximum 3 metres long) can visit any of the sites without the need for a permit.

There are two ways to get a permit:

Philip Lamb of the recycling team says: “We have to monitor the waste going through our sites, but with the ability to apply online, we are making the service as user-friendly as possible. Thank you for supporting recycling in Wigan Borough.”

There’s more information about all the latest local recycling services online

Making better transport choices: buses and bikes roll into action

Why not choose to leave the car at home for a journey out next time?

Electing to walk, cycle or use public transport rather than getting in the car not only makes for a better environment, but could also help improve our fitness in the long run.

With rising obesity levels and people taking less exercise, leaving the car at home for one day a week is a great way to shed some pounds and reduce traffic congestion into the bargain.

The council’s Travel Plan Officer, James Noakes, says that there is lots of information out there to help make those travel selections easier: “You can contact Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or through www.gmpte.com or the council's website. There are so many deals on travel tickets that it need not be difficult or overly expensive.“

He adds: “I want to ensure all residents and businesses have access to better travel information throughout the borough. Please look online and in the papers as we develop our plans for safer, healthier travel for all."

Although not every car journey can easily be replaced, it is surprising how simple changes can reap big rewards both in terms of exercise and saving money. For keen cyclist James, riding not driving is a pleasant change to get out of the traffic, and options from walking to bussing it are available to most people.

And to help you on your way, Wigan Council has some handy Bicycle Owner's Handbooks to give away. Packed with information on maintenance, road safety and handy tips, the guide is a must for every cyclist. To claim one of the limited copies, simply put your name and address on a postcard or stuck-down envelope and send to James at: Bicycle Book Offer, Department of Engineering Services, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan, WN1 1RP

And, as an alternative, there’s a big incentive to get on the bus from this month.

People over the age of 60 are being encouraged to take advantage of free travel within Greater Manchester. Permit holders travelling after 9:30am will be able to travel without charge on buses, trains or Metrolink, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Journeys before that time are at the standard low fare.

All operators across Greater Manchester are signed up to the deal. And the scheme is also valid for selected short journeys beyond the boundary. There’s full details available from GMPTE.

James Noakes says: "This is great news for those over 60 who can now leave the car at home and hop on a bus, train or tram within Greater Manchester.”

The changes in Greater Manchester build on the Government's Budget pledge in 2005 to fund free off-peak bus travel for older and disabled people.

and will make it much easier to reach essential services. People must carry their travel permit with them at all times to show to drivers and ticket collectors.

James adds: “It's important that businesses in the borough are fully aware about elderly people travelling to their site by public transport. People over 60 will have much more freedom now to travel for shopping, leisure and work using public transport. Businesses need to consider what changes they may need to make."

Council bosses hope the scheme will also cut pollution and traffic congestion locally, as the increasing numbers of senior citizens are able to have a real choice in how they get about.

For more details contact GMPTE on 0161 242 6116 (or textphone 0161 242 6386)

Down the hatch

We all know what happens after you’ve had a few bottles of decent ale, don’t we?

Yes, you take your empties to your local recycling centre and drop them down the hatch of the bottle bank!

And so, at the recent Beer Festival, the green team set up their stall to remind drinkers about recycling their bottles and cans with a colourful display message about the importance of going green.

Wigan beer festival Above: Philip Lamb (front, right) with members of Wigan CAMRA at Robin Park for the press launch of the 2006 festival.

The recycling team’s Philip Lamb told the press: “Unfortunately many people forget that their empty cans and bottles, not to mention food tins, newspapers and magazines, can all be recycled to save precious resources and money. Whatever’s your tipple, there’s a handy site near many local shops to take your empties to. Cheers!”

Valerie Hollows of CAMRA added: “We encourage sensible drinking and want our members and visitors to enjoy a responsible time at the festival. And, if you like what you taste and enjoy a drink at home, then please don’t forget to recycle your empties!”

Wigan Council has a strong local market for its recycled materials, including the metals from drink and food cans. And glass can be recycled forever at a fraction of the cost of new materials. Around the borough, there are well over 100 “bring” sites, with facilities to recycle a variety of material. There’s an interactive map on the council’s website with full details of your nearest location – it is probably less than a mile away.

Benson’s Buddies Brighten Borough

A thorough survey of the council’s street lighting stock shows 99.34% working as planned.

This is good news for Keith Benson, street lighting boss, with overall responsibility for nearly 40,000 illuminated signs and lights around the borough.

In the most recent surveys following lighting schemes, the majority of residents stated their satisfaction with the team. In particular, there is strong support for innovations such as modern white lighting, which aids facial recognition in the dark and on CCTV. Over 91% of residents say this increases their feelings of night-time road safety and sense of personal security.

To make the most of the available financial allocation, manager Keith Benson wants value for money: “We have driven down response times to fault repairs, at no extra cost. The average is now 2.2 days. This compares to targets for attending to faults of 10 working days in 2000. And where outside firms like United Utilities are involved, repair times have been cut to under 14 days average.”

Keith’s team is based in Civic Buildings in Wigan, with projects across the borough. Most recently a new state of the art tele-management system has been installed as part of the new East Lancashire Road lighting scheme. This technology allows street lighting units to be operated remotely.

