New Trade Waste Action for a Tidier, Cleaner and Safer Winchester
Winchester City Council is responding to a growing concern from residents, visitors and the business community that trade waste is spoiling the presentation of the historic city centre.
With its own initiative already in hand to remove the unsightly market bins from the Market Lane/St Maurice’s Covert area, the Council is looking to encourage a tidier environment by working directly with the businesses who leave their own bins out on the streets for long periods. A three-way partnership with Winchester BID and Hampshire County Council will identify businesses whose refuse causes an issue and look at solutions to the problem.
Cllr Jan Warwick, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said,
We have had a rising number of complaints from pedestrians and businesses about some areas of the city that are blighted by multiple, overflowing trade waste bins. Not only does this look unappealing, it also causes an issue around accessibility and hygiene. We know that some of our businesses are really proactive about waste management and this is intended as a ‘line in the sand’ to spur into action those who have not yet managed to successfully tackle waste management. This will help us make the most of the considerable assets our city possesses as a destination to shop, work and visit.
Businesses will be given a chance to discuss the issue and receive advice around reducing and managing trade waste. An agreed period in which to remove bins from the highway will be set after which enforcement action will be taken by the County Council.
Businesses are invited to find out more about the trade waste initiative at a special Council briefing on Monday 16th October at the Winchester Hotel on Worthy Lane. Arrivals from 7.30am for coffee, bacon/egg rolls and networking time. The briefing starts at 8am and should take no more than one hour. For more information email communications@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 848 219.