South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 05/09/2013

The consultation was launched in April and sets out measures to give communities greater say in the appearance of their local streets and roads – also known as the ‘street scene’.

Under the proposals, the council will continue to maintain roads, footways, streetlights and highway structures as part of a consistent ‘core’ service across the whole district.

But in addition to this, communities will also be able to add extra street scene services such as additional grass cutting on highway verges, floral displays, hanging baskets and dog waste bins.

The extra services could be delivered directly by local community or parish organisations, using suitably trained and qualified staff or volunteers, or bought from the council or other providers.

Parishes, neighbourhood groups and other organisations could also apply for a licence to take on responsibility for the maintenance of assets such as bus shelters, dog waste bins, benches and seats.

The changes form part of the council’s localism plans, which aim to help local people take greater responsibility for their communities and give them the power to shape services to meet local needs, in partnership with the council.

They will also contribute to the council’s transformation programme, which aims to ensure that council services deliver the maximum value for money for local tax payers, within a challenging financial environment.

Plans for each community are expected to be agreed by the end of 2013, with the new core standard and provisions for additional services introduced from April 2014.

Consultation documents are available from www.southglos.gov.uk/streetscene, by email via consultation@southglos.gov.uk or by telephoning 01454 868 154.

Residents are also being encouraged to share their views with their parish council.