Council Planning Inaction causes Bin Store Blight

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 4th Aug 2006

"Residents' worst fears have been realised as the unsightly bin store in front of new apartments on Stanley Road in Whalley Range has become a focus for anti-social behaviour", says Liberal Democrat councillor John Grant.

Its only seven months since Whalley Range Lib Dem Councillor John Grant first raised the issues of bin stores at new developments with the council's planning department. These brick built stores are at the front of new blocks of apartments, in front of the building line - and they damage the street scene. Local residents complained about their appearance and position but had greater concern that they might provide cover for anti-social and criminal activity. Sadly, this fear has become a reality.

Whalley Range Liberal Democrat Councillor Grant said:

"I was appalled when a local resident showed me the evidence inside an unlocked bin store opposite his house on Stanley Road. Debris including a mat and used condoms made it quite clear what it was being used for. There is no sign of any bin in this store and residents are still unhappy that it was built in the first place. Local people shouldn't have to put up with this - I will not tolerate prostitution on the streets of Whalley Range."

Cllr Grant added:

"These bins stores with all the rubbish they hold should be out of sight at the back of developments, and not the dominant element in the street scene. I have contacted the head of the City Council's Planning department and the Executive member for the environment to make them aware of this example, and I am calling on them to come forward with plans which put these bins stores where they belong: - at the back, out of sight. In the meantime I will take steps to deal with the awful problem these local people are facing."

ENDS