Recycling survey

Test Valley Liberal Democrats plan to consult local residents on proposals to implement additional recycling facilities across the borough.Test Valley Borough Council currently operates an alterative bin collection system (ABC) where household waste is collected one week and recyclables (paper, card and some plastics) are collected on the next week.

Unlike some councils, TVBC does not collect glass. The council has considered and rejected a door step collection of glass because of costs but Lib Dem councillors have asked for officers to look again at the possibility of a small scale trial or collections in urban areas only.

Lib Dem councillors also plan to undertake a borough wide survey of residents’ views on additional recycling facilities. Launching the campaign Cupernham councillor Dorothy Baverstock said “It is essential that we boost our recycling rates. Glass recycling has proved popular with the public and we want to expand the facility. Most areas need more collection points or door step collections.”

Alamein councillor Len Gates added "We aim to make our recycling provision as effective and consumer friendly as possible. This is why we are consulting the public. We plan to customise recycling facilities to meet local needs."

A survey will be distributed to residents over the next few months. In the meantime copies are available from Lib Dem councillors across the borough or on Len Gates' website at

http://lengates.mycouncillor.org.uk/files/2009/03/glass-recycling-north.pdf

Action on motorcycle nuisance

Following complaints from residents about uninsured and unlicensed motorbikes using Dark Lane between Andover and Enham borough councillor Len Gates contacted police and neighbourhood wardens for action

Patrols were increased in the area and as a result two offenders were issued with warning notices. Police are confident they have solved the problem in the short term and that the offenders will move on to more suitable locations. In the meantime they are continuing to monitor the area.

If you see a repeat of motorcycles using the lane or any other footpath please advise the police on 08450 454545 or dial 101 to report the offence. All calls are treated in confidence and all reported offences will be logged and investigated.

Turkeys do not vote for an early christmas!

Test Valley Borough Council has now set its budget for 2009/2010 after a 2 ½ hour debate during which the Liberal Democrat opposition questioned many aspects of the proposals.Test Valley’s council tax will rise by 4.5%, 23 vacant jobs have been deleted and a further 20 – 30 redundancies are expected. The Lib Dems argued that while the increase in council tax was inevitable it should be tempered by a freeze on increases in fees and charges, set to rise by 5%. Deferring increases in charges would cost the council £50,000. This could be more than met by savings in the cost of councillors and the mayoralty we argued. The mayor’s office currently costs taxpayers £126,000 a year. A further Lib Dem proposal to reduce councillor numbers to save an additional £500,000 per year from 2011 was also rejected.

Speaking after the meeting Lib Dem leader Len Gates said "I am disappointed that we lost the vote but feel we did win the arguments. It was heartening to hear that the economic portfolio holder is willing to work with us to look for future cost savings. This problem is not going to go away we will need to continue to look for economies throughout the council and that must include the cost of the councillors themselves."