The leader of Lichfield District Council has hit back at a Lib Dem councillor’s comments over new recycling bags.
Cllr Paul Ray has called for compensation to be sought in order to ensure the local authority is not out of pocket after the mix-up.
The council has previously admitted that some of the bags distributed are a third smaller than expected.
But Cllr Pullen said a briefing to councillors on the situation should have answered the Lib Dem councillor’s questions.
“If Cllr Ray had turned up tot he all councillor briefing – as did the Conservative, independent and Labour councillors – he would have had answers to his questions, and would now know precisely what Lichfield District Council has done to protect their position.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
But Cllr Ray said he had been at the session.
“I am surprised by Cllr Pullen’s response – his facts are not right.
“I attended the meeting, and specifically interrupted a work meeting, to attend.[
“Secondly, I have publicly said I support the dual stream recycling policy.”
Cllr Paul Ray, Lichfield District Council
The behind-closed-doors meeting saw councillors updated on the latest situation about the controversial new recycling system, which sees households use the new bags for paper and cardboard.
But despite the briefing, pressure has continued to mount on the cabinet member responsible for recycling, with the Labour opposition group leader calling for him to resign in the wake of the session.
Today, Monday the 9th of May, is the day we were promised a new statement and more answers to FAQ’s over the new recycling system (Paul wouldn’t know that, of course). This won’t include answers to the financial/legal dispute with the supplier. That is for another time and will be public.
The only other statement the Council has published on their website was on the 29th of April but this was repudiated by the Cabinet Member responsible for recycling, Cllr Ashley Yeates!
This means that whilst thousands of wrongly sized bags have been delivered throughout the district and, understandably, there have been some problems with the new rounds, the Member with responsibility for the implementation of the service has remained silent.
It will be interesting to see if the Council includes a quote – an apology maybe – from him that he won’t deny later.
Oh dear getting nasty now. I would like to know what is the council charged for emptying the various bins. Is it cheaper for everything to go in the black bin. Only asking as people are saying they are going to put excess card in the black bin.
There is an amazing diktat on the LDC site! Although Blue Bins/Bags are scheduled to be collected fortnightly, if a householder makes 2 mistakes they will apparently have to wait a month before they are allowed to try again!
https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/recycling-bins-waste/recycling-changes/9
“9. Recycling not sorted correctly cannot be collected
Our waste collection team will now be checking every bin prior to collection.
Any bin or bag containing recycling that shouldn’t be in there, will be rejected and will not be collected.
The first time this happens, we will return to collect it within a couple of days. We know that learning a new way to do something can be tough.
The second time it happens we will reject your bag or bin and will only return in a month to collect, at your next due date.
After this time, if you are not able to separate your recycling we will not be able to collect it and you will need to dispose of it yourself at your local council recycling centre.”
Council Tax payers deserve better!
Both statements above cannot be correct. Which one is to be believed?? Maybe neither!
Appalling threat.
So I am paying over 2 grand a year for this “service” ? Disgraceful. So me, a pensioner is expected to take my waste to the tip using my fuel , vehicle and exertion . Tell you what, if I am not getting a service that I’m paying for you need suing under the trade descriptions act.
@Peter. Thanks for the link. Point 19 on the list is interesting:
“19 Taking away additional cardboard
Paper and card placed at the side of the bin in tied packages will be taken away.”
This may be the answer for all those complaining that their blue bags are full of cardboard after only a few days.
These recycling bags are an absolute joke. LDC should be hiding with shame for the complete shambles they have inflicted upon us, without a reasonable resolution to put it right. They just get worse and worse. Massive egos who love a power trip!
Thank you for the Link.
We have studied the Thesis submitted by LDC.
Appear in places to get the Blue Bins and Blue Bags confused.
Nevertheless we will follow the link to the letter and make sure any dictating is adhered too.. NOT