Brown bin – greener future

Residents interested in the NEW chargeable garden waste collection service being asked to tell Wychavon District Council as quickly as possible if they’re interested.

Over 2,000 spots have been taken already by early bird residents and this number will increase quickly so get in touch.

Councillor Anna Makison, Executive Board Member for the Environment and Contracted Services said “Places are going quickly and we’re really pleased with the response we’ve had so far. It is first come first served though, so get in touch quickly to reserve your compostable garden waste collection service”

Leaflets on the service have gone through doors and in newspapers giving details on what the service entails but more information is available at the council’s website.

Brown wheelie bins will take excess garden waste away for those who can’t compost or have too much for a composter to handle.

7,500 bins are available on a first come, first served basis with some geographical limitations. They cost £27.50 a year if you pay before 15th February or the normal rate £30 a year. You can even sign up for 2 or 3 years and save even more! To see if the service is offered in your area and that there are places available go to www.wychavon.gov.uk/gardenwaste or call 01386 565005 9am to 5p Monday to Friday.

Polish website

Wychavon have developed a version of their website in Polish.

The website aimed at serving the needs of migrant workers and Polish residents, new to the area, is set to launch on 28th January.

Polish residents on the last electoral roll made up 737 residents and this increases in the summer months when migrant workers come over for seasonal work.

The website that has been translated by Wychavon’s Natalia Zak, originally from Poland, hopes to provide important information to Polish residents in their own language.

Amanda de Warr, Customer Services Manager said “We want to make Polish residents and migrant workers feel as welcome as possible to the area and know that English isn’t always their first language. It’s really important that Polish residents have access to information in Polish, to help them integrate and be aware of any cultural differences. It also encourages Polish residents to learn to speak English and provides signposts to local colleges.”

Natalia Zak, Customer Service Advisor said “It’s been great working on this innovative and new project to help Polish residents get important information easily. It will also reduce the time spent dealing with enquiries at the contact centres as so much information is now readily available on the website. We will continue to develop the website and welcome any input from the Polish community.”

The site will be accessible at www.wychavon.gov.uk/polska

Action taken on puppy farm

On 11th January, Wychavon visited premises near Evesham and found an unlicensed dog breeding site.

The visit followed a complaint from a member of the public and was carried out in conjunction with the RSPCA with police support.

Debbie Herbert, Commercial Services Manager said “When we visited the premises we found a large number of breeding dogs and puppies. The investigation is continuing and a decision on prosecuting the owner for breach of licensing laws will be made shortly.”

“We take animal welfare very seriously and a vet was called in to check all of the dogs and puppies. The owner of the premises was co-operative and agreed to the re-homing of a large number of dogs.”

Pip Singleton, Wychavon’s Dog Warden commented “We managed to persuade the owner that some of the dogs would probably be better off if he gave them up for re-homing – even though the vet and RSPCA were satisfied that they were under no immediate danger.”

Ms Herbert continued: “We’ve had calls from the public about dogs that have been released for re-homing. Lost dog sites have been checked and all the dogs have been scanned for microchips and there is no reason to believe that any of them are strays or stolen dogs.”

Wychavon encourage people to consider choosing a rescue dog as a pet. National and local rescue centres have the welfare of the animals as their primary concern and offer extensive support and advice to potential new owners to ensure that dogs are offered a long term and loving home.

Anyone considering buying a puppy from a breeder or pet shop is advised to check that they are licensed by contacting Wychavon District Council’s Licensing team on 01386 565016.