Lib Dems call for Better Communications on Bin Crisis

Warrington Liberal Democrats are calling for better communications and clarity from the Council on the bin crisis, writes Group Leader Cllr Bob Barr. Information on the website has improved of late, but not everyone looks at websites or social media.

We deeply regret the situation and are very concerned there is a stand-off with little prospect of a resolution soon. It has a massive impact on everyone, but especially the vulnerable who may have limited storage space and no car to visit a recycling centre or drop-off point. Those with cars who visit the centres face huge queues. All around the town we have fly tipping, overflowing bins or piles of bin bags that look dreadful and create a health risk.

We respect the right of our staff to strike, but the impact on residents is quite unacceptable. Yet during Covid we were all grateful for the work done by the bin men. The Council lost at the High Court, but the judgement must have been finely balanced because it took a few days for the verdict to be given. Whether the Council will appeal, we don’t know. If it did, there would surely be an additional cost to local taxpayers in addition to the £50,000 already spent.

With the rail strike ongoing and further strike action from the doctors planned, I hope we are not headed for another ‘winter of discontent’. If Unite is successful with its claims, there are massive implications for all Councils up and down the country. In the meantime, many questions are repeatedly asked by our residents:

• Why has Unite picked on Warrington?
• Apart from the High Court cost, what other costs are being incurred by the Council?
• Is the Council making any offsetting savings?
• Why can’t some of our Council Tax be reimbursed?
• What about payments for green bin collections that are not taking place?
• Why are there restricted hours at the two new drop-off centres?
• Are any more drop-off centres planned?
• What is the Council doing to support vulnerable people?

We need more clarity from the Council on answers to these questions, simple information on exactly what is happening and what more residents can do to alleviate the situation.