Agenda item

6.

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5

7.

Management of Hazardous Substances and Recent works in the Broadway Theatre

Mr Austin said that residents in Hatfield and Gerrard Tower blocks voted on their preferred design for the re-clad of the blocks and the colour chosen. The works, are due to commence from early August 2019 and are expected to take 1 year.

Councillor Hall said that he had asked for this topic to be discussed because of the ongoing investigations into dangerous cladding on both social and private housing blocks. The LGA has recently published a document on this subject; Barking is calling for more powers and a wider brief into the removal of dangerous cladding on public buildings. He asked whether the Chair could write to the LGA to look at fire safety in tower blocks.Mr Austin said that officers are aware of this and are waiting for legislation to change Councillor Millbank suggested that that this is outside the terms of reference of this Committee.

Mr Austin said that there are four tower blocks with ACM cladding, now removed.  The block in Barking that went up in fire it appeared that the balconies were made of wood. Officers need to be assured that tower blocks in Lewisham do not contain dangerous materials. Mr Austin agreed to investigate whether there has been independent verification on the fire risks in these blocks.

Councillor Hall asked whether Roundup is used in parks. Mr Austin confirmed that it is. He asked for a report on the management of health and safety risks in parks including the use of Roundup and other chemicals. He said that he had heard that Asbestos has been seen flying around Beckenham Place Park in the air. Lewisham own this park and it should be a safe place for park users. Mr Austin said that he had not heard about this but would investigate the matter.

Ms Knappett said that she understood that there were residents in the block during the management of the Asbestos on the Excalibur Estate. Mr Austin agreed to find out how the asbestos risk to the public from Council properties in the demolition of the Excalibur estate was risk assessed and then managed safely.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and the request for further information be actioned.

Broadway Theatre

DA

DA

7.1

8.

8.1

8.2

Mr Austin said that works at the theatre had been slow and it is hoped that this will improve. Consideration is being given to rewiring and a report will be submitted to Mayor and Cabinet for re-investment. Councillor Best said that minor repairs are required to the broken frosted windows at the front of the building.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

Areas for further work

Mr Austin identified the following areas for further work:

• A copy of the asbestos register be circulated to all members of the Committee before the next meeting if appropriate.
• Depending on the ongoing HSE investigation the internal tree incident report referred to in minute 4.2 be sent to all member of this Committee.
• A letter be drafted draft for the Chair to send to Head teachers of non-Lewisham schools in the borough, requesting an update on their Health and Safety incident statistics.
• A report be prepared on how the asbestos risk to the public from Council properties in the demolition of the Excalibur estate properties was assessed and then managed safely.
• A fuller report on how Asbestos is managed be circulated to the next meeting of this Committee.

Councillor Kalu asked whether more visits could be made to community libraries. Councillor Millbank asked for a list of community buildings and responsibilities with regard to health and safety. Councillor Best said that only 2 members of staff visit all community libraries. She said that community libraries are kept open despite the little resources they have.