Sean McCourt explains why the family wanted to help the council's recycling targets.  "We realise that in remote villages like ours, the council finds it extremely difficult to find locations for these sites.  Not only do we run the Black Swan but we also have the Black Swan Holiday Park.  So, although it will be of great benefit to local people, we know from feedback that visitors to the holiday park are also making use of it.  This has to be good for the local area as well as the environment.  Some of the tourers are telling us that they are making decisions on where to stay based on the recycling facilities on the doorstep."

 

The 42,000 households who are now taking part in the council's kerbside collection scheme for paper, cans, bottles and aluminium helped the council to achieve its national recycling target of 14% last year.  From 1 April this year, the scheme was extended to 55,000 homes.

 

Councillor Les Ellington, Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, warns that more will need to be done to reach the next government-set target of 21% for 2005/2006.  He said: "We are extremely grateful to the Black Swan for their public spirited generosity in allowing us to place a mini-recycling centre at their premises.  People have to realise that if we all don't start reducing waste it is going to have a big impact in the future which will ultimately lead to increased costs for landfill that will be passed on to the tax payer either locally or nationally."  ENDS

 

Mini recycling centres have also just been provided at Greenhow, Thruscross and Low Burton.  Full details of the locations around the district are available from the Recycling Helpline 01423 556852 or email at recycling@harrogate.gov.uk or www.harrogate.gov.uk/recycling.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:  Councillor Les Ellington is available for comment on 01423 712461.  Further technical information is available from Mr Simon Johnson, Head of Environment on 01423 556845.  Mr Simon McCourt can be contacted on 07771 834782.