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Kerbside future: anger mounting
THE embattled Kerbside recycling company was today expecting a top level visitor as anger over its threatened termination continued to mount.
The council's health and social care political spokesman, Graham Reason (Con, Northowram and Shelf) is due to visit the depot to listen to concerns among staff following talks over its future.
But Halifax Labour MP Linda Riordan said she was horrified that the company looked like being sidelined as part of the new refuse collection contract negotiated by Calderdale Council.
"Kerbside is extremely well run, employing nearly 20 people and providing a much needed recycling service, yet the council has seemingly pushed it aside, despite signing up to a Government Local Area Agreement which encourages work in partnership with social enterprises.
"This is a complete mess and I urge the council to step in and ensure that Kerbside can continue to operate their popular recycling sche-me in partnership with the new waste contractors, not in competition with them," said Mrs Riordan.
The Courier reported last week how Kerbside is facing a David and Goliath battle with Calderdale's new refuse collector, Sita, which plans to run all recycling services from its depot at Battinson Road, Halifax.
Kerbside started a petition to try to drum up support and campaigners set up a stall in Hebden Bridge.
Talks took place last week between Sita, the council and Kerbside directors.
Kerbside's chief executive Paul Brannigan said the discussions had been constructive and certain assurances were forthcoming from the council about how they intended to speak to Sita.
"The new contract is due to start at the beginning of August and no-one wishes to leave this matter unresolved. We are committed to continuing to provide our recycling service and I trust that the council and Sita will see that we have a common interest," he said.
Calderdale's Liberal Democrat leader Janet Battye said it was really disappointing that despite negotiating for more than a year it is only now that the arrangement to include Kerbside seems to have fallen apart.
"We are supporting Kerbside's plans to continue to provide a collection and recycling service and I will be putting my black box out for collection as usual," she said.
The council's director of health and social care, Jonathan Phillips, said the council had received assurances from Sita that they will offer employment or training opportunities to all Kerbside staff and trainees.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
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Wind direction: West
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Light sleet showers
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