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What a load of rubbish

Peter Devine
7/12/2005

EXCLUSIVE

COUNCIL bosses are about to create a real stink across the borough - by axing the weekly bin service.

Wheelie bins have already been approved to replace the current plastic bin bags, but on Monday councillors look set to scrap the weekly refuse service altogether - and instead bring in fortnightly collections.

The plan, branded 'insane' by Labour MP Ann Coffey, has already been passed by the housing and development services scrutiny committee, and includes compulsory recycling of cans, bottles, garden waste and paper from April 2007.

However, Tory and Labour politicians abstained from the vote because they oppose less collections.

A furious councillor Les Jones, leader of the Tory group said: "We were vehemently opposed to any move to a two weekly collection service for domestic refuse. We all want to see an end to plastic bags being left outside houses for days and wheelie bins are the answer, but if we have a summer like the last one, any food waste left for two weeks will stink.

"It's typical of the Lib-Dems to rush out a solution without going through all the details. The consequences are likely to be disastrous."

Stockport MP Ms Coffey said: "This move is insane. I agree with wheelie bins but by making collections fortnightly you introduce the probability of more spillage.

"If I put my unused chicken in the bin after one week it will begin to disintegrate, but after two it will be covered with maggots and stink to high heaven, attracting rats.

"How can they call it a cleaner, greener, safer, stronger borough?"

Pat Lavin, from Pickmere and Stirling Tenants' Association, Bridgehall was also outraged, saying: "Imagine what a chicken carcass or baby's nappies will smell like in hot weather after two weeks, it would be a hygiene problem."

The council decided on the latest moves to help reduce landfill and the costs of depositing the waste there.

A fortnightly collection is already in place in Bolton with plans in place to introduce one in Macclesfield next year after a successful pilot in Tytherington.

A Stockport Council spokesman said the report was passed by the committee unopposed after a two hour discussion.

Executive member for the environment Coun Hazel Lees said: "The all-party review panel agreed the report, which included recommendations for fortnightly collections. Final recommendations will be considered on December 12. The council intends to carry out an in-depth consultation with the public. I'm surprised they (the opposition) had concerns at this stage as they spent months creating their own report."

Steve Fisher, Stockport's fire commander, said: "Having attended 107 fires involving refuse containers this year we have concerns this may give the opportunity for more rubbish to build up and more fires. Having not yet been made aware of the full details relating to any change, I will be seeking to address our concerns with Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority."


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Most recent 2 of 13 user comments

   I definitely think that the Council should provide wheelie bins. That way, if they did decide to only collect the rubbish every other week it would all fit in tidily till it was collected. Also, it would stop bags getting ripped by foxes or cats, etc. It would keep all the passages neat and tidy, since the council moan about rubbish being everywhere. Why should we pay so much council tax for nothing? Where's it all going? That's what I'd like to know!
Helen, Stockport
24/01/2006 at 16:29
   I am shocked that the council is even thinking of changing the removal of rubbish to fortnightly, they can't even manage to collect all of it once a week. I have just looked outside my house to see lots of piles of rubbish and green bottles, when reported to the council i was told that i should recycle bottles!!!! (hello its not my rubbish). The recycle bins are good in thoery but when you dont drive and the nearest recycle containers are miles away it is not always an easy option. Wheelie bins are the best option for the whole of stockport. All council estates seem to have wheelie bins and recycle bins, why? And why should our council tax go up for a simple human right not to be living in piles of rubbish. We sure dont pay for the police to investigate any crimes or remove the kids that cause trouble, steal our cars and break into our houses. I think that the council should have an emergency meeting with all resident as last time i check we live in a democracy were the poeple rule and have there say.
Not Again!!!!!, North Reddish
23/01/2006 at 15:19
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