Following the Cabinet’s decision to continue the pilot of four and three weekly bin collections, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government, is remaining steadfast in her position, and is calling on the Leader of Conwy County Borough Council to stop pursuing a policy of service inequality.
Janet said:
“Before and since the introduction of four and three weekly bin collections as a trial by the then Labour, Plaid Cymru, Lib-Dem, and Conwy First Council in September 2016, I have remained steadfast in my opposition to this punitive policy.
“As I am sure you are well aware by now, I have shown that there is a clear link between the reduction of bin collections and additional pressure being put on families, the elderly, and our countryside. Indeed, it cannot be simply coincidental that the move away from two weekly bin collections coincided with a substantial increase in fly-tipping.
“The decision of Cllr Gareth Jones, Leader of the Council, in December to continue with the trial was extremely disappointing. Indeed, it is totally unacceptable, for example, that one property in Conwy Valley has its black bins emptied once a month, whilst a similar property in the same band elsewhere in the county has its bins emptied every three weeks.
“This policy of inequality must end with a return to two weekly collections for all”.
“Added to this is the burden now faced by householders in the form of exorbitant charges to get rid of non-household waste at the Community Recycling Centres.
“It is time for the Conwy County Borough Council Cabinet to look more strategically to reduce the bureaucracy and management costs associated with the running of the Authority, where I am sure that savings could be made that do not impact so significantly on our hardworking families and pensioners.”
ENDS
Notes
Conwy's Cabinet continues to pilot monthly bin collections despite backlash
Fly-tipping increase in council where bins could be collected monthly
Welsh Local Authorities struggling to punish fly-tipping offenders