A Forum for action set up in the Amenity sector

A FORUM FOR ACTION SET UP IN THE AMENITY SECTOR

An Amenity Forum to link all the diverse business activities within the amenity horticulture sector got the unanimous go-ahead from more than twenty organisations involved in the industry.

The idea was triggered off during background work in the planning of the Voluntary Initiative project (for the amenity sector). A clear need was evident for a broad membership group to bring together employers, suppliers of goods and services, training organisations, professional bodies and regulators in this important sector to contribute to the aesthetic value and safety of our environment.

The Amenity Forum will focus on integrated management to achieve the highest standards of stewardship and best practice. It aims to be the voice of the sector throughout its membership network. The new Forum focused quickly on training and NRoSO membership.

We need to build an environmental training programme for operators and advisors and provide assistance to remove obsolete pesticides. It is essential to deliver an update of the new Approved Code of Practice (to incorporate the existing industry Orange Code) and prepare to provide constructive communication at the consultation stage.

The acting Chairman, Jon Allbutt commented 'The formation of the Amenity Forum is a great opportunity for all of us in this diverse sector to come together and speak with one voice on lay issues'. He also invited other organisations who have not yet joined the Forum to take part in this Forum for the Amenity Sector.

For further information contact :
Bob Joice: 01924 495584
Jon Allbutt: 01959 575575
Tamarind Davidson (NRoSO): 02476 696553
VI Amenity web site: www.amenity.org.uk
4 November 2003