As the hot summer continues and temperatures soar to over 30 Celsius, Haringey Liberal Democrats are expressing serious concerns over the likely effects of strikes by refuse collectors.

Many of Haringey Accord’s refuse collectors are on an indefinite strike over the levels of their workloads. As the trend towards services being contracted out to independent companies continues, the action is being seen as a test of Haringey Council’s competence in dealing with contracts.

Haringey Council claim that contingency plans have been put into place to ensure that collections continue as normal, though residents and councillors continue to have concerns.

Cllr Williams, Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition, comments,

“As Haringey changes from a ‘service provider’ to a ‘service procurer’, the needs of residents must not be forgotten. The Council must stand firm on behalf of residents, ready to enforce the terms and conditions that have been negotiated and that Haringey taxpayers have paid for. This is a test as to whether they have the wherewithal and the competence to properly manage these key contracts.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds,

“Let’s hope that this is not the start of a summer of discontent. As temperatures soar having mounds of rubbish pile up on our streets is not an option.Public health and safety must not suffer.”