At the last area committee meeting members were updated on the ponding an extract if the counci minute states. The Streetscene Manager (Environment and Related Services) provided an update to the Committee on the wetland area at the entrance to Whitehirst Park, Kilwinning.

At its meeting on 22 March 2010, the Committee received a further report following an increase in the level of water since the reconfiguration of the roadway at that location. Amey Highways had been asked to investigate the siting of the gulleypots on the road which appear to discharge water to the wetland area and a response was awaited. The Committee in the interim agreed that the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) (a) arrange for Grounds Maintenance to (i) plant a further 100 mature whips and increase the uncut area around the wetland by a further 10-15 metres; (ii) erect a temporary wire and post fence around the perimeter of the wetland to enhance public safety; and (iii) continue discussions with AMEY Highways in relation to the siting of the gulleypots; and (b) report to a future meeting of the Committee on progress.

The Streetscene Manager advised that, despite having contacted the company on a number of occasions, as yet no response has been forthcoming from Amey Highways and that he is in consultation with the Council's Legal Services with a view to progressing the matter.

As agreed by the Committee in March, the exclusion zone around the wetland area has been extended in accordance with RoSPA recommendations, new signage has been put in place and additional planting has been carried out. The Streetscene Manager confirmed that the planting has been very successful and that the area is forming into a natural environmental habitat and may be further enhanced once the issue of excess water has been resolved. There is, however, now an additional concern in that the excess water levels may be causing damage to the mature beech trees growing in close proximity.


The Streetscene Manager responded to Members' questions on how the excess water might be re-routed into the public drainage system, and ways in which the wetland habitat might be further improved.

The Committee (a) noted the current position; and (b) agreed (i) that the Streetscene Manager, in conjunction with the Council's Legal Services, continues to pursue the matter with Amey Highways in order that a satisfactory outcome may be achieved; and (ii) to receive a further report by the end of the year.