Agenda item

To receive the report of the Head of Assistant Director for Legal and Governance on any Notices of Motion received by him.

Councillors are asked to note that any Notices of Motion must be received by the Assistant Director for Legal and Governance no later than noon on 3 November 2020.

The Council had before it a Notice of Motion set out in the agenda papers standing in the names of Mr P Middlebrough, Mrs L C Hodgson, Mr R J Morris Mr P A Tuthill and Mr T Baker-Price.

The motion was moved by Mr P Middlebrough and seconded by Mr R J Morris who both spoke in favour of it, and Council agreed to deal with it on the day.

In the ensuing debate, the following points were raised:

·         The waterways of Worcestershire had had a positive impact on the mental health of local residents during the Covid 19 pandemic

·         The waterways of Worcestershire made a positive contribution to the county. This important role affected every Cabinet Member portfolio and must be reflected in all policies to enable the Council to achieve its corporate objectives. It was important to ensure that the arrangements for the governance of the waterways did not prevent the waterways becoming a key player in 21^st century Worcestershire

·         Greater prominence should be afforded to the county’s waterways to attract visitors to the county

·         The waterways of the county not only supported the leisure industry but also many other different local businesses and allowed the local economy to thrive

·         As part of LTP4, the Council was promoting the use of canal towpaths for walking and cycling

·         It should be noted that only two of the county’s watercourses were considered of an acceptable standard by the EA. The environment and biodiversity benefits of maintaining healthy rivers and watercourses were considerable. The Council and its local MPs should support the Sewage Inland Waterways Bill which aimed to make the utility companies more responsible for the discharge of untreated sewage into waterways at times of flood

·         The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that the Council worked closely with partner agencies including the Environment Agency and Severn Trent to maintain the county’s waterways. Work was taking place with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust to slow the flow of waterways and improve the quality of the water entering into the county’s rivers. Boats using the river had an important role in aerating the water and improving the quality of the water. The creation of the fish passes on the River Severn would also improve the quality of the water as a result of the natural feeding habits of the fish. Work was taking place with farmers to help improve farming practices to improve the health of waterways

·         The county’s waterways had a significant role in supporting the horticulture and agriculture sectors of the economy. There were also educational benefits for young people learning about the county’s waterways

·         In the future, the Council should place greater emphasis on the diversity and opportunities that the waterways brought to the county, not least to harness all aspects of water power which could help the Council reduce its carbon footprint.

RESOLVED “Worcestershire rivers and waterways make an important contribution to the vibrancy of the county.

•     They are important to the biodiversity of the county

•     They provide opportunities to promote the health agenda

•     They support the leisure economy

•     They are a source of materials for the construction economy

•     They contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.

Council asks the Cabinet to ensure the positive role made by Worcestershire’s rivers and waterways is reflected in all its policies.”