Contractor looking to improve
The grounds maintenance contractor for parks and green spaces in the St Albans District has turned in a mixed performance, a report has revealed.
John O’Conner Ltd also has the contract for cemeteries, allotments, commons, woodlands, housing areas and highways shrub beds owned by St Albans City and District Council.
A report to the Council’s Local Services Scrutiny Committee, meeting on Thursday 3 September, said the company must improve in certain areas.
Grass cutting at the main parks was “within contract standard,” but this had not been the case earlier this year with open spaces, housing areas and cemeteries.
Weeds had been allowed to grow on hard surfaces, especially in housing estates. Shrub beds were not always kept “within the service standards”.
Issues with sports pitches had been dealt with while moving equipment in play areas had not initially been serviced with a subcontractor now being employed to do this.
On the other hand, hedge cutting, litter removal and bin emptying in parks was performed well.
The firm’s work helped the Council win Green Flag Awards this year for six parks and open spaces. The awards, granted by Keep Britain Tidy, are judged on national criteria and are similar to the Blue Flags for clean beaches.
Council officers are meeting regularly with John O’Conner’s senior management to encourage improvements.
A new computer-based system to monitor the firm’s performance is being installed and the Council may also issue default notices as a penalty for poor work.
Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Local Services Scrutiny Committee of St Albans City and District Council, said: “Performance has improved which is encouraging but it is not yet at the level we expect.
“I have called another report to be made to the Committee in March to check if John O’Conner is measuring up. We want value for money from this important contract.
“We will not accept work that falls below standard. It is essential to have well maintained parks, green spaces, housing areas, cemeteries and other public areas.”
The webcast of this Committee meeting has now been archived. Should you wish to view it please contact Elizabeth Heath on 01727 819519 or email: Elizabeth.Heath@stalbans.gov.uk
The agenda and papers for the meeting are available at: https://stalbans.moderngov.co.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=389
Councillor contact:
Anthony Rowlands, Chair of the Local Services Scrutiny Committee of St Albans City & District Council. Tel: 07761-232064 Email: anthonyrowlands@hotmail.com
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk
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Notes
1. The Local Services Scrutiny Committee scrutinises public services provided to residents in St Albans District. More information is available on the Council’s website at: https://stalbans.moderngov.co.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=389