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NEWS ARTICLES

Council Tax Bombshell

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Ban on common weed killer could create £228 million council tax bombshell

Council Tax Bombshell

Research made available to the Forum has concluded that:

  • A local authority ban on common weed killers used in the professional amenity and garden sectors which contain glyphosate would add £228 million to council tax bills each year
  • This has been calculated as a cost equivalent to current funding for 11,438 adult social care workers
  • The ban could force some UK councils to spend considerable sums in capital outlays to replace conventional spraying systems with alternative approaches

New economic figures unveiled today reveal the cost to the local taxpayer of banning common weed killers to keep pavements, parks and public places weed free.

The figures come at a time when no less than 30 local authorities are being lobbied by some in their communities to ban the same weed killers that are used in amenity areas and gardens throughout the UK.

The research shows that a ban on weed killers containing glyphosate would add £228 million to the UK’s council tax bill each year.

The additional tax requirements for funding the alternatives would require an increase in the average household council tax bill of £7.80 – half the band D rate increase in 2015/16.

Amenity Forum Chairman, Professor John Moverley OBE, commented:

Weed killers are used by local authorities for management of public spaces, including pavements, parks, schools and local authority play areas. The non-chemical alternatives to treating roads and pavements for weeds have a place in an integrated approach to weed management but, as extensive research has shown, cannot currently compete with weed killers in normal day to day operations on economic or effectiveness grounds.

“At a time when Local Authorities are faced with acute budget pressures, it is important that decisions are based upon science and evidence. Nobody working in the professional amenity sector would wish to do anything to endanger public health and safety and always makes use of all options available. Anyweed killer coming to market undertakes rigorous testing before it is released and during its use.

Weed killers used in the amenity sector have been proven time and time again to be safe – no less than 28 independent global regulators and thousands of scientific studies over 40 years back this up. They are used across the diverse and important amenity sector as part of an integrated approach, keeping our railways running, maintaining our world class sports surfaces, for woodlands and much more. This research has just highlighted the costs of keeping pavements weed free. The total amenity cost would be substantially more.

As the voluntary initiative for the sector, we seek to provide an independent voice promoting best practice in all aspects of weed and pest management. We recognize concerns can arise but, in dealing with them, we need a rational debate based upon science and facts. The management of weeds and pests in amenity impacts upon every UK citizen’’

Southend United Groundsman Ken Hare Reaches Settlement With Club

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Southend United Groundsman Ken Hare Reaches Settlement With Club. Prospect (the union that represents football officials, cricket umpires, grounds staff and other sports professionals) has reached a mutually acceptable agreement for Southend United’s groundsman, Ken Hare, whose employment was terminated in January.

Hare was dismissed on 21 January after Southend’s home match against Bolton was postponed because the pitch was frozen.

Hare contacted his professional body, the Institute of Groundsmanship who provided support and advice, and his trade union Prospect.

Prospect national secretary, Alan Leighton, represented Hare in the negotiations with Southend chairman, Ron Martin.

Leighton said: “The negotiations were tough, but conducted in a good and fair spirit with each side acknowledging the other’s position in order to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

“The nature of the negotiations was typified by the kind offer of two season tickets for Ken as part of the arrangement. Ken gratefully accepted the offer and hopes to see Southend promoted in 2017/18.”

The terms of the agreement are confidential, but Hare said: “I am delighted with the outcome and would like to express my thanks to Prospect, the IOG and the Chairman, Ron Martin, for helping reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

“Without the support of my union, I would have had difficulty resolving this without incurring the cost and stress of it potentially being determined at an employment tribunal. I would encourage all my grounds staff colleagues to join Prospect and the IOG.”

Leighton added: “This was a hugely important issue for Ken and for grounds staff more generally. Employees in football clubs need the support of an independent friend in the workplace because problems can arise at any time.

“Prospect was able to provide crucial professional advice and representation.”

Leighton paid tribute to Ron Martin for being pro-active and prepared to compromise and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

Tim Gray for the IOG said: “Ken’s case was a classic example of why the partnership between IOG and Prospect is so important. It shows why grounds staff should be members of both the IOG – for professional advice and development – and of Prospect, for employment advice and representation.”

To read the original article from Prospect, click here

Cleaner, Greener, Quieter Mowing With Toro

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Cleaner, Greener, Quieter Mowing With Toro. Toro’s hybrid duo bring unparalleled results that don’t cost the Earth.

Cleaner, Greener, Quieter Mowing With Toro

To meet the demands of turf professionals across the UK wishing to reduce their carbon footprint, save fuel and cut operating costs, Toro‘s hybrid mower duo have been through years of thorough testing to deliver this while ensuring high performance remains unparalleled.

The two innovative mowers under the spotlight are the Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid 3420, the first machine to earn the EnergySmart label from Toro, and the Reelmaster 5010-H hybrid fairway mower – well-known as the industry’s first fairway mower with a true hybrid drive system.

Hybrid-electric vehicles combine electric motor and engine-based power sources, and the two Toro mowers are no different: both are propelled forwards by 24.8hp Kubota diesel engines, but their cutting units are battery powered rather than hydraulic.

This results in a reduction of fuel consumption, making an investment in a Toro hybrid mower not only cost-effective in the long run but more eco-friendly too. In fact, the 5010-H can save users up to an impressive 20 percent on fuel.

