A COUNCIL meeting ends in disagreement over the rollout of a new waste and recycling service.
New Forest District Council met on Thursday, August 28, to discuss the first phase of its waste scheme, which has drawn criticism from residents and opposition councillors.
The meeting, called by the Liberal Democrats, focused on what they described as "unstable" delivery of the new scheme and called for a pause to address ongoing issues.
Conservative councillors voted against a pause and instead noted the progress report, passing responsibility back to the Conservative-controlled cabinet.
Councillor Malcolm Wade, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "The Lib Dems back recycling – what we oppose is the Conservative administration’s incompetence.
"Phase 1 is unstable, yet they want to press on regardless.
"That multiplies the risks of missed collections, higher costs, and reputational damage.
"Residents deserve a service that works properly.
"A short pause to review Phase 1, complete the trials, and strengthen delivery is the only responsible way forward."
The Liberal Democrat group is calling for a full independent review of Phase 1, covering resident feedback, contractor performance, and financial outturns, before Phases 2 and 3 proceed.
Councillor Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: "We are undertaking a transformation of real scale and significance, one that will shape the future of waste services in the New Forest for years to come.
"While we acknowledge the challenges and the disruption some residents have faced, we remain confident in the direction we are taking and deeply appreciative of the effort being made across the organisation to deliver this change."
More than 31,000 households have transitioned to the new system, with more than 500 tonnes of food waste already collected and recycled.
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Councillor Blunden also addressed concerns about free-roaming animals, including pigs during the pannage season, accessing food waste.
He said: "Certain properties will be asked to place their food waste containers in a different location for collection.
"To make this possible, we are investing in additional resources so that crews can take the extra time required to collect food waste caddies from behind gates.
"And we will write directly to the households affected with clear instructions and guidance."
Edward Heron, the official verderer of the New Forest, welcomed the council’s decision.
He said: "I welcome the council's decision to collect food waste containers from within property boundaries, where they are accessed from within the perambulation, over the pannage period, when pigs are released onto the open forest to eat fallen acorns."
