Shopping centre recycling dispute

Shopping centre recycling dispute

1 August 2012 - by David Telford

A LOCAL politician is campaigning for the return of a recycling facility at the Ballydugan Road retail park in Downpatrick.

A bottle bank was removed from the complex last year, but councillor Cadogan Enright hopes the management company which looks after the retail complex will be able to secure its return.

The Downpatrick councillor said he has been in discussions with the management company after being contacted by a number of people seeking the return of the bottle bank and other recycling facilities.

“I have been informed that the owner of the retail park does not want recycling bins, even for bottles, as he’s concerned about other rubbish being dumped,” said Councillor Enright.

“It seems odd to me that the biggest retail park in the district does not support the normal recycling needs of its customers.”

Councillor Enright believes the fact there are security cameras at the Ballydugan Road retail park would provide evidence for Down Council to prosecute anyone dumping waste at the location. He also said signs warning against dumping would prove effective.

The Downpatrick councillor said he plans to pursue the issue of providing recycling facilities at the retail park, arguing it’s the responsibility of its owner to accommodate customers’ needs when it comes to recycling.

Mr. Enright said the absence of recycling facilities results in more waste going to landfill which results in higher costs for ratepayers due to landfill tax charges.