LETTER: Please do not abuse tip staff

Most of us find that after two weeks these bins are full and we are seeing a reduction in what we put into the weekly waste bins; thereby reducing our input to landfill and reducing costs caused by this.

However, sometimes we have excess waste and this involves a visit to the recycling centre at Hop Oast. This is operated by West Sussex County Council.

Some years ago this was, to be frank, a bit of a tip. However, over the last few years it has improved enormously, being well organised, tidy and clean.

This is due to the work carried out by the staff there. Always present, always informative and always helpful by information, guidance and physical help with heavy loads etc.

Recently there have been changes to the layout with new properly built bays. These have made it easier to park and have improved the safety of drivers, pedestrians and the staff.

However, at peak periods there are sometimes delays for users. This is caused directly by the increase in the number of houses recently built and therefore a substantial number of extra local users.

The site is restricted and has no room to expand in its present form.

Thus, there is sometimes queues, delay and frustration. As a local councillor, I will be talking to both the District and County to see what improvements can be made.

However, recently I have been made aware of quite serious verbal abuse being directed at the staff.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we understand the frustration, but it simply is not their fault. They do more than the best they can.

So please be patient and perhaps manage the times you arrive.

I found that 14.30 on a bank holiday Monday is probably not ideal.

PETER BURGESS

(Con) Horsham district councillor for Holbrook West, North Street, Horsham

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