IN RESPONSE to Mr Dean Blagden, I accept refuse collection has not been up to high standards of late.

However, it is important to highlight some of the difficulties the council has faced over the last few months.

Earlier this year, the refuse service was affected by the actions of Greenpeace, when the incineration site at SELCHP, in New Cross, was invaded. This caused severe disruption to the collection service and the council was forced to find alternative disposal sites both in and outside of London. This affected the refuse crews' ability to complete collection schedules within the usual timescales.

As a result of a London-wide strike by members of Unison in May, and more recently in June, approximately 20 per cent of the borough's refuse collection was disrupted. The service has now returned to normal and residents should see an improvement.

As for the refuse service being partially contracted out to a private company, this is not the case and the service continues to be operated in-house.

Can I also assure residents the refuse and street-cleaning service will continue to improve as we are committed to delivering the highest standard of customer service in all areas. With the support and patience of all residents we will have a cleaner and more pleasant environment.

Steve Bullock

Mayor of Lewisham

July 17, 2002 16:00