Agenda item

Prior to discussion on the item, the following public speakers and Councillor Dow, addressed the Committee.

Mr Ian Elgin, Chair of the United Nations Association, Eastbourne, addressed the Committee and highlighted the issues around offsetting the volume of CO2 emissions from the Town’s population through the planting of trees.

Mr Nicholas Taylor, a resident of Eastbourne, addressed the Committee and expressed his concern that, although Eastbourne Airshow was supported by residents and Businesses in the Town, the Event for 2023 had not received support from the Council.

Councillor Dow addressed the Committee and expressed concern that, through support of the Airshow, the Council would not be delivering on its carbon neutral policies. Councillor Dow felt there was insufficient or unsubstantiated evidence in the report and that the Committee should not support the recommendations.

Councillor Wallis was unable to attend the meeting and a statement was read out on his behalf. The key points were that Councillor Wallis did not consider that Eastbourne was dependent on Airbourne as a visitor destination and for economic prosperity, and he expressed concern that the representation on the Airbourne Project Board was not balanced. Councillor Wallis did not support the recommendations in the report.

Annie Wills, Head of Leisure and Enterprise and Peter Martin, Events Manager, presented the report which provide an update to the Scrutiny Committee on the Eastbourne Airshow (Airbourne). During discussion, the following points were highlighted:

·         Officers advised that single use plastics had been prohibited at the Event. Where incidents of traders selling plastic bottles of water were identified, it was highlighted that any future purchases in relation to the Event had to be in cans. It was noted, however, that a safe supply of water was needed during hot weather.

·         Officers explained that a large volume of people had been transported through the park and ride facility, however, Industrial action on the railways had put increased pressure on the scheme. Discussions with Stagecoach were taking place to deliver a park and ride scheme outside of the Town in 2023.

·         Members felt the key issue was the sustainability of transport and that investment in rail infrastructure was needed to improve connectivity. A reduction in the number of bus services had also impacted on the ability to provide sustainable transport for the Event. If these measures were not achievable, members urged that a road strategy for the Event be introduced with controls on traffic movement in place.

·         Members also felt that a further report with quantifiable data, that reflected the actual carbon footprint of the Event, be considered. Officers advised that whatever data was available for the Committee’s next meeting would be provided.

Councillor Babarinde proposed that additional recommendations should be added that encouraged a transition for the Event to a more carbon neutral position. This was seconded by Councillor Diplock.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

1)    To note the report;

2)    To recognise the importance of Airbourne to the economic wellbeing of Eastbourne and its reputation as a visitor destination;

3)    To recognise that significant efforts have been made by Eastbourne Borough Council and the Airbourne Project Board to reduce Airbourne 2022’s carbon footprint, compared to 2019; and

4)    To continue support for Airbourne on the condition that its carbon footprint for 2023 is further reduced as part of a just transition into a carbon neutral event.