Councillors Call For Communal Bin Trial Postponement

12.00.00am GMT Thu 27th Nov 2003

Liberal Democrat Councillors are pressing the council to postpone a communal bin pilot in the centre of the city. The pilot has caused considerable concern amongst residents, many of whom are demanding that the scheme is not implemented. The call comes after the Lib Dems surveyed residents in the Regency and Brunswick & Adelaide wards and found a large majority against the plan.

Regency Lib Dem Councillor, Dawn Davidson said:

"It is clear that there is real concern about the areas and streets chosen for the scheme. Whilst I have had some correspondence in support of a trial, the majority have been against. I have carried out my own survey and the response is overwhelmingly against the imposition of the bins."

"The reasons given are many but the elderly are particularly concerned not only at their inability to operate the bins but also their inability to get to the Old Market to visit the exhibition on them. There is concern about residents in other areas using the bins, smells in hot weather and vandalism. Given that much of the area is designated as a conservation area, there is concern about the appearance and the loss of value to property. Some residents have taken the time to consult estate agents to confirm that their property would be devalued by the addition of a bin adjacent to it."

"There is a feeling that the council is rushing into this without the benefit of a full consultation. What is also interesting is the large numbers of residents who deny that rubbish in the street is a problem to them. Rather, most of those who have written to me have no complaint at all about the rubbish collection. They do though have serious reservations about the loss of car parking spaces as a result of this scheme.Parking is always an emotive issue in the City centre and it is clear that this is seen as a major factor in the antagonism to the communal bins pilot."

"Given the deep resentment and the strength of feeling it is my view that the administration should take the time to review this trial."