To consider the referral by Council on 13 January 2021 of the following notice of motion submitted by Councillor Mack:

“North Devon District Council fully supports the campaign to remove from sale cheap, polystyrene bodyboards. The council recognises the negative impact on the natural environment these types of bodyboards can have including the danger to wildlife and the ocean.  We fully endorse renting, as opposed to purchasing, of a bodyboard for occasional personal use. We recognise the reduction in raw materials needed for manufacturing and understand the reduction in carbon footprint this also offers.   As a Council we commit to writing to all national supermarkets within our area requesting they immediately remove from sale cheap, polystyrene bodyboards.   We will, where feasible, support the zero charge hire of bodyboards to remove financial barriers in front of those facing financial hardship.” 

The Chair advised that Anne-Marie Eveleigh, representing Plastic Free North Devon was present at the meeting to answer any questions.

Councillor Mack presented the notice of motion which he had submitted to Council on 13 January 2021 that had been referred by Council to the Committee for consideration.  He also advised the Committee of Plastic Free North Devon’s proposed pilot project for Summer 2021 that helped more people access, connect and both mentally and physically benefit the local marine environments and that the Council could assist by removing financial barriers.  Details of this pilot had been included within a supplementary document provided by Plastic Free North Devon.

The Chief Executive advised Committee that in relation to the Plastic Free North Devon pilot project for Summer 2021, the Committee had a contingency reserve.  However, the project could fall within the Community Councillor grant initiative and therefore Plastic Free North Devon could apply for funding from this fund.

In response to a question, the Chief Executive advised that officer costs associated with the communications and work of the Climate Action Team would be absorbed.

In response to questions, Anne-Marie Eveleigh of Plastic Free North Devon advised that the “Protect our Playground” polystyrene bodyboard campaign  was targeted at £10 boards which were cloth covered only on the top of the board and the bottom was just polystyrene.  More expensive boards (i.e. £20+) were encased in another layer of plastic.  The campaign was aimed at banning those boards which were single use.  As part of the campaign, contact was made with all holiday accommodation providers regarding information to be provided to visitors.  The banning of polystyrene bodyboards would be included within this communication sent to visitors.

Councillor Leaver in her capacity of Chair of the Climate Action Team advised that the Plastic Free North Devon campaign could be discussed at the meeting of the Team, on 9 February 2021.

RESOLVED that the Council support and assist the Plastic Free North Devon “Protect our Playground” campaign and communicate that campaign with local retailers pointing out the environmental impact of certain types of bodyboards and that officers and the Climate Action Team be tasked to work on the detail of how the Council can contribute further to the campaign.