Councillors Act As Mediators Over Residents' Communal Bin Fears

10.29.09am GMT Wed 7th Jan 2004

Concerns from residents over plans to introduce a communal bin pilot in the city centre have been raised by Liberal Democrat Councillors. Councillors Dawn Davidson, David Watkins and Paul Elgood have met with council officers (on Friday 2 January 2004) to raise numerous concerns expressed by residents over the new system.

As a result of the meeting, the council has agreed to:

• review the siting of bins, to minimise impact and visual problems as far as possible avoiding direct siting outside of homes;

• reduce the number of lost parking spaces to 47 across the whole scheme, which is a significant reduction to the total number lost;

• review the scheme after six months (instead of 12) and to monitor it closely during this period;

• review the colour of bins, to blend in more with their surroundings;

• ensure that doorstep collections continue for less mobile residents;

• guarantee appropriate levels of street cleaning and enforcement to support the introduction of the new bins and deal with issues such as fly tipping;

• the new recycling scheme to commence as early as possible.

Regency Lib Dem Councillor Dawn Davidson said:

"A large number of residents have contacted us to express their concerns over the council's forthcoming communal bin pilot. Feelings are running high on this and residents are not at all happy."

"We do share the concerns of many residents over poor consultation, the loss of parking spaces, the potential for poor service from the loss of the doorstep collections and unsightly positioning of the bins."

"As a result of our meeting, council officers have agreed some important compromises, especially not to site the bins outside people's homes and to minimise the loss of car parking spaces. We have got the best deal possible from the council but there will still be huge concerns over this."

Brunswick & Adelaide Lib Dem Councillor Paul Elgood added:

"Although we still don't believe this is the best way for this service to be delivered by the council, we have acted as the mediators between the residents and the council. Any major change such as this causes concern for residents. The key point is for a cast iron guarantee that if the scheme isn't successful it will be taken out at the earliest possibility."

"We are grateful that officers have listened and have gone some way to resolving the issues raised - the question is whether it will be far enough for residents."

The pilot is due to start on 2 February 2004.