GREEN GROUP AMENDMENT

NOTICE OF MOTION

POOR CONDITION OF PAVEMENTS IN BRIGHTON & HOVE

That the motion be amended as shown in bold italics.

This Council:

1.      Reaffirms concerns that have been raised in the past about excessive use of glyphosate herbicides;

2.      Notes widespread condemnation from some residents and visitors alike have raised concern of the current state of the pavements in Brighton & Hove

3.      Further notes that allowing weeds to take hold may discourage discourages active travel; raises the chance of injury to members of various vulnerable groups; increases costs for maintenance and compensation claims; and fosters a sense of neglect in the public realm; and

4.      Believes that pavement parking causes a further threat not only to the state of pavements but also for those with access needs; and reaffirms council’s position that Government must fast-track legislation to ban it

5.      Recognises recent key challenges in removing weeds; including a shortage of manual workers caused by both Brexit and the pandemic;

6. 4. Calls for an urgent Officer Report to be presented to Notes that an upcoming report to Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will set out how pavements in the city can be rapidly brought to a high standard without excessive use of glyphosates the council manages weeds in the future, learning from the past few years of pesticide free removal; and

7.      Further notes that important improvements to walking in the city are being consulted on as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and encourages residents to participate in the consultation.

          Proposed by: Cllr Hills                                    Seconded by: Cllr Lloyd

Motion if carried to read:

This Council:

1.      Reaffirms concerns that have been raised in the past about excessive use of glyphosate herbicides;

2.      Notes some residents and visitors have raised concern of the current state of the pavements in Brighton & Hove

3.      Further notes that allowing weeds to take hold may discourage active travel; raises the chance of injury to members of various vulnerable groups; increases costs for maintenance and compensation claims; and fosters a sense of neglect in the public realm;

4.      Believes that pavement parking causes a further threat not only to the state of pavements but also for those with access needs; and reaffirms council’s position that Government must fast-track legislation to ban it

5.      Recognises recent key challenges in removing weeds; including a shortage of manual workers caused by both Brexit and the pandemic;

6.      Notes that an upcoming report to Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee will set out how the council manages weeds in the future, learning from the past few years of pesticide free removal; and

7.       Further notes that important improvements to walking in the city are being consulted on as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and encourages residents to participate in the consultation.