The future of the Northern Civic Amenity Site remains uncertain, with the infrastructure minister unable to guarantee there will be no gap in service when Ramsey Commissioners’ licence expires at the end of March.
Tim Crookall MHK told Tynwald the situation in the north has “not been acceptable”, citing staffing numbers and safety reasons for the current closure of the reuse site.
However, he could not assure members that a new provider would be ready to take over immediately.
“I would love to be in a position where we can guarantee that. I can’t guarantee that,” Mr Crookall said, while saying a tender process was underway.
Abundantly clear
Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper warned that Ramsey Commissioners had been “abundantly clear” they would not continue beyond their licence period.
He pressed the minister on who would fund the service going forward and what statutory provisions existed to enforce payment from local authorities.
Mr Crookall confirmed conversations were ongoing with northern local authorities, adding he would be meeting Bride commissioners shortly following discussions with the Chief Minister.
Dr Michelle Haywood MHK raised concerns about a backlog of waste electrical goods at the site, which the current contractor has failed to deal with.
The minister confirmed he was aware of the issue, noting items were being stored in the reuse shed because the contractor would not take them unless they were dry.
The tender process for a new provider requires the reuse area to be open as part of the contract.