LIB DEMS PUT ENVIRONMENT AT TOP OF COUNCIL AGENDA

3.46.22pm GMT Tue 27th Nov 2007

The Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council have placed the Environment at the top of the agenda for the Full Council Meeting on Thursday - 29th November.

Deputy Leader Councillor Ian Doggett and Group Chairman Councillor Ruth Pentney have tabled a motion criticising the Government for not including a Marine Bill in the Queens Speech. With Torbay dependant for much of its employment on the sea, many local people would have welcomed a marine bill locally.

Local MP Adrian Sanders has also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament on the protection of reefs in Lyme Bay.

A number of questions have also been tabled on environmental issues. These include:

Councillor Pentney asking when a Green Travel Plan for council employees will be introduced;

Councillor Doggett has asked when the Council will use recycled paper for its internal documents;

Councillor Doggett has also asked if the operator of the proposed balloon has agreed to take out a bond so that the grounds are restored to their former beauty should something go wrong. He has also asked if the Cary estate have been in touch with the Council regarding the covenants that they hold in the area where the proposed balloon is to be sited.

Councillor Carter has asked when work will start on the promised gymnasium as part of the healthy living centre at Clennon Valley.

The Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Councillor Doggett said: "Climate change is perhaps the most important issue. One of the key themes of the Liberal Democrat Council Group is placing the environment at the heart of decision making. We have put that into practice at the next Full Council meeting by tabling a motion and a number of questions on environmental issues."