Individuals in Dalbeattie really feel they’re getting a uncooked deal after their city’s recycling centre’s hours have been slashed.
A contract dispute between the council and operators Shanks has been blamed for the transfer, which can see Aucheninnes open simply eight hours per week.
The Information understands native councillors acquired an e mail on Thursday alerting them to Shanks’ choice to revert to its unique contracted hours through the dispute.
And the choice has brought about anger within the city. Comparable cuts in hours have been made in 2007 however an extended marketing campaign lastly noticed the dump open 5 days every week once more from early 2013 .
Group council chairman Erica Johnson stated: “We weren’t even informed. We solely came upon as a result of a group councillor went to make use of it.
“We fought exhausting after the final time the hours have been reduce to get it open once more at occasions that have been helpful to individuals, so it might have been good to be consulted about this newest motion.
“It’s one step ahead and two again. It will be nice if the choice was reconsidered and resolved shortly.”
Councillor Rob Davidson can also be indignant however believes the council have been as a lot in the dead of night about Shanks’ choice as residents. He stated: “People won’t be comfortable about this – to place it mildly.
“I don’t perceive why they’ve determined to take this motion and it’s regarding that the council solely obtained 24 hours’ discover.”
Fellow Abbey ward councillor David Stitt added: “ Dalbeattie seems to be the worst hit.”
A council spokesman stated: “On April 1, the opening hours at most family waste recycling centres have been modified by the operator.
“We’re disenchanted the operator took this motion and can proceed discussions relating to future opening hours. Councillors will think about
the matter in June.”
Shanks stay hopeful the dispute may be resolved and Dalbeattie re-opened 5 days every week.
A spokesman stated: “Shanks has been trialling revised hours on the civic amenity websites it runs in Dumfries and Galloway since 2014, following a request by the council.
“This brief-time period trial has been prolonged quite a few occasions and the newest extension has now expired. Shanks is in discussions with the council to agree on full-time working hours and to formally embrace them within the contract.
“Whereas talks proceed, opening hours need to revert to these set out within the settlement to make sure we’re not in breach of contract.”
The Edingham property website is now solely open on Saturdays and Sundays between midday and 4pm.