Latest evidence from Alternate Bin Collection meeting
The ABC Special Advisory Panel, chaired by Cllr Richard Worrall, met on Monday and heard evidence from various speakers confirming that there is no health risk from alternate bin collection.
This was the overriding message from the speakers at the latest meeting of the Panel set up by the Leader of Winchester City Council.
Cllr Judy Onslow and Cllr Dorothy Denson from East Hampshire District Council whose residents have been using a similar service for a number of years with great results had not experienced any health problems with ABC. A representative from Southampton City Council also commented that when they had the scheme active, there were no negative health impacts.
Barrie Sheard, Chairman of the National Pest Technicians Association spoke in relation to the National Rodent Survey report 2006 and confirmed that well-managed ABC schemes do not lead to an increase rat activity.
Friends of the Earth commented on the imperative to recycle due to landfill running out and also the government requirements to which the council is responding. They spoke about people's levels of consumption and the excess packaging that increases the problem of capacity.
A recycling advisor, who deals daily with the public, spoke about his experiences and confirmed that there have been no calls about rats and only 3 calls about maggots during the roll out of the first phase in the district.
Mr John Spokes a Winchester resident also spoke at the meeting and raised concerns about people with small front gardens and the impact ABC has on them.
The next meeting of the Panel takes place on Monday 18 June in the Guildhall Winchester at 6.30pm where more experiences and comments from residents and councillors will be welcomed.