Hertsmere's struggling waste collection unit could be amalgamated with those of neighbouring councils, in a bid to improve the service and reduce costs.
A report commissioned by Hertsmere Borough Council has concluded that the unit is having difficulty providing a satisfactory service because of substandard equipment.
The council is now seeking a partnership with one or two nearby councils, in the hope that this will result in a better service at a lower cost to the tax-payer.
The move follows a council decision to reduce the amount of rubbish it collects from households, by insisting that only closed wheeled bins will be emptied.
Council leader Neil Payne said: "Possibly we will be able to work with two other local authorities in partnership."
The council is worried because the annual cost of its refuse and street cleaning service has risen to around £2.5million.
According to the consultants' report: "The lack of a depot in the borough, ageing wheeled bins, an unsuitable and ageing vehicle fleet, high maintenance costs and more frequent breakdowns are creating increasing difficulties for the performance of the service."
With regard to street cleaning, it states that due to parking problems, resident behaviour and litter black spots, the service often does not meet the minimum standard required.
The consultants recommend that a partnership with St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield councils be pursued, because a joint operation would cut the council's costs.
The council should purchase new vehicles, build its own depot and buy new wheeled bins, because the existing ones are having to be replaced at a rate of 2,500 a year.
Councillor Dr Spencer Pitfield, the portfolio holder for infrastructure, denied that the decision to only empty closed bins was influenced by the rising cost of refuse collection.
He stressed that the decision was taken for environmental reasons, and said the council aimed to collect separated garden waste, as well as paper, from homes in the near future.
f=GillSans condensedmfoy@london.newsquest.co.uk
October 1, 2002 17:00
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