Leader's Viewpoint - Cllr Paul Cox - November 2014

Christmas is fast approaching, so if you’re planning to clear out some cupboards and free up some space ready for the season, please remember to recycle as much as you can. We’re happy to help, as we’ll collect and recycle any old paper or card items, plastic bottles or containers, glass jars or bottles along with any clean, dry, clothing or household textiles and household size batteries. All we ask is that you rinse out the containers and wrap the clothing, so it doesn’t get wet. You can also pick up replacement bags, boxes, textile bags and battery bags from Willows Lane.

It’ll soon be time to deck the halls and get the house looking all festive. If you’re thinking of getting a real Christmas tree, don’t forget we can also recycle it in the New Year once the celebrations are over.  Just put your tree, without plastic or lights, where you normally present recycling at the front of your home, along with your recycling containers or bags, on your first recycling collection day after the 6th January and we’ll do the rest.

We’re also embracing new technology to make recycling even easier and you’ll soon be able to download a bin app for smart phones. The app will tell you all about the date of your next collection, which containers you need to put out and what items you can recycle. It will also give you the option to send you a text or email to remind you about what to recycle and when. We’re planning to launch this over the next few months, so we’ll let you know more then.  When we launch the bin app we’ll also enhance our Bulky Waste Collection service so you’ll get a text with an update if you request the service.
As part of our drive to be more environmentally friendly and cut costs, we won’t be reprinting the two yearly recycling calendar and will move this information onto the Council’s website, or you can access it via the new app. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the internet though, as we’ll be happy to print off your calendar for you, just give us a call.

Whilst the Council suspends normal green waste collections during December, January and February, you can still have your green bin emptied once a fortnight.   Just call us on 01254 388111 to book this service.
And finally, now the wintry weather has really set in, some residents are concerned about tall trees in high winds. That’s why I’m pleased that the Council recently made £10,000 available for a tree maintenance programme. This is something that the Cabinet has been working on for a number of months now and the programme will look at large trees on Council owned land and public highways.

Cllr Paul Cox

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services