Enfield urges residents to get spitting mad

If enough residents back the call Enfield will be the first council in the country to ban the habit.

As part of the move the council has launched a poster campaign urging people not to spit in the North London borough.

Councillor Chris Bond, cabinet member for environment said: “We want to ban spitting in the borough but we need to have a petition to show the government the strength of feeling in Enfield - it sounds barmy but that’s the law!

“In the meantime we have launched a poster campaign urging people not to spit in our borough.  It’s a disgusting, anti-social habit which can spread germs.”

And Cllr Bond said the campaign was even more apt after the Summer riots.

He said: “After the Summer riots it’s even more important to get a bit more respect back for our borough and Britain. It’s a small but important step to start with spitting.”

In order for the Council to amend a by-law the authority needs more than 2,750 signatures from residents to demonstrate to the government the strength of feeling over this issue in Enfield.

Petitions can be arranged by hand or on an electronic basis and should be submitted to the Council’s Head of Corporate Scrutiny, Mike Ahuja.

If 2,750 signatures are collected a full Council debate occurs.

If Councillors agree to ban spitting in Enfield a formal application to introduce a by-law will be presented to the government.

Cllr Bond said: “I would be gobsmacked if we do not get a great response on this - already I have received positive messages from people not only in Enfield but all over the country who want to see spitting banned.

“If we get the signatures it will be a real test case for the government’s localism agenda.”

Sign the petition