A COUNCILLOR has highlighted the “general dissatisfaction” with waste collection in East Hampshire with calls growing for a clean break.

David Podger admitted to Petersfield Town Council last week that the joint venture between East Hampshire District Council and waste contractors Norse is causing concerns.

Another councillor has also called for bosses on both sides to answer direct questions at a forthcoming EHDC meeting amid ongoing complaints about waste disposal in the district.

Cllr Podger said: “There have been disruptions, staff shortages, breakdowns, fires caused by disposable barbecue trays and disruptions to green waste disposal systems.

“It can only be said the dissatisfaction is shared by town and district councillors.”

He added: “Cllr Jamie Matthews, who has been particularly persistent on this matter, has also asked for representatives from Norse management and EHDC officers to be present at the next overview and scrutiny meeting to answer direct questions about the performance of that contract.”

The update was linked to a debate about the “rundown” appearance of some pavements and roads and the perceived lack of weeding and litter collection around the patch.

Cllr Podger recalled that EHDC had ‘proudly launched’ a litter enforcement team which could be outsourced to other authorities. But he’s still waiting for a reply as to how often they’ve been hitting the streets of Petersfield, Alton and Bordon and how many fines they’ve issued.

He added: “I’ve not had any responses to the questions I’ve asked, which were ‘when was the last time they were in Petersfield’, ‘what fines have been imposed’ and ‘what plans are there to develop further anti-litter enforcement.”

Cllr Chris Paige did offer some support for Norse saying he regularly saw their vehicles and litter cleaning patrols in town around daybreak.