RECENT letters about the introduction of the green bin waste collection for 60,000 York households have been most interesting.
While I support most efforts to increase recycling materials, including green waste, and to drastically reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill, I am concerned at the dictatorial manner in which this Lib Dems-led council is tackling the problem.
The Lib Dems said in their 2003 local election manifesto: "We will develop a progressive waste disposal plan which maximises recovery, re-use and recycling, employing pilot schemes and full consultation with residents and businesses to win local support."
We in the Labour Group are asking "why no pilot schemes, why no consultation with residents?"
We need to recycle more for everybody's sake and the Government is right to set local authorities challenging waste targets.
We want green waste recycling in this city to be a success, which is why we have been calling for a pilot study to iron out difficulties.
The Lib Dems, in pursuing their "we know best" attitude have forced through a scheme costing more than £1 million without proper trials or resident consultation.
To make this scheme a success, residents need to be taken onboard and be "sold" the benefits of green recycling. This is another example of a Lib Dem let-down and their authoritarian attitude, as in so many other matters, will do more to discourage positive, active participation in the scheme.
Coun David Horton,
Acomb ward (Labour),
Top Lane, Copmanthorpe, York.
Updated: 11:20 Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article