Action Note of Culloden & Ardersier Ward Forum held on Wednesday 28 January 2009 at the Cawdor Community Centre, Cawdor at 7.30 pm.
Attendees
Councillor Glynis Sinclair (Chair)
Councillor Roddy Balfour
Councillor John Ford
Councillor Robert Wynd
David Haas, City Manager
Charles Stephen, Ward Manager, Highland Council
Sgt Gus Stewart - Northern Constabulary
P.C. Alistair Munro - Northern Constabulary
Representatives from:
Ardersier Community Council – 2
Smithton & Culloden Community Council – 1
Cawdor Community Council – 1
Croy Community Council – 4
Balloch Community Council – 2
Plus - 10 Members of the public
Apologies: None
1. Welcome and introductions
Councillor Sinclair opened the Forum by welcoming those attending and those invited to make a contribution
2. Community Safety
Presentation by Sgt Gus Stewart - Northern Constabulary
3. Presentation by Steve McDermott, Waste Management Assistant together with Paula Williams, Waste Management Assistant
A description of the new kerbside collections for rural homes and a background to the recycling systems in place at present. It was clarified that those who already had a blue box would not be receiving the new blue bins.
4. Questions from the Public
Q. Other countries have central recycling stations.
A. Decided the best strategy in this area is to collect from homes. Glass collection points have always been central and have not been well used.
Q. Why is there a charge for bulk collections?
A. This Council is one of the last to start charging, it makes people think about waste and take responsibility.
Q. Local people have not received information about the new kerbside collections.
A. Apologies to anyone who has not received this, if you pass on your name the information will be sent out. Unless the recycling vehicle cannot access your property, you will receive a recycling bin.
Q. Many people want to recycle and can’t because they don’t have cars, what
can be done to help?
A. The Council has capacity to put out more recycling points - it is up to communities to request these so that feasibility can be investigated.
Q. Is anything being done about the Tesco carrier bags which frequently litter the trees in the area?
A. Cannot speak for Tesco but they have taken steps to reduce the amount of bags people use. Also, with regards to wind blown litter, the stores causing the problem are contacted. If the litter is on Council land TEC Service clears it.
Q. Can anything be done to get stores to reduce the amount of packaging they use?
A. Yes, companies are set recycling targets by the Government. If they reduce their packaging this means their recycling target will be less and this is an incentive. However a certain level of packaging is required for hygiene and damage prevention – and to suit customer preference.
Q. Was this area included in the survey of bins?
A. It was not possible to check every bin in Highland and therefore a representation of the area was taken. However it would be taken back that the survey was old, haven being conducted in 2000.
Q. The recycling point at Croy was taken away.
A. This is because the site was found to be unsuitable following complaints by a neighbouring property. The point will be reinstated when a suitable site is found. The community need to approach the Council with suggestions who will then investigate the sites.
Q. Who makes the operational decisions about Council waste policies?
A. Policy is set by the Councillors and implemented by officials.
Q. Are there any plans for the Council to set up a facility to recycle waste in this area?
A. At present the Council process compost but they are not in the business to set up a processor for other items. However documents are being produced for work to be done with Moray. Waste is a global commodity and there are aspirations. Waste Management is constantly trying to come up with solutions.
Q. Who is responsible for clearing up the broken glass at bottle banks?
A. Either the contractors or TEC Service.
5. Date of Next Meeting
25 February 2009 – City Ward Forum on Transport at Town House, Inverness