Have we 'bin' duped by refuse charges? (From Free Press Series)

Have we 'bin' duped by refuse charges?

RATEPAYERS in and around Caldicot are refusing to pay extra for refuse services and are dumping their rubbish instead, says a local councillor.

Councillor David Evans, says that people visiting the refuse recycling site in Caerwent are being greeted with a notice which states 'Any more than two small bags of DIY waste must be paid for! Council regulations'. And rather than pay an additional charge, people are dumping their rubbish in nearby lanes.

"People are going up to the recycling place in Caerwent and find out they are going to get charged," said Cllr Evans.

"They're then coming back through the lanes and dumping it. Like many residents of Caldicot, I am always concerned about the amount of fly tipping which takes place.

"Areas such as Garthalan drive and the Moors Road to Rogiet being among the favourite areas for this."

Cllr Evans says many people have complained to him, asking; "Why are we paying for refuse services in our rates, if we are going to have to pay for it again at the recycling site?".

He said: "I have recently visited the Refuse Recycling Site on the A48 road and found a notice stating no more than two small bags of DIY materials can be left without charge.

"Responsible residents have always used this site rather than abandoning or fly tipping their rubbish.

"Householders in Caldicot and surrounding areas already pay a considerable amount of council tax to Monmouthshire county council, which includes an amount for rubbish collection. Are they to pay twice?"

Because of the Bank Holiday, no-one at the council was available for comment.