Hounslow Conservatives Lead On Spitting

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It's "unhygienic, repulsive and unacceptable"

“Very pleased,” was the reaction of Councillor Liz Mammatt, Conservative Deputy Group Leader, after the full Council unanimously supported her motion at the meeting of 30/04/2013 to take the necessary steps to bring in a ban on spitting in public places and to impose fines accordingly.

“The Council from 01/04/2013 has responsibility for health so action needs to be taken to avoid any risks to health. Tuberculosis which is increasing in Hounslow, is developing drug-resistant strains which is particularly worrying for everyone, especially for our elderly and young residents. Every precaution must be taken, as other Councils are doing.

Councillor Bradley Fisher (Conservative, Hounslow South) pointed out that other countries, such as China and India, prohibit spitting.

"Spitting is an unhygienic, repulsive and unacceptable habit. Taking steps to prohibit it will help to protect the environment and people from exposure to possible health risks,” said Liz.

Councillor Ed Mayne, the cabinet member responsible, issued a statement on behalf of the Labour group; "The Council already has a bye-law in place banning spitting in public halls, waiting rooms and places of public entertainment. And the Police can take action against people spitting in certain circumstances. But the Hounslow Council Labour Group supported the motion to introduce a more thorough ban on spitting in public places as we believe it is an anti-social act for which fines should be imposed. The Council will now explore how such a ban can be implemented and enforced effectively.

"It is disappointing that when the Conservative Party were running the Council between 2006 and 2010 they did not introduce officers to enforce a ban on spitting. Particularly in the large contract they signed with John Laing to manage our parks and open spaces which did not include additional officers to enforce bye-laws. The Labour Group is committed to putting more uniformed officers on the streets to take action against anti-social behaviour."

 

May 3, 2013