Such fuel-savings are down to the model’s unique PowerMatch technology, which couples the power from its diesel engine with its self-recharging 48-volt battery pack in order to produce the power needed for traction and cutting, depending on mowing conditions.

Therefore the 5010-H is capable of being very powerful, but only when necessary, which saves fuel and money. This model is proof that a mower can be economical to run, yet still perform as well as a higher horsepower machine.

While both mowers’ all-electric cutting units are as productive as hydraulically powered units, another benefit is that they produce less noise pollution. Due to the hybrid-drive system, there is less engine noise meaning players, guests and nearby wildlife are less likely to be disturbed.

In addition to this, taking away hydraulic units from the machines removes 100 potential leak points. There is no frustration like oil leaking onto freshly mowed turf. With hybrid mowers this risk is completely eliminated, meaning the duo are kinder on turf as well as the environment.

With Toro hybrid mowers money is saved thanks to reduced fuel consumption, so high-quality productive mowing doesn’t cost you, or the Earth.
To demo or simply learn more about these cleaner, greener, quieter mowers, please visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk or call 01480 226800.

Volunteer Groundsman ‘Sacked’ While Still On The Pitch

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Volunteer Groundsman ‘Sacked’ While Still On The Pitch. A groundsman who has dedicated half of his life to volunteering for Hull City has been left devastated after being unexpectedly ‘sacked’ while on the pitch.

David, 31, started volunteering at Boothferry Park when he was just 15 by offering to tidy up the pitch after every Hull City home game alongside his father and older brothers.

When Hull City moved to the KCOM Stadium in 2002, the family followed, and in the years to come they went on to sort the pitch after midweek and England under-21 matches in

exchange for complimentary match tickets to Tigers games.

However, after starting their work following Saturday’s defeat to Sunderland, the group were unexpectedly ushered away from the stadium and told that they would no longer be needed.

David said: “We were only about 20 minutes in to doing our job when one of the stewards approached us while in communication with the security office above the North Stand.

“We were questioned where we received our match day tickets from and who authorised it.

“We told him that we always used to receive our tickets from the full-time ground staff when we finished doing our job or they would be left at the reception for us to collect before the next game.

“The steward then informed us that his superior told him to inform us that we should stop what we were doing and leave.

“We were utterly shocked. The steward himself has been at the club for as long as we have been doing the pitch and I think he found it very difficult to tell us this news.”

As they headed towards the exit, David was left feeling dejected after what he labelled ‘the end of an era.’

“We’re all very shocked and bitterly disappointed,” he said. “I have been privileged to be a small part of the club for over half of my life and I think this is why I feel so disappointed in losing our role and especially in the manner that we were told.

“We were all loyal supporters before we gained the position on the pitch, so to be able to enter the sacred playing surface of Boothferry Park, an award-winning pitch I recall, was absolutely amazing and it felt so special.

“When we moved to the KC Stadium that too was an awe-inspiring situation. To walk out on to the pitch of a brand new, state of the art stadium was a pure privilege and it was an honour to be trusted to maintain the high standards required by the full time groundsmen.

“I feel very disappointed by the decision to sack us and given no notice too, it feels as though the years count for nothing.

“We know it was always a privileged position to be able to do the role, and for so long, but it doesn’t mean it’s not upsetting to suddenly have it taken away from you.”

The Superstadium Management Company (SMC) has been contacted for a comment.

To read the original article, click here

Replay And England Hockey Extend Agreement For A Further 2 Years

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Replay And England Hockey Extend Agreement For A Further 2 Years – Initiated originally in 2015, synthetic maintenance specialists Replay Maintenance are pleased to announce they have expanded their partnership with England Hockey for a further two years.  This new agreement sees Replay become the sole Official Maintenance Partner, providing practical pitch maintenance as well as support and educational services to clubs around the country.

Replay And England Hockey Extend Agreement For A Further 2 Years

For many years, Replay have responded, advised on and rejuvenated a huge amount of synthetic pitches across the full spectrum of sports.  As hockey continues to experience recognition on and off the pitch, this partnership ensures England Hockey have the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide the highest standards of service and playing surfaces to the hockey community.  Affiliated clubs can benefit from the fruits of the partnership which range from free surface inspections and discounted rates on synthetic pitch maintenance through to education and training to help regional teams and clubs understand the importance of regular maintenance. 

Commenting on the agreement Jon Cockcroft, Commercial Director of England Hockey said, “‘We are delighted to have renewed our partnership with Replay Maintenance through until 2018. As market-leaders in pitch maintenance the work Replay undertake with clubs and schools around the country positively impacts the hockey community. Through the wide range of pitch care they provide it ensures fantastic playing surfaces for all. We look forward to working with Garry and his team as hockey continues to make positive strides on and off the pitch.”

Replay Director Garry Martin added, “To be selected as the sole Official Maintenance Supplier to England Hockey is testament to the knowledge, experience and high level of service Replay continuously offer and are now renowned for. It’s a great privilege to be working together in partnership with England Hockey and we will strive to continue the great work we’ve started with clubs and facilities nationwide in improving synthetic turf surfaces and maintenance practices.”

Formed in 2003, England Hockey is the National Governing Body for hockey in England.  It is responsible for the governance and development of the sport in the country from the grass roots and domestic level to preparing the Great Britain teams for the Olympic Games.