Onyx, Bromley Council and the Environment Agency invited several local residents to the second of the quarterly residents meetings. It was a chance for all parties to discuss issues with the site and get an update on the actions on Onyx and Bromley Council had from the previous meeting.
The minutes detailed below
Attendees:
Residents Representitives from Mornington Avenue, Carlyle Avenue and
The Avenue
Other representitives: John Woodruff LBB
Nic Allan – Veolia
Tom Hall -Veolia
Steve Morris - Veolia
Russell Snashall – Environment Agency
Following is an update to each of the points raised at the last meeting (in italics, following on from each bulleted point)
# Veolia were asked not to use the mechanical shovel before 8 a.m. Mon-Sat. NA advised that in general they don’t but that if a sub-contracted lorry came in early it may be unavoidable. However, they would continue to try their best not to use it before this time.
It was raised at the meeting that there was drilling carried out on site, at 8am on 2/10/07 and at 7:30am on 3/10/07. The Veolia staff and John Woodruff commented that there hadn’t been any drilling taking place on-site on those two mornings. John has endeavoured to find out where the drilling took place – deadline for response: 12/10/07
# Veolia were asked why the signs asking site users to consider neighbours particularly when putting rubbish into the green recycling containers. This point has been outstanding for 10 months but we were assured that these would be in place within 3 months. Of course, this will be after the busier and noisier summer period.
Nic has agreed to review whether the signs are in place and if not, he will get signs added to the site. Deadline for action: 3/12/07
#Veolia were asked why there was not more advertising within the site highlighting the various garden waste recycling areas within the borough. So that people after queuing for possibly some considerable time could take note of where their nearest one was thereby perhaps avoiding using Waldo Road another time. Despite this being unactioned for 10 months we were assured that temporary laminated posters would be displayed the next day with more permanent signs to follow.
This item was actioned, signs were put up and flyers were given out in the library and distributed at gates of entrance to Waldo Rd disposal site.
# Residents are still waiting for the barrier on the boundary wall of Carlyle Avenue to be extended along the full length and made taller. JW promised that this was in hand and would be done soon. Ivy or other creeper would be planted after for aesthetic effect.
John advised that this is very expensive and is not in budget but he has recently had discussions with a company with regards to finding an organic option (willow was suggested). John, perhaps you can advise the residents on progress of this point, prior to the next meeting?
# Residents again reiterated their request that the tip is shut one hour earlier on a Saturday so that they could enjoy their gardens in the warn weather. This will be looked into again ( first minuted 7 months ago!) but JW said that site would have to remain open longer than 1 hour one night (possibly Thursday) to compensate.
No progress – it was suggested that something should be in place by April 2008, John commented that it would then need to be open later on perhaps on Thurs night.
# The awful stench that emanates from the site at regular intervals was much debated. As it is not constant, it was agreed that NA would be contacted on his mobile by anyone that smelt it ( 07789272290) and details left of date and time. It is hoped that this will enable Veolia to source it and take steps to stop it.
Residents commented that there are continued problems with odours arising from Waldo Rd Tip and on many occasions, residents haven’t been able to get through to anybody even though it was agreed at previous meeting that the hotline and mobile number would be manned at all times. Nic Allen advised that the mobile number has been lost and therefore a replacement needs to be sought. Once this has been done, Nic will circulate the number via John.
Russell from Environmental Agency commented that it is worth called the EA when there is a problem with odours as the EA are obliged to investigate each call.
Resident commented that we shouldn’t have to call anybody – the odour should not be a problem for residents in the vicinity.
The site upgrade is due to finish by weekend of 14/10/07, the layout of where material is deposited will also change – the green waste and detritus will be stored at the far end of the shed and the sprayers are being relocated around the site. There is also a mobile sprayer on site.
# Birds are still a major nuisance. Veolia advised that they are being culled ( Sunday afternoons). Residents haven’t noticed any difference to-date.
Culling has been taking place. John has agreed to provide numbers of birds culled so far, but pointed out that even though culling is taking place, we will most likely to continue having problems with birds. The current company doing the culling have advised that crows cannot be culled.
# Keep Clear or junction boxes were requested for Homesdale Road . Again this is not the first time this has been raised at meetings. JW advised he would discuss this with the Highways Agency.
It is not possible to put yellow criss cross boxes at the entrance to the site (on Homesdale Road). The problem is that this would interfere with road legislation. John is investigating whether or not it will be possible to make drivers take a left turn out of Waldo Road as this would ease congestion.
Additionally Russell Snashall advised that he has just taken over from Tony Hawke so has not has sufficient time to study all previous paperwork . He requested copies of previous minutes and advised that a new licence and working plan is currently being drawn up. He re-iterated the fact that every complaint to the EA is followed up and gave the free telephone number available 0800 807060
New actions from meeting on 03/10/07:
*Residents enquired about monitoring quality of air in residential areas in close proximity to Waldo Rd disposal site. Russell has been looking into this and needs to do some further research. It was also advised that Nic would speak to Bromley Council as there is already regular asbestos testing done on site and it was thought that perhaps there is already some air quality monitoring taking place.
* Licence for biodiesel plant has been postponed long term (due to budgetary issues).
* Working plan is progressing (the working plan is like best practices for the site and is being worked on by both Russell and Nic. The intention is that this will continue to be improved and modified as required for optimum running of the site. This is different to the licence, but essentially it guides operators on the parameters and compliments the licence. The residents commented that the licence should also be updated – it was last updated back in 1997.
* Residents suggested that the road down the back of the houses on Walwyn Avenue, Carlyle Avenue should have adequate lighting and CCTV. There were a couple of incidences recently where people have fly-tipped mattresses down in that areas and on one occasion, somebody set a mattress on fire, which resulted in one of the residents having a shed in their back garden burned down and the fire brigade had to be called. John is to advise who owns the road down the back of the houses on Walwyn Avenue and Carlyle Ave. The council does not own the alleyway between Walwyn and Carlyle Avenues.
*The next meeting has been scheduled for the 06/02/08 please mail us with any questions you would like raised.