Havering Council has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and environmental protection by supporting the national Zane’s Law campaign.
A detailed report will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on 12 November, outlining the Council’s position and proposed new/strengthened legislation to strengthen safeguards against land contamination.
Zane’s Law was initiated following the tragic death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who the campaign claims died from hydrogen cyanide poisoning linked to floodwater from contamination in an old landfill.
The campaign calls for robust laws to ensure thorough inspection, monitoring and remediation of contaminated land, particularly near residential areas.
This comes on the back of the Council’s decision to determine the Launders Lane / Arnold’s Field site as “contaminated land” within the meaning of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The Cabinet report sets out the following:
- Background and National Context: Why Zane’s Law matters and its implications for local authorities.
- Havering’s Position: The borough’s approach to identifying and managing landfill sites and flood risk zones and the need for full resourcing to deliver properly on these.
- Lobbying Strategy: Steps to influence national policy and collaborate with other councils and stakeholders.
Council Leader Cllr Ray Morgon said:
“We know how residents feel about the issue of contaminated land and the distress and damage it can cause to both physical and mental health.
"We also know how difficult it is to solve issues like this as legislation does not support the costs associated with making historic landfill sites safe for all those who live nearby.
“Supporting Zane’s Law is clearly an easy decision as it is about protecting our local communities.
"Havering will continue to champion this cause and work with partners to push for stronger national legislation.
"If agreed it will also mean it will cover the costs of dealing with contaminated land which is clearly an major issue for councils who are struggling from years of underfunding.
“We will therefore be lobbying the Government and our local MPs to see this through Parliament.”
Following endorsement at Cabinet, the report will be presented to Full Council to support the proposals and next steps.