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| Fiona Hardy and David Harrison - concerned about sun-beds |
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Liberal Democrats have won an important victory on New Forest District Council by persuading the Leisure Scrutiny Panel to review the policy of sun-bed provision in Health & Leisure Centres.
The Tory dominated panel had been unwilling to address the issue until Lib Dem campaigner, Councillor David Harrison used a special device to get the topic on the agenda against the wishes of the Tory Panel Chairman.
Fiona Hardy, a sufferer of skin cancer, turned up and spoke passionately, during the public participation session, about her experiences and expressed the view that the District Council should not be providing sun-beds.
Councillor David Harrison told the panel that the District Council had previously recognised the health concerns and had decided to end sun-bed usage in Health & Leisure Centres by not renewing leasing contracts for sun-beds.
However, without any further review of the health concerns, the Conservatives had decided to keep the sun-beds. He further pointed out that his plea for a review was supported by bodies such as the British Medical Association and the Institute of Environmental Health.
One Conservative member spoke out in favour of individual liberty, arguing that even if sun-beds were harmful to health, users should be allowed to access them via Leisure Centres. However, in a very rare move, the panel agreed to review the whole question of sun-bed usage in Leisure Centres, taking evidence from health experts and other interested parties.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr. Harrison said "There have been very few occasions when the Tories on the Council have yielded to sensible argument, but this was one of them. Sun-beds are a cosmetic treatment with little or no health benefits. I'm pleased that the Scrutiny Panel will at long last address the question of sun-bed usage. I personally don't think they fit with a corporate aim of improving public health".
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