Local MP "Gives Green Light" to Litter Bugs and Anti Social behaviour

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 19th Jan 2005

"Mr Green's decision is rubbish"

Local Conservative MP Damian Green is under fire from the Liberal Democrats for opposing important measures to help councils protect the local environment.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill will grant tough new powers to tackle litter bugs, fly-tippers, fly-posters and other types of

antisocial and criminal behaviour that damage the environment.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Ashford, Chris Took said:

"Damian Green has let down local residents suffering from anti social behaviour by voting to reject this important Bill.

The bill would help tackle fly-tipping, graffiti, litter, fly-posting and noise nuisance from licensed premises.

"The Conservatives have said they don't think the measures in the Bill are needed in rural areas, hence their opposition. This is an astonishing claim. Do they live in the real world?

The Conservatives are rejecting an opportunity to provide much stronger environmental protection in both town and country. They do not understand the importance of a clean and safe local environment to the quality of people's lives."