The deputy leader of Lichfield District Council has paid tribute to a former cabinet member who stepped down in the wake of issues with the roll-out of new recycling bags.
Cllr Ashley Yeates resigned from his role with the leadership group just weeks after a new dual stream recycling collection system was introduced.
The council’s leader had previously said that Cllr Yeates’ decision had been made in order to allow him to “focus on his entertainment business”.
But he had come in for criticism following the roll-out of the changes to waste collections after it emerged that some of the bags distributed across Lichfield and Burntwood were a third smaller than they should have been.
At the first meeting since Cllr Yeates’ departure, deputy leader Cllr Iain Eadie said the departing cabinet member had shown “integrity” in opting to stand down.
“We all know the issues that have arisen with the change to the recycling service.
“I’m grateful to Ashley for the integrity has shown in stepping aside and saying to somebody else ‘please come and see if you can make changes to the service so it works as effectively as we want’.
“We all look forward to welcoming back Cllr Little. With her expertise in this area she will be a welcome addition and provide good guidance to our officers as we try to make this scheme work effectively for the residents of our district.”
Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council
Cllr Yeates’ departure brings to an end a four year spell on the cabinet at the council.
The deputy leader said his contribution to the success of other projects should not be forgotten,
“I’d like to recognise the things he has delivered to the people that live in the district because they are valuable contributions.
“He’s overseen us purchasing houses to put anyone who presents to us as homeless rather than ending sup in hotel or temporary accommodation, and he introduced the community lottery which is helping good causes have extra money to support people.
“Cllr Yeates also introduced the grant scheme which has seen us as ward members able to help groups in our areas.”
Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council
