1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 To receive any petitions submitted directly to Democratic Services or any e-Petition submitted via the council’s website.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That the committee responds to the petition either by noting it or where it is considered more appropriate, calls for an officer report on the matter.

3. Context and background information

3.1 To receive the following petition signed by 107 people at the time of publication:

(1) Washington Street bins

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to provide wheelie bins to replace the boxes currently in use. These should usually be 240 litres, but for bigger households larger bins should be available. 240 litre bins have more space for recycling than the boxes, but have a smaller footprint on the pavement. They will prevent paper, plastic and food containers being strewn in the street by the wind and by gulls, cats and rodents. At present, a large amount of rubbish lies permanently in the street, where it unsightly and unhygienic.

(2) Refurbishment of the toilets in Preston Park

To receive the following petition signed by 1831 people at the time of publication:

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to refurbish the toilet facilities within Preston Park. As the largest park in the city, it is used daily by a great number of people. As the ‘People’s Park’ it is used not only by those who live locally, but also by a great number of external

visitors. It hosts many events and is home to several sports clubs. People of all ages use the facilities, including those who visit to admire the magnificent historical landscape. Yet, what lets our park down are the appalling unsanitary, unclean, and embarrassing conditions of the toilet areas. Visitors are visibly shocked, and regular users are fed up and angry that they are not being listened to when they ask for something to be done. Often the toilets are shut as they are not safe and dirtier than usual. When this happens, the public often resort to using the park itself as a toilet!! This is a health hazard that needs to be addressed.

We are asking that funds are found to demolish and refurbish the toilet facilities. The renewal of these toilets will provide a much-needed asset to the city in terms of maintaining the essential sanitary conditions needed to keep the city safe and free from certain diseases. It will also demonstrate to the community that the council is listening to, and taking account of, its residents and their needs.