Thursday, June 21, 2007

Lib Dems to press on with recycling call


LIBERAL Democrats in Gateshead are to continue campaigning for kerbside collections of plastics and cardboard for recycling despite the decision by the Labour run Council to reject the proposal.

Liberal Democrat councillors moved a motion calling for the current kerbside collection scheme for paper, cans and glass to be extended to cardboard and plastics at the meeting held on 7th June.

The motion was moved by Councillor Allison Chatto and seconded by Councillor Peter Maughan.

It called on Gateshead Council to investigate how kerbside collections could be introduced.

But replying to the motion, Labour Councillor and Cabinet member, Michael McNestry attached the call, claiming that in other authorities collection lorries ran late, plastics had to be washed and the system couldn’t cope with the material collected.

“I was very disappointed with Labour’s negative attitude,” said Councillor Chatto. “Here was an opportunity for the Council at least to investigate the possibility of kerbside collections.

“But Labour chose to dismiss the idea out of hand. Whilst the Liberal Democrats are arguing to make Gateshead greener, Labour are standing in the way of progress.”

Councillor Maughan said, “We are taking the message to the people of Gateshead that we want a greener borough. And we will continue to argue that Labour should look again at our proposal.”

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