Sheffield students came to Sheffield Town Hall today in order to protest against plans to axe the weekly bin collection service and reduce recycling services at the same time. The controversial proposals are being put forward by the Labour controlled Council, although students are supported by local Liberal Democrat councillors.
Student officers at the University of Sheffield Students’ Union are opposing the plan due to the potential impacts on students and permanent residents throughout communities in Sheffield.
Under questioning from the students at the 2pm meeting of Full Council, Labour councillors revealed that no specific consultation had been carried out with students and there are no plans to increase existing bin capacity for larger households.
Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council and local councillor for Broomhill, said:
“Students asked a lot of important questions about the implications for all local residents, but Labour councillors didn’t have any answers. Clearly Labour’s policy to reduce bin collections and recycling services hasn’t been thought through. That’s why local Liberal Democrats are against the plan.”
Cllr Paul Scriven, fellow local Liberal Democrat councillor for Broomhill, said:
“I’ve been really impressed with the engagement from local students, many of whom are concerned about the impact on everyone in the local community including local permanent residents. I’m backing their campaign all the way as I know Labour’s plan could have a real negative impact on our area.”
Andrew Tromans, second-year student of the University of Sheffield, said:
“Scrapping weekly bin collections will have a real impact on student areas. Despite the questions we asked today, Labour councillors offered little comfort to students living in Sheffield.
“It seems they’ve made this decision with no regards to the student community.”
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