Hounslow want new bye-law to stamp out 'filthy habit'
Plans to ban spitting in public places in Hounslow have received a boost with the news that Enfield council received the green light from the Government to introduce a by-law to stamp out the habit in the north London borough.
Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: “Now the Government has finally given the ok to Enfield to ban spitting in public, we are very hopeful our own plans will be given the thumbs up too.”
Last week Eric Pickles MP, secretary of state for communities and local government, approved Enfield’s application to introduce a bye law after it started its campaign to ban spitting in 2011.
Hounslow council will be writing to Mr Pickles’ department to seek its view before running a petition asking Hounslow residents for their views. Earlier this year, a proposal to ban spitting received cross party support. The proposal was mooted in April by Conservative deputy-leader Liz Mammatt who said it was a potential health problem.
Cllr Mayne added: “Although we will go through due process to provide evidence of public support to ban spitting, our hopes are high. We want to stamp out this filthy habit. It’s about standing up for standards and protecting the quality of life of our residents.”
“The Conservatives are very pleased that their motion to take steps to ban spitting in Hounslow may bear fruit,” said Councillor Liz Mammatt, Conservative Deputy Group Leader.
“We are delighted that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP has given Enfield the all clear for a bye-law to this effect.
"We have been maintaining the pressure over these months on the Hounslow’s Labour administration on this so it is good that they plan to contact the Minister accordingly. We must win this battle for the sake of our residents” declared Liz.
August 1, 2013