Shared bins for thousands (From The Argus)

Shared bins for thousands

9:39am Wednesday 13th August 2008 in Search By Lawrence Marzouk

Controversial communal bins are planned to be introduced across central Brighton and Hove – even in roads where residents have opposed them.

Only seafront Regency squares – such as Brunswick Square and Lewes Crescent – are to be exempt from the scheme, The Argus can reveal.

A recommendation to put more than 500 massive bins is to go to Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet next month.

The move will affect 185,000 residents between Davigdor Road and the seafront and from Sackville Road in Hove to Boundary Road in Kemp Town.

Last September the council delayed its plans after objections. It agreed to consult residents on the scheme, which will spell the end for doorstep bin collections.

This ended in February 2008 and residents have since been awaiting the results.

The council refused to discuss the conclusions of the consultation.

But it said that 60% of residents voted in favour of the move.

But information seen by The Argus also reveals dozens of roads which do not want the huge containers are likely to see them in their streets.

In 2004, the council carried out a trial of the containers in 24 roads, leading to almost unanimous support.

The scheme will cost £675,000 but the council projects it will save £970,000 by 2015.

The bins are also expected to take up more than 140 roadside parking spaces.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, leader of the council’s Labour group, said: “I think the council should be reporting back to residents to tell them the outcome of the consultation before the decision is taken.”

Opponents also say the communal bins will have an impact on recycling as people will be no longer be personally accountable for the contents of their rubbish.

Green councillor Jason Kitcat, whose Regency ward is part of the plan, said: “Anyone off the seafront is not being given the option to opt out and some of those streets which are against the communal bins are beautiful. These bins are not attractive.”

If the scheme is approved, it is expected to be in place by next summer.

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