County Council Says One Thing but Plans Another. Deadline for Fortnightly Collections in Bedford Borough Approaches

The Liberal Democrats have exposed Bedfordshire County Council's plans to introduce fortnightly rubbish collections for all residents in Bedford Borough by March 2008.

This plan is revealed in the County's Environment Directorate Service Plan for 2007 -2009, which lists the introduction of 'Alternate Weekly Collections' as a "Key Priority," and sets a deadline for completion of the project to ensure that all households in the County receive a fortnightly collection of waste of March 31st 2008.

Bizarrely, the Tory run County Council continues to deny publicly that it is planning to introduce fortnightly collections for the residents of Bedford Borough, in spite of the inclusion of this plan in several County Council documents. For example, the County's 'Direction of Travel Self Assessment" document states that "We are working with Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) on contract arrangements to roll out Alternate Week Collection across the county," while its Unitary Bid submission includes its aim to integrate waste collection across the County as a potential "first wave" service with "common branding and collection methods".

Commenting on the issue, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Michael Headley said:

"I don't know why the Tory run County Council is trying to keep its own plans secret from local residents. Perhaps it is embarrassed by its attempts to push a reduced waste collection system onto residents against their wishes, or maybe it is trying to advance its plans quietly with the hope that nobody notices until it's too late. Either way, the County's intentions are crystal clear. In 3 separate documents since last autumn, they have clearly stated their intentions to see fortnightly rubbish collections introduced across the whole county.'

"The County's deadline for the introduction of fortnightly collections of March 2008 underlines the urgency of the issue for Bedford Borough. This is despite 73% of local residents rejecting fortnightly collections in a consultation.'

"Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats firmly believe that instead of fortnightly collections, the best option is for the Council to work with residents to improve recycling levels and reduce waste overall, for example by making it easier for people to recycle at blocks of flats and by including a greater range of materials in the recycling scheme. '

"As for the Conservative and Labour groups on Bedford Borough Council, they have both acted to keep the door wide open for fortnightly collections, and have categorically refused to reject the County Council's pressure to force the system onto local residents. The Liberal Democrat Group, meanwhile, will continue to carry on the fight to save our weekly collections in Bedford Borough."