Crack Down on Litter, Graffiti and Abandoned Cars? No Thanks, Says Sir George Young (North West Hampshire Liberal Democrats)

North West Hampshire Liberal Democrats <info@nwhantslibdems.org.uk>

Crack Down on Litter, Graffiti and Abandoned Cars? No Thanks, Says Sir George Young

January 18, 2005 11:51 AM

Martin Tod from the Liberal Democrats discusses local graffiti with Andover Liberal Democrat Councillor Rod Bailey.

Following a vote in the Commons on January 10th, Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for North West Hampshire, has pointed out that local Conservative MP, Sir George Young, voted against giving local councils additional powers to tackle fly-tipping, litter, graffiti, fly-posting, dog fouling, nuisance noise and abandoned cars.

Martin said: "The Conservatives have wept crocodile tears over fly tipping and abandoned cars but once again they are all talk and no action as Sir George Young has voted against an opportunity to bring in legislation that would deal with these very problems."

"While Tory councillors are failing local voters on litter and graffiti in Andover, Sir George is failing them in Westminster."

"The Tories claimed measures in the Government's Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill were unnecessary and the Bill focused "predominantly on urban areas". But these claims were undermined when it turned out that the Bill has received the backing of the National Farmers Union, as well as all three parties, including the Tories, at the Local Government Association."

"The Bill has Liberal Democrat support, although the committee stage will need to sort out the government's jumble of pre-election populist measures and ensure it is effective environmental legislation."

"Sir George Young was completely wrong to reject this Bill, which will give much stronger protection to our countryside as well as urban areas. The Conservatives clearly care little about farmers whose land is repeatedly used by fly-tippers."