GREEN GROUP AND LABOUR 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 the use of glyphosate herbicides;

2.      Notes widespread condemnation from some residents and visitors alike have raised concern about 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.      Notes that the parking of motor vehicles on pavements is a threat to residents’ safety. It leads not only to cracks in pavements, allowing more opportunities for weeds to grow, but also makes pavements dangerous for people on foot and in wheelchairs; and reaffirms council’s position that Government must fast-track legislation to ban pavement parking.

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 improvements to walking in the city were recently consulted on as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

          Proposed by: Cllr Hills                                    Seconded by: Cllr Fowler

Motion if carried to read:

This Council:

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

2.      Notes some residents and visitors have raised concern about 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.      Notes that the parking of motor vehicles on pavements is a threat to residents’ safety. It leads not only to cracks in pavements, allowing more opportunities for weeds to grow, but also makes pavements dangerous for people on foot and in wheelchairs; and reaffirms council’s position that Government must fast-track legislation to ban pavement parking.

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 improvements to walking in the city were recently consulted on as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).