Fury over New Year charges

Jamie Borthwick and Julie Gilbert • Published 30 Dec 2009 14:00

Bankies needing bulky household items uplifted by the council will face a controversial charge from New Year's Day.

There has been angry reaction to the timing of the introduction of a £15 fee, with accusations that it is deliberately aimed at people buying furniture in the January sales.

It has also been suggested that West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) should have consulted on the policy change.

The charge will see WDC rake in an extra £20,000 by April, but residents are saying the timing is terrible and people will resort to fly tipping.

Daniel Lennie, chair of the Dalmuir Multi-storey Tenants and Residents Association, told the Post: "It's been timed for maximum impact and maximum income.

"People will have more waste after Christmas and plenty will be heading out to the January sales to buy new furniture.

"And people don't have as much money after Christmas.

"Everyone tries to stick to a budget but it never happens and people have to cut back in January and February.

"People won't want to pay the charge and the furniture will end up in the Clyde or in the canal, or it will be burned."

A spokeswoman for WDC said: "The council decided to increase a number of existing charges and introduce some new charges, including a £15 charge for special uplifts, at its November meeting.

"These increased and new charges are considered to be essential in view of the financial situation the council faces.

"As an alternative to paying the £15 charge, householders can take their unwanted bulky household items to the council's Household Waste Recycling Centres at Stanford Street, Clydebank; Ferry Road, Old Kilpatrick; or Dalmoak, Renton."

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 30 Dec 09

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