Derek Deedman

The proposed withdrawal of this service at the end of June 2008 was discussed at the special meeting of  Chanctonbury County Councillors yesterday (29th).

The County and Horsham District officers put forward strong arguments to support the proposed action, ranging from health and safety to operators and public at the sites, lack of security, lack of customer care/advice, the difficulty of stopping trade and hazardous waste being deposited and the need to recycle more as most waste from these sites went to landfill.

Councillors were very concerned at the lack of discussion with users of the service. In addition with charges proposed for the alternatives or higher travel costs to go to permanent household waste sites at Billingshurst, Hop Oast or Shoreham compared with the free service available to Horsham Town residents, the south of the District was to lose out again.

It was agreed that officers should visit the mobile sites over the coming weeks to meet with users and explain and discuss the reasons for the proposed closure of the service. Furthermore a special meeting(s?) of the Chanctonbury County Local Committee would be arranged to discuss the views made at the mobile site visits, hear more from local people on the matter and give the opportunity for the detailed explanation of the reasons behind the proposal. Letters would be sent to all Parish Councils in the area updating the details already sent out with the above information.