WASTE LATEST - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH by John Birch

The waste collection service throughout South Hams shows no signs of improvement and the number of missed collections throughout the district is still at an unacceptable level.

FCC, the Council's waste collection contractor, still fails to fulfil its contractual obligations in providing a service that the residents of South Hams deserve and expect.

We have reached the stage where the administration at SHDC should tell FCC that it is time for it to step aside and make way for others who can deliver. Enough is enough.

In recognising a changeover is not going to be a straightforward process I propose that initially SHDC reduces FCC's area of responsibility and introduce a more efficient organisation to take over the remaining area.

One option is to approach Teignbridge District Council with a view to exploring a partnership with its in-house waste collection department. To start off with that partnership could take over responsibility for the waste collection in the eastern area of South Hams including Totnes and Ivybridge.

Once the new organisation is up and running steps can then be taken to replace FCC in the western area of South Hams.

It is now time for the administration at SHDC to bring about a much needed improvement in the waste collection service. I will be seeking the support of other SHDC councillors to bring about this improvement with the proposal I set out above.