Lisburn and Castlereagh bin collections: Council to meet AgeNI over concerns that new policy will impact the elderly

LCCC recently opened up a public consultation period on its kerbside collection policy after concerns were raised by a number of charities on equality and environmental issues.

The policy, which was decided behind closed doors in council, has also seen DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson calling for people to make their voices heard, with 1,400 responses to date.

However, DUP chairperson of the LCCC environment committee, Caleb McCready, raising his concerns for the elderly in the council chamber, said: “There may be a lot of people who have not been able to get involved in the consultation at this time.

“I am thinking of the elderly, who in many cases have no access to online consultations.”

A council officer responded: “To date we have had 1,400 responses and have contacted 190 groups.“We also have a planned dedicated meeting with AgeNI next week.” Age NI chief executive, Linda Robinson has previously outlined issues around the policy, which would see larger recycling and smaller household waste bins.

She said: “Older people have expressed how they have been disappointed to hear the news of change and are concerned their voice has been absent from decision making.

“They are particularly concerned that the design of the new bin will not be suitable as its considerably larger than the current system they have and feel they will not be able to handle it.

“We are seeking information regarding the consultation on the design of the new system and what feedback was sought from older people and those with a disability who will find the new design more challenging.”

Meanwhile, Castlereagh Alliance Alderman, Martin Gregg told the LCCC chamber, that he was confident fears over the kerbside collection policy would be put at ease.

He said: “I have been to a number of the public consultation meetings and people are largely content, even those who previously had concerns.

“They are seeing that a sensible conclusion on the policy has been made.

“I am now looking forward to the end of the consultation and the roll out of the business case.”