Owner sees red over green issues

Mrs Stew separates waste for recycling

A Norfolk guesthouse owner who has won awards for her care for the environment has condemned a legal anomaly that stops her doing more.

North Norfolk District Council has told Ina Stew that it cannot collect waste for recycling from her bed-and-breakfast as it is a business premises.

The council - which earlier this year gave Mrs Stew an Environment Award - says she can only use the standard refuse collection service, which takes all waste to landfill sites.

Mrs Stew, who runs the Cobblers Guesthouse in Wells-next-the-Sea, said: "A lot of us are trying our best but we are not getting any assistance."

Her green guesthouse has won an award

Mrs Stew's green measures include using low-energy lightbulbs and cooking with local produce.

Yet when she asked for more recycling bags she was told she was not entitled to any at all.

Local authorities are only responsible for domestic waste - and say it is too costly to offer recycling services for businesses.

Councillor Roy Haines of North Norfolk Council backed up Mrs Stew's complaint.

"I feel really sorry for Mrs Stew, for the predicament she's in.

"She mustn't be the only person who's got this problem."

Mrs Stew said: "In the papers you read a lot about the council wanting businesses to do more recycling yet... a lot of us are trying our best but we are not getting any assistance. "