Keith Benson

Keith adds: “The A580 lighting uses intelligent management software, the lights actually communicate with each other to ensure we have full coverage. It’s part of our boroughwide investment to improve safety and security for all our road users - drivers, pedestrians, locals and visitors. Although there are 99.34% of lights always lit and working, there are still a lot needing attention, and we do thank the public for helping us with our monitoring.”

Residents can report faults online at www.wigan.gov.uk - click s for street lighting on the A-Z of services, or on the Streetcare Helpline 01942 404364.

In recent months, Keith’s team was recognised both locally and in tough national evaluations ranging from the Hag Fold Community Committee to the Local Government News Street Design Awards.

And with an eye to the future, the team has introduced energy saving technology to the illuminated bollards seen on the streets. A photocell controls them, saving power, reducing costs and meaning they need fewer services. For several years, electricity for all the borough’s lighting has come from fully sustainable wind-power sources.

Taking the hits…counting the costs

Wigan Council is counting the cost of broken street furniture.

When signposts, benches, bins and bollards are damaged by drivers or vandals, it's usually council tax payers who foot the bill. And last year, the street furniture repair bill came to a quarter of a million pounds - money the council would rather spend on improving services for residents.

Damaged bollards

It is an offence for a vehicle to cross onto the pavement, except where dropped kerbs have been installed, but highways inspectors are seeing this all too often. As well as the risk of knocking down a child or other pedestrians, the damage caused to the footway surface and other items on it can be immense.

Smashed bollards and dented signs are both unattractive and dangerous. They may contain live electrics and sharp edges that may injure an inquisitive child or obstruct a wheelchair or pram user. And everyone ends up paying.

Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Paul McKevitt, told the local media: "We want to cut the cost of the damage and local residents can help us do that. Our inspectors and the police are recording the registration numbers of vehicles involved and we’re happy to hear from residents who witness any such incidents. We will then bill the people responsible rather than burden council tax payers."

Damage to street furniture can be reported on 01942 404386. The council will need details of the precise location and nature of the incident.

Ground Force Call Up

Wanted: Keen gardeners with community spirit. Can you spare an hour or two to brighten the borough?

This year, the Street Scene Team is trying for Britain in Bloom recognition, and they need volunteer gardeners to help in planting and maintaining landscapes, floral displays, tree planting and seed sowing.

Britain in Bloom is a popular – and demanding – award, but Street Scene boss Paul Dandy thinks it’s time Wigan Council took the challenge:

“This is another step in changing the old-fashioned national perception of us as living in a coal-mining industrial landscape. We want to celebrate our vibrant, confident, blooming borough! Last year Bury was awarded a Silver award in the North West Large Town/Small City category. We want to follow their example, and perhaps do even better.”

The judging panel look at elements such as general cleanliness and tackling litter, graffiti and vandalism. Whilst the council has well-established and effective campaigns in place for these, there’s a lot more work to be done to make the borough green with flowers and trees.

Paul adds: “A high standard of floral displays, tree planting and wildflower meadows is essential if we are to be nominated. The street scene team has already planted over three million bulbs and hundreds of trees in the last few years. But we need help from the community.”

Paul’s team says that there are many ways to get involved; from a one-off morning or afternoon planting session to a long-term commitment to maintaining a newly landscaped area. Volunteers can do as much or as little as they can, with the team on hand to guide and support if required.

So, if you want to offer your own designs and advice to help improve the quality of our floral landscapes, or simply plant a few bulbs, call 01942 705200 or 705245 to help the borough to achieve Britain in Bloom status. Already several residents have got in touch and are getting ready to do some planting with the team.

Nick Burdekin, People and Places Manager, says:

“We know that competition for Britain in Bloom Awards is very strong. So to achieve a Gold Award will take time and require lots of hard work. However, we believe Wigan can succeed in this challenge. In order to have a realistic chance, though, we need a strong community backing. I hope that many of you who enjoy gardening will contact the Street Scene Team to get involved in what should be a rewarding campaign for everyone.”

But to be in the running for Britain in Bloom, Wigan first needs to win the regional Northwest in Bloom heats. And this is where the help of all residents is vital. Paul Dandy stresses that the floral displays need to be properly maintained, and he wants green fingered residents to join in with the planting teams – and all abilities are welcome.

The first three floral beds will be located in Wigan, Leigh and Ashton town centres. Planting and maintaining them will be a local “Ground Force” team of the Wigan Rotary Club, the Police Cadets, the Youth Offending Team and the local township forums

Support from the business community is an important thread in demonstrating boroughwide support for Britain in Bloom. Contact the team if your business can get involved.

There’s more information from the Department online, including the weekly roadworks bulletin accessible from the council’s homepage.

The recent celebration of the council’s Team of the Year saw placements for the Department’s Streetcare Helpline (under the Motivation category) Leigh Building Services (for Achievement) and Grounds Maintenance (for Customer Satisfaction), as well as the Communication Officers (for cross- departmental working). All our teams were praised by the Chief Executive at the Investment Centre ceremony.

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