MAY I offer sincere apologies to Ms Stewart (Letters, November 4) and her neighbours who have experienced problems with the new waste service.
I would like to assure all residents that we are working hard to ensure that issues are ironed out quickly. We were aware of problems with recycling in Prospect Hill which should now have been resolved. The garden waste and card collections in that area should be working properly. Overall the new service is working well, with residents recycling massive quantities and total waste tonnages being taken to landfill declining. Calls from the public are also now decreasing demonstrating that in most places the service is settling in well.
Savings of £1.7-million over a seven-year period are expected from the service whilst offering a better range of recycling opportunities to us. Yes, the operatives are working longer days at the moment but this is within the contract costs. As the new service settles down working hours will normalise.
This was always anticipated in the contractor's service planning, using a different collection method and different vehicle configuration. Implementing any new operation usually takes a little longer to begin with and this was fully contained within the overall contract price.
We are striving to quickly resolve any outstanding problems with the FOCSA teams. If any resident needs further information or assistance then please contact us on 01822 813600 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]
Cllr Robert Sampson
Chairman Environment and Community Committee West Devon Borough Council