Caring for the Environment

The Town Council’s Environmental Issues Forum is an environmental ‘think tank’ that was established in 1995 to encourage involvement by the town’s residents in environmental issues affecting their community.  Download a sample agenda to to see an example of the topics they discuss.  

The Forum also develops a wide range of environmental initiatives such as carrying out habitat surveys of the town’s open spaces, undertaking a an environmental audit of the Town Council and its operations every other year, and promoting cycling and walking.  In recognition of its work, the Forum received a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice in 2001 from the Green Organisation

Their next meeting is on Thursday 24 May at 7.30pm in the Town Council Chamber, and anyone is welcome to attend.

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SCOOP THE POOP HITS THE TARGET

On Saturday 30 June 2007 a Scoop the Poop event targeted three areas in the town where some dog walkers are still not picking up after their pets.

Dog waste found at Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve, Worlds End Recreation Ground and the footpath between Valebridge Road and Maple Drive were sprayed with biodegradable orange spray paint to highlight the scale of the problem. All the areas are well used by families with young children.  Dog waste is particularly dangerous to children as it causes Toxicariasis, a disease that can lead to blindness.  

The volunteers from the Town Council’s Environmental Issues Forum and the Friends of Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve handed out leaflets and poop scoop bags, and sprayed more than 200 piles of dog waste.   Councillor Jacqui Landriani, a member of the Environmental Issues Forum, said: “The majority of dog owners act responsibly and clear up after their pets.  Dog bins have been placed in all these areas so there is no excuse for the minority of irresponsible owners to put our children’s health at risk in this way.”

Roy Ticehurst, Chair of the Friends of Bedelands Farm Nature Reserve, said: “The new Clean Environment Act will enable the Rangers and others to issue fixed penalty fines.  Hopefully this will not be necessary and all dog walkers will act responsibly.”