Bins plan is a 'threat to broads'

Officers claim visitors would have no where to leave rubbish

A plan to remove bins from Norfolk Broads mooring sites is to be challenged following concerns holiday makers' rubbish could pile up.

The Broads Authority is to put pressure on Broadland District Council about its plans to close toilets and remove rubbish skips from waterside locations.

The authority has criticised the idea and claims it could have a serious impact on the broads environment.

Broadland council said the plan would reduce its costs by £55,000 a year.

Broads Authority officers believe shutting toilets and removing bins are measures which could have a serious impact on holidaymakers and the broads.

Rubbish collection

Director of field services Mark McGregor has written a report highlighting the importance of having somewhere for visitors to dispose of rubbish.

He said: "People come to the Norfolk Broads for holidays lasting one or two weeks and that generates a substantial amount of rubbish which needs to be disposed of.

"If there are no broadside facilities they will leave plastic bags at 24-hour mooring sites and that will create a problem.

"Naturally they will assume someone will collect the rubbish bags and clear up but at this juncture no-one will."

Broadland District Council aims to save more than £55,000 a year by closing village toilets and removing the rubbish bins.

They are hoping parish councils will pick up the bill and are currently consulting with them.