11 July 2008: Lewes District Council services during industrial action

Lewes District Council anticipates that most of the services it provides will continue next Wednesday 16 July and Thursday 17 July.  Public sector members of UNISON have been called to take industrial action on these two days.

The Council is unaware of the numbers of staff who will strike as it is up to the individual whether they take part, however we are making provisions to ensure it is “business as usual” as much as possible.

There may be some disruption to refuse and kerbside recycling collections. We are therefore advising residents to:

• Put out refuse as usual on their normal collection day. Wherever possible we will collect on the normal collection day. If this is not possible and refuse has not been collected by 5.00pm on the normal collection day then it will be collected the following week.
• Kerbside recycling collections carried out by Lewes District Council (that cover Newhaven, Peacehaven, Seaford, Telscombe Cliffs, East Saltdean, Burgess Hill(Charlwood Gardens, Charlwood Rd, Downscroft, Theobolds Rd and Valebridge Rd), Beddingham, Bishopstone, Ditchling, Falmer, Firle, North Chailey, Northease, Norton, Piddinghoe, Plumpton, Rodmell, South Chailey, Southease, Streat, Westmeston and Wivelsfield), will be collected wherever possible. If this is not possible then it will be collected at the next scheduled date (two weeks later). We apologise that for some people it may mean a month has elapsed between collections.
• There will be no kerbside collections in Barcombe Cross, Barcombe Mills and Newick. It will be collected at the next scheduled date (two weeks later).
• Kerbside recycling collections carried out by Furniture Now! (that cover Lewes, Ringmer, Kingston, Glynde, Cooksbridge, Offham, Iford, Swanborough, Southerham, Barcombe (not Barcombe Cross or Barcombe Mills), Hamsey, and Upper Wellingham will continue as usual. The planned Industrial action does not affect their employees.

If people have enquiries in relation to refuse and recycling they should contact
01273 484999. This is also the number for community services enquiries, including Clean & Green services (abandoned vehicles, fly-tipping, graffiti etc), public conveniences, parks and recreation grounds and bookings for Southover Grange.

In the event of an emergency, members of the public can contact the council on:
Environmental Health enquiries  01273 484362
Housing benefits   01273 484185 or 01273 484057
Homelessness    01273 484182 or 01273 484013

Up to date information can also be found by visiting our website www.lewes.gov.uk

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Media enquiries to Liz Lacon, Communications Manager