Since August 2016, the Town Council has been responsible for several services previously undertaken by the District Council. A new Town Environment Committee was created to develop and manage these as well as our existing responsibilities. The Town Environment Committee has a wide-ranging remit, including the management, upkeep and development of Southwell’s car parks, markets, open spaces and public toilets, as well as all aspects of the management of the Courthouse and Courthouse Chambers, which are leased to a commercial company. Although not directly responsible for roads, the Highways subcommittee liaises closely with Nottinghamshire County Council to raise issues of concern regarding the condition of roads and pavements in the town.
The Town Environment Committee is responsible for the management and care of all the open spaces owned by the Town Council, as well as Minster Fields, which are leased from the County Council. The welfare of a large number of trees on the Council’s land is also safeguarded. The Committee works closely with the Town Council’s staff to ensure that litter picking and dog waste collection is properly carried out on the Town Council’s behalf by the District Council.
The Town Environment is also maintained by the Town Environment Committee, ensuring that the centre of the town looks attractive and welcoming by providing lit trees on buildings at Christmas and colourful flower hanging baskets in the summer.