Campbell calls for urgent action on waste disposal

12.00.00am GMT Mon 5th Jan 1998

The future of waste disposal in Larne and Carrickfergus should be addressed by the Department of the Environment within the next few weeks, Alliance Councillor John Campbell has claimed.

Councillor Campbell, who congratulated Larne Borough Council's Mr. Maurice Crum for his efforts in highlighting the problem, said that decisions - including those from council officers - should be made for future planning.

Councillor Campbell said: "The issue of waste disposal is a matter of grave importance for the people of Larne and Carrickfergus. That's why the matter should be addressed immediately.

"We need to have some serious technical thinking from the DoE, Larne and Carrickfergus borough council and from the relevant agencies involved with the waste disposal industry.

"I think we need to have an alternative to the land fill site method of waste disposal and I also believe that we should be looking at new systems of dumping. This has been a continuing problem and we must find a solution.

"I also understand that the tipping of the council's bin lorry provides the biggest cost - apart from council wages - to the council. The issue of the environment is vitally important and I firmly believe that it must be addressed before the year 2000."

ENDS