THE war against the environmental damage caused by plastic products is stepping up.

A Conservative motion to the city council’s development committee on Thursday will call for steps to be taken against the use of plastics in the construction industry in Brighton and Hove.

It follows a November vote to look into ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics and a campaign by publicans to cut down on plastic drinking straws.

The notice of motion, to be submitted by Councillor Robert Nemeth of Wish ward, will say: “This committee requests that an officer report is produced to detail the extent of the use of plastics on and within all buildings in Brighton and Hove, including new builds and additions, and what steps could be taken to address the situation with a view to making Brighton and Hove a leader nationally in the use of quality renewable alternatives.”

Yesterday Cllr Nemeth told The Argus: “We are all led to believe that plastic rainwater goods, and many other building components including windows, are superior because they are cheap to buy and they don’t rot or rust. However, they fail in other ways and cost much more in the long term through a constant need for replacement.

“I’d like to know the true cost and what can be done to train up a new generation of professionals who can really take pride in constructing the Brighton and Hove of the future, whilst properly maintaining the Brighton and Hove of the past, without causing damage to the environment at the same time.”

The motion has cross party-support, with Green Councillor Tom Druitt saying: “Greens have been campaigning to address the environmental problems posed by plastics for years and it’s wonderful to see the Conservatives finally waking up to the issue.

“Greens will be supporting the motion and are calling on the Labour group to support it too so we can move forward together and make our city a leader in sustainable design.”

In November councillors agreed to look at ways to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

And since September, publicans led by the The Tempest Inn in King’s Road have been campaigning against the use of plastic straws. Pub manager Becky Andrews said: “I’m hopeful that in the not too distant future, plastic straws will go the way of the plastic shopping bag.”