Fears that cash crisis could hit bin collections

THERE are concerns the funding crisis at Gloucester City Council could lead to streets "blighted by piles of rubbish awaiting collection".

- CARMELO GARCIA

The City Council is in desperate need of a Government bailout loan of between £12.5m and £17.5m and is expected to be told by February if their exceptional fund support application is successful.

The council will look to make savings and generate more income and Labour councillors are concerned the contract with Ubico, who collect rubbish and recycling and provide street cleaning and grounds maintenance services, will be reviewed.

Liberal Democrat council chiefs told last Thursday's special meeting that there are no plans to do away with the fortnightly collection of rubbish and reduce recycling collections but do want to see if they can "make efficiencies".

This was in response to comments by Deputy Labour group leader Karen James (Kingsway) who said one of her "major concerns" about the council's "dire financial situation" is that front line services would be affected.