Local Lib Dem candidate Jo Barton has hit out at Sefton Council for what she sees as a patronising attitude towards recycling. Jo saw red when she found out that a Sefton Cabinet member was boasting about Sefton achieving a 40% recycling rate.
Jo, who is recycling enthusiast, said "I believe
Southport should be leading the way as a Green Town and recycling should be at
the top of that agenda.
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| Cllr John Dodd and Jo Barton support recycling |
"Recent figures published by Sefton Council claim that
we now recycle 40% of our waste, but I take issue with the Cabinet member for
thinking that is something to be proud of.
"I believe with the right measures we can easily raise
our recycling rate to 60% or even higher. However our record for what we
recycle is much worse than it should be as the Council does not collect
cardboard and plastics at the kerbside.
"In Lancashire our counterparts currently do take
cardboard and plastic bottles and in Wigan the council there also takes plastic
containers such as margarine tubs, yoghurt pots and food trays.
"I would like to see Sefton Council copy Wigan in that
regard and commence full kerbside collection as soon as possible.
"There is no excuse for Sefton not to take cardboard
and plastic waste and their refusal is leading to many residents having to take
regular loads to the recycling centres themselves by car which is costing them
money for fuel and adding to CO2 emissions.
"It is ridiculous to be congratulating people when,
according to a survey carried out in conjunction with Larkfield Primary School
pupils, 98% of residents are in favour of recycling and want to see their
plastics and cardboard taken at the kerbside.
