Waste collection has been reinstated for a parish council after changes in law meant schools had to recycle much more waste.
Pinchbeck Parish Council says it had been inadvertently caught out after South Holland District Council withdrew collections it previously offered to parish councils.
Schools must now recycle more, including food waste and the district council can no longer offer a collection service for them.
Chair and district council member James Avery brought the issue up at the most recent meeting of South Holland.
“I fully understand this change as schools very much such should pay for their waste and recycling services,” he said.
“I’m aware, however, that other organisations have been caught up in that change, ie parish councils and community groups.
“Securing their own arrangements will only lead to an increase in the parish precept.
“I’m mindful that some community groups are charitable organisations.”
The council’s portfolