The Local Services Scrutiny Committee for St Albans City and District Council wants to hear from residents about how the District’s general appearance and street scene can be improved.

The Committee will be discussing the public realm and state of our streets and pavements at its next meeting on 3 January 2013.

Residents are invited to give their views on the cleanliness of the District and the appearance and state of streets and street furniture. Comments on the condition of pavements and the attractiveness of approach roads into St Albans are also sought. The Committee will use these views to help inform the debate.

Officers from the District Council and Hertfordshire County Council will be asked to address the key points raised by residents during presentations on following topics:

District street scene. Views are welcome on the general appearance of the streets and pavements, including signage and advertising A-boards.
Pavements. Comments on the condition of the pavements and the impact of cracked and uneven pathways for residents across the District are sought.
Litter. Views on the levels of cleanliness of the streets and other public areas are invited.
Appearance of approach roads to St Albans. Impressions are also sought on the ‘gateways’ into the city, in particular to the south.

Councillor Robert Donald, Chair of the Local Services Scrutiny Committee at the Council, said: “We tend to take our streets and pavements for granted especially in St Albans District where we invest in maintaining our heritage and generally consider it is an attractive place to live. But we want to make sure it stays that way. So the Committee really wants to hear from residents about their views on the general appearance of the District. You have already told us that you have some concerns so we will be looking at a number of these issues and other ones raised recently by Committee members early in the new year.

“These concerns include the condition of pavements, especially if they are dangerous, street furniture and clutter creating a pedestrian hazard. They also include litter and the first impressions of visitors when they enter the city by road.

“We want to hear from residents with their views about each of these issues and the appearance of the District in general. Residents comments will be greatly appreciated and will be used to inform our debate and help the Committee to recommend improvements to our Council’s Cabinet, the County Council or the Highways service for the county.”

Please send your views by email to scrutiny@stalbans.gov.uk identifying which of the four topics they relate to by December 10. Alternatively write to Catherine Comfort, Scrutiny Support Officer, St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE.