Fears over NFDC wheelie bins plan for Lymington High Street
THERE are fears one of the most recognisable streets in the UK will be ‘damaged’ by the introduction of wheelie bins.
New Forest District Council will be wheeling out the new bins across the district when its new waste strategy is implemented next year, replacing the current plastic sacks.
Some properties may be exempt, depending on their circumstances, but it’s not yet clear whether properties in Lymington’s town centre are among them. NFDC is working with Keep Britain Tidy to “understand which properties will need alternatives”.
The High Street was recently named the most picturesque in Britain by The Times, recognised for its “architectural grandeur” and “under the radar” women’s fashion stores.
Members of the town’s conservation group the Lymington Society say they are “increasingly concerned” that NFDC has not yet set out the waste collection strategy for the street and other “sensitive, historic” areas of town.
Responding to an A&T inquiry about waste plans for the town centre, an NFDC spokesperson said: “Before the new service starts, we will provide all of our residents with lots more information, including what new waste and recycling containers they will receive, and how we can support them to improve their recycling and reduce waste.”
Society chair Don Mackenzie said: “The society understands the need to modernise the collection of waste in the New Forest but as the local amenity society, has reasonable concerns, that this is implemented in an appropriate way that does not damage the historic character of Georgian Lymington and other historic town centres in the district.
“It is therefore really disappointing that the NFDC has chosen not to provide any reassurance that multiple wheelie bins will not be used in a way that damages the character of the historic Georgian town centre or other historic areas.”
Mr Mackenzie said he was also concerned that NFDC had “delegated” the decision for which properties should get wheelie bins to Keep Britain Tidy.
He said: “The past comment from the council that wheelie bins are now a common sight on the country’s streets is not at all reassuring, neither is the suggestion that they will apparently be giving Keep Britain Tidy the last say on which properties will have to use wheelie bins.
“We sincerely hope that the NFDC will now give the community some reassurances that they are mindful of the need for an appropriate system for the High Street and other historic areas that does not impose multiple wheelie bins, whose use has damaged the character of so many towns centre across the country.”