Excellent news today as Labour-run Reading Borough Council announces that from April 1 free bulky waste collections will be offered for all Reading residents with a disability, who are permanently incapacitated by ill health, unemployed or on a low income.
Until the Lib Dems campaigned vigorously on this issue well over a year ago RBC only offered a very limited free collection service to pensioners only.
This led to fly tipping problems across the town.
As long ago as 2004 local people have been complaining about the impact of Labour's waste policies but Labour politicians refused to listen to them.
The University area of Redlands and Hexham Road estate have suffered particularly badly as a result as residents and landlords have rejected the idea of paying for waste collection in favour of dumping their rubbish.
Reform of the Labour Council's unfair and ineffective bulky waste policies was a key pledge in the Lib Dem alternative budget which we put forward in Febuary.
Throughout our campaign the local Tories appeared confused and when we put forward a motion calling for reform of Labour's failed policy last October they voted against it, with Labour.
To arrange a collection residents can call freephone 0800 834 035, or complete an application form online at www.reading.gov.uk or write to Streetcare, 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX.
To apply for a Your Reading Passport visit the Council's website or call 0118 939 0386.
This long overdue policy change, along with targeted enforcement action (something the Lib Dems have also successfully campaigned for) will help to make Reading's environment better and reduce the financial burden on Reading's most vulnerable residents.
Well done to Glenn who has led this campaign ans to all the residents who have contacted us calling for action on this issue.
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