Store moving bins to new site
FOR the last few months, three bins provided by a Winchester hardware shop have enabled shoppers to recycle their rubbish.
However, they have also given council chiefs a headache, with concerns that they might open the advertising floodgates.
The bins carry the corporate livery of D & G Hardware, and civic bosses are worried that more firms might try to place items carrying their logo in Winchester's streets.
For several months, the bins were placed outside Marks and Spencer, Boots, and the HSBC bank in High Street.
Tony Roberts, who bought the award-winning independent hardware store in 2006, argues that they fill a gap in the market.
His bins, which cost £100 each, are designed for recyclable materials, while the ones provided by the council are not.
"The scheme has gone down really well with our customers, who love having the bins there."
He added that while Winchester City Council was not trying to move them, Hampshire County Council was taking a harder line.
It told him earlier this month (March) that it would impound the bins, charging him £75 for each one, unless he took them away.
The ruling was made using a clause in the 1980 Highways Act, which normally applies to advertising signs like sandwich boards.
Mr Roberts said: "I think the council should be cracking down on the bad ideas, not the good ones."
He has moved the bins temporarily back to his shop, but hopes to find a new home for them elsewhere.
Having been told that he can not use them in Winchester, he intends to move them out of the district.
Their new home is set to be the Fryern Arcade in Chandler's Ford, where D & G Hardware is opening a new store in mid-April.
It will be the first time in the company's 40-year history that it has operated a second branch in addition to the St George's Street shop.
*What do you think of the idea? Add your comments below.
1:02pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Bill, Winchester on 10:01pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I think it is a good idea and the council (WCC & HCC) should be encouraging more businesses to follow suit.
Whatever encourages more recycling has to be applauded (And this doesn't cost the taxpayer anything!).
I think it is a good idea and the council (WCC & HCC) should be encouraging more businesses to follow suit.
Whatever encourages more recycling has to be applauded (And this doesn't cost the taxpayer anything!).
Posted by: Isabella, Winchester on 12:49am Thu 27 Mar 08
I think it is disappointing that Hampshire County Council have put a stop to D&G's recycling bins. They were well received in the town centre, encouraging people to recycle more. The council should be encouraging MORE businesses to create solutions, not put up barriers to those who are using their initiative
I think it is disappointing that Hampshire County Council have put a stop to D&G's recycling bins. They were well received in the town centre, encouraging people to recycle more. The council should be encouraging MORE businesses to create solutions, not put up barriers to those who are using their initiative
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