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Amenity Forum Concerned
PRESS RELEASE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE IN FAVOUR OF PROHIBITING USE OF PESTICIDES IN PUBLIC PLACES
The Amenity Forum is very concerned about the recent developments regarding the EU Directive for the sustainable use of pesticides.
Recently the EU Environment Committee voted in favour of proposals to the Council and European Parliament to withdraw the use of pesticides in all public amenity areas. This proposal that may well be voted on in the European Parliament in a plenary session during the week of 24th September.
The Amenity Forum is sending a brief to all UK MEP?s before the vote in order that they fully understand the impact if this should go ahead. At the same time they would urge all organisations to contact their own MEP and make their views known to reinforce a clear message.
The Chairman of the Amenity Forum Jon Allbutt said;
"If the EU Parliament votes to withdraw the use of pesticides in all public amenity areas it will have a catastrophic effect on the ability of our professional greenkeepers and groundsmen to prepare world class sports pitches"
"The UK already has statutory and voluntary controls over the use of pesticides, which when combined with our traditions of cultural management and alternative strategies, has resulted in an excellent record of safe use we do not need any further restrictions!"
"As Chairman I shall write to all UK MEPs with a summary of the likely negative impact of such a decision and urge all in our industry to contact their local MEPs to urge them to vote against any proposals to withdraw pesticides approvals in public amenity areas"
Ends.
Further Information
Jon Allbutt, Chairman, Amenity Forum 01959 575575
Bob Joice, Secretary, Amenity Forum 01924 495584
Notes for Editors
- The Amenity Forum developed as a result of the amenity work in the Voluntary Initiative
- The Amenity Forum has thirty-one member organisations representing the sector and five Government observers.
- The Amenity Forum is becoming recognised as the lead 'consultative organisation' for the amenity sector
- Details about the Amenity Forum can be found at www.amenity.org.uk
Date: 3rd September 2007