Decision details

The committee considered the minutes of the last meeting held on 13 September. Southern Water (SW) had submitted responses to questions posed at the meeting and this had been circulated to members and would be attached to the minutes of the meeting. Mr Potter informed members of his dissatisfaction with SW’s responses to the committee’s questions. Mr Hansford requested that any further questions or queries for SW be sent to him and he would arrange a further response from Southern Water.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 September 2016 be approved as a correct record.

Mrs Jones provided an update on the resolutions which the committee had made to Cabinet. Mr Hansford provided an update on minute 108, resolution 2) regarding the waste service connection at the transit site stating that as WSCC were now the tenant of the land they would be liable for the cost of enabling and connection work, therefore a site meeting had been arranged with WSCC staff to brief them on the existing system and to consider options prior to engaging with Southern Water.

Mr Potter raised a recent issue with three caravans having parked adjacent to the encampment site and requested an update. Mr Hansford advised that they were not eligible to stay on the Transit site.  Sussex Police did not move these vehicles on as there had not been enough complaints regarding behaviour as was required under the Section 61 criteria.  Discussions are being held with West Sussex County Council regarding long term access solutions to the Gypsy and Traveller Encampment on verges near the site.

Matters arising:

Members requested a more detailed account from SW about the current service available and what would be available in the future; also the future impact of the possibility of connection from Whitehouse Farm to East Hampnett Waste Water Treatment Works. Investment was required to resolve most issues being dealt with by SW, however it was understood that SW did not borrow money as other utility companies did. Members were concerned that without further significant funding to improve capacity there seemed to be no total resolution to the problems being experienced.  Mr Hansford undertook to liaise with SW to seek feedback on these issues.