No evidence to support bin plans

Dear Editor,

I have just seen a recent email update from a Hastings Borough Council officer celebrating the high level of returns for the communal bin consultation.

It is indeed good news that for all those people who have not yet received their consultation forms, there are many more who have returned them.

I suspect the reason for the high levels of returns is that local residents are terrified that the Council will in fact bring in this hair-brained scheme.

The most important aspect of the Council officer’s email was that it addressed the low rates of recycling in areas which still have weekly collection.

I have spent some time trying to locate any research available about how communal bins improve recycling rates, but I have not yet found any.

I have found however a report by Friends of the Earth which gives as its first recommendation for improving recycling: ‘Highest recycling rates are achieved by providing a doorstep collection service.’

It seems to me that HBC has failed to offer a compelling case for how communal bins will help recycling rates, and is probably asking the wrong questions in its consultation.

Perhaps a more helpful approach would be to ask ‘How can we (the Council) help you to recycle more?’.

Judging by the level of local feeling against communal bins, the Conservatives will have to go back to the drawing board following the consultation. Otherwise they will risk the allegation that the consultation has been a sham.

The consultation has also raised the issue of the current level of customer satisfaction with the bi-weekly collection of Twin Bins.

My own view is that the Council must develop a democratic mechanism to enable residents to request the return of weekly collection to their area if they want that.

Yours sincerely,

[Please use the form below to contact me with your views about communal bins]

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Nick calls for debate on Substance Misuse provision

Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye, is calling for a multi-agency and cross-party debate on substance misuse provision in Hastings and Rother.

Nick, who works as a mental health social worker locally, has contacted practitioners in various agencies including local GPs, the police and the voluntary sector, to get their views on current provision, gaps in provision, and how services might be improved.

Speaking at the weekend, Nick said,

“It has become clear to me through my work that it is important for us to have a debate locally about whether or not we have the right combination of services available to people with addiction problems.

“This issue is too important to become mired in party politics. I am inviting people of all political persuasions to take part.

“It is true that there is a complex relationship between addictions, homelessness and mental health services. There are also gaps in provision for middle class drinkers and users of street drugs.

“Substance misuse has an impact not only on the immediate individuals and their families, but also for the wider community in respect of crime and disorder, health and social services budgets. There is the real possibility that the wider social impact of substance misuse problems will become more prominent as the recession deepens.”

In support of Nick’s call, local GP Hugh Nicholson said, “This is a timely piece of work because there is nothing more miserable than being kept for years in the ‘sub-life’ of substance misuse.”

Leader of the Lib Dem Group on the County Council, Cllr David Rogers, is helping Nick to establish baseline information on the monies being spent locally on these problems, via the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Local GP Dr Paul Seal said, “The lack of funding is a major factor in substance misuse and alcohol misuse, and I think that as a starting point it would be very useful to look at what monies are allocated and what outcomes are achieved.”

Nick hopes to take the outcome of his research to the local Primary Care Trust in due course.

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