Havering Friends of the Earth

Questions for election candidates

by Peter Caton; first published 6-May-2022

Franks Wood, Cranham - Peter Caton

As an environmental campaigning community dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of the natural world and everyone in it, Friends of the Earth is not a political organisation. However, if our environment is to be protected it is essential that those elected to govern are committed to taking actions locally, nationally and globally.

With local elections imminent, in conjunction with Havering Climate Coalition, Havering Friends of the Earth Group submitted five questions to the leaders of participating parties:

1. If elected what action would you take to limit the felling of trees adjacent to railway lines, in particular the Romford - Upminster line, to only those that it is demonstrably necessary to remove to ensure the safe operation of the railway?
2. If elected what action would you take to stop the use of Glyphosate by Havering Council and what alternative measures would you promote for weed control?
3. If elected would you oppose all building development on Greenbelt and Green Space land and if so what alternatives would you propose for new house building?
4. If elected what measures would you take to reduce the very high levels of air pollution in some parts of Havering, in particular beside main roads and including close to some schools?
5. If elected what would you do to ensure that Havering Council treats Climate Change as a high priority area and takes the necessary actions for the Borough to become Carbon Neutral?

These are some of the areas that concern us most. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and provide homes for wildlife. Unnecessary tree removal, by railway lines and elsewhere, must be halted. The Glyphosate weed killer used by Havering Council's contractor kills insects and can harm both pets and humans. Safer alternatives are available. Green spaces need to be preserved for us all to enjoy and for wildlife. We are very concerned about high levels of pollution in parts of Havering, particularly on main roads close to schools, endangering the health of children. Whilst global changes need to be made to counter climate change, each Council must act to reduce carbon emissions in its locality and contribute to the worldwide effort that simply has to be made to stave off climate disaster.

We hope that the party leaders will carefully consider our questions and explain what alternatives they propose to environmentally damaging practices and that the new administration will address these issues.