CRACK DOWN ON LITTER, GRAFFITI AND ABANDONED CARS? NO THANKS, SAY HANTS TORIES

7.36.47pm GMT Sun 16th Jan 2005

ALL of Hampshire's Conservative MPs recently voted against giving local councils additional powers to tackle fly-tipping, litter, graffiti, fly-posting, dog fouling, nuisance noise and abandoned cars.

The Conservatives have wept crocodile tears over fly tipping and abandoned cars. But all ten Hampshire Tory MPs voted against an opportunity to bring in legislation that would deal with these very problems.

The Tories claimed measures in the Government's Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill were unnecessary and the Bill focused "predominantly on urban areas". But these claims were undermined when it turned out that the Bill has received the backing of the National Farmers Union, as well as all three parties, including the Tories, at the Local Government Association.

The Bill has Liberal Democrat support, although the committee stage will need to sort out the government's jumble of pre-election populist measures and ensure it is effective environmental legislation.

Notes Voting records can be checked online at www.publicwhip.org.uk. The vote on the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill took place in the House of Commons on January 10th. Details can be found at www.parliament.uk