A local authority in Essex is to remove paper recycling collection infrastructure because of “repeated arson attacks”.
Tendring District Council said a pair of newspaper and magazine bins at Waterglade Retail Park in Clacton would be taken away following a series of targeted attacks.
Paper and cardboard can be put out by local residents at the kerbside, the local authority stressed, while glass and textiles can still be taken to the shopping area’s ‘bring site’.
Councillor Adrian Smith said the “reckless behaviour of a few individuals” was “incredibly disappointing”.
“Unfortunately, these paper banks have been subjected to repeated arson attacks, causing severe damage and costs to both the banks and their contents, which then must be disposed of as residual waste due to fire and water damage,” he added.
“Despite our efforts to work with the contractor, it can no longer absorb the cost of these acts of arson. As such, we have agreed that these banks are to be removed from this site and not replaced.
“We take pride in our services to residents and want to champion our environment, so it is very frustrating that these facilities must be removed.”
Witnesses to the incidents involving the bins are encouraged to report criminal damage directly to Essex Police.
