Coronavirus: Girvan calls for re-think on Newtownabbey recycling centres

Paul Girvan MP has called on Antrim and Newtownabbey Council to re-consider the continued closure of amenity sites across the borough during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bruslee Recycling Centre.Bruslee Recycling Centre.
Bruslee Recycling Centre.

Sites have been closed for a number of weeks with an increase in fly-tipping reported across south Antrim.

The DUP representative said: “During the Covid-19 lockdown I have been contacted by many constituents who have shared their frustration about the closure of amenity sites across south Antrim.

“The sites which Antrim and Newtownabbey Council operate are very good, easily some of the best in Northern Ireland. The council has been very successful in encouraging residents to recycle and dispose safely their bulky waste. Using an amenity site has become the de-facto norm of most people’s lives.

“It is because of the council’s success that the abrupt closure of the amenity sites in the borough has brought such concern from south Antrim constituents. I would ask the council to continue on their path of success and re-think how they can operate amenity facilities during this time. I believe it can be done.

“It may be appropriate to operate a reduced service. This might mean a reduction in hours or a reduction in the number of sites open at any given time. Perhaps Antrim amenity site might open one day, Bruslee another, O’Neill Road another and so on for other sites. This would address the issue of staff shortages.”

Mr Girvan added: “I know that the matter of social distancing has been raised and it is an important point to consider. It may work to allow only a certain amount of users into the open site at a time. This system has worked with the retail sector with supermarkets limiting the number of shoppers in their store at a time. The one-way nature of amenity sites would allow of quick use and good turn-over. I am also aware that local volunteer groups are happy to help with the restriction of users.

“The surge in fly-tipping is a disgrace. Those who dump their rubbish illegally bear full responsibility under the law and will still face fines if found to have dumped or had their waste dumped illegally.

“It is worth cautioning against paying anyone to dispose of your waste. There are some companies who are offering a waste disposal service but who simply dump the waste on the side of the road or on private property without the owners knowing. This is illegal and those who use such services may also be liable for fines under the law.

“DUP colleagues in council and the Assembly have been raising this issue since shortly after lockdown. It is a matter which I feel can be resolved successfully and quickly.”

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