'Outrageous' recyling charges dropped

By Cordelia O'Neill

ISLINGTON Council have abandoned plans to impose an extra charge for recycling in Holloway after a deluge of complaints from residents.

The proposals, branded “an outrageous attempt” by Holloway councillor Paul Smith, would have seen residents in the Vizion 7 development in Hornsey Road coughing up an extra £200 for recycling bins, while their neighbours continue to be given the service for free.

Cllr Smith said: “It’s outrageous. It’s outrageous to expect £200 from these people. As tax payers we object to paying for a service we have already paid for in council tax.”

But Islington councillors, who preside over the most polluting borough in London were forced into a U-turn after opposition from residents.

Roger Milburn, a lawyer and resident of the Vizion 7 complex said: “I’m delighted that they’ve dropped the idea. Haven’t we paid them enough already? It seems unfair. People want us to be greener, but no one’s going to bother trying to recycle when it’s so expensive.”

Councillor Lucy Watt called the charge “an anomaly that will be put right.”

“Easy recycling is one of the reasons why Islington has the fastest increasing recycling rates of any London borough,” she said.

“We are taking steps to ensure all our recycling is free for everyone, regardless of where they live. We’ll keep listening and are keen to hear how we can make it even better.”

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