Outrage At Bin Removal In York

350 bins have been removed from York and it's surrounding villages.

The council say it will save us £40,000, but campaigners think messy streets will put off tourists.

City of York Council Statement:

Russell Stone, head of Neighbourhood Pride Services at City of York Council said:

"Following the 2012/13 budget meeting which agreed to reduce the number of litter bins across the city, the council has removed around 350 bins outside the city centre to save £40,000.

"The 350 bins removed were either:
o Under used
o Used mainly for household or commercial waste or
o Too near other bins.

"Their removal follows the council's Litter Bin Review and Reinvigorate York strategy, and forms part of a public engagement process and review of services to improve the public realm, frontline and environmental services under the Smarter York banner and in the context of current financial challenges.

"Of the bins removed, a number were disposed of due to their poor condition and the rest are being repaired and restored as replacements for when those still in use wear out.

"As part of this programme, a highly successful trial by City of York Council of a large-capacity compactor bin in King's Square has led to 13 more such bins being installed to further improve the cleanliness and appearance of the city centre, including one in Acomb, Front Street.

"These 800-litre capacity bin will be closely monitored as early indications suggest waste operatives will have to empty them less, so allowing more time to clean the waste drawers and tidy the area immediately surrounding the bin as well as being able to give more time to emptying the smaller-capacity bins.

"We are reviewing cleanliness standards and consulting residents, and a bin may be returned if monitoring shows this is necessary or if there is exceptional demand.

"City of York Council has been asked by and has provided Dunnington Sports Club with two bins for use in their grounds, which they empty and maintain as their part of keeping the local environment clean.

"We thank residents for their help keeping the city clean and tidy by using the bins we provide, and the many community groups and individuals who carry out litter picking within their local community."

York Liberal Democrats Statement:

Over 1,000 residents have signed a petition calling for 25 bins to be reinstated in York's Huntington and New Earswick Ward.
 
In June, in a move that sparked cross-party and public anger, 349 litter and dog bins were removed by City of York Council, including 25 in Huntington and New Earswick. Liberal Democrats have campaigned against the cuts and local pressure has already seen some bins returned across York. Now the Group is calling on Labour to listen to residents and have a wider rethink.
 
Chris Twells, a local resident and Lib Dem campaigner who helped organised the petition, commented:
 
"The response to our petition has been overwhelming with more than 1,000 people demanding the return of these bins. Local residents are angry that the bins were removed without warning or consultation and they are worried that litter and dog mess in the area is increasing as a result. I hope the Council will listen to these concerns and act."
 
Councillor Carol Runciman, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Huntington and New Earswick Councillor, commented:
 
"While it is good that some bins have been returned, the Council needs to go further. Bins should be returned where there is a demand to do so and where an increase in litter has been reported. It seems totally wrong that Labour recently found £3.3 million to spruce up the city-centre, but can not find funds to provide the basic services in our local communities and villages. I hope the results of this petition will encourage Labour to get out of their Guildhall bubble and actually start listening to ordinary residents in every part of the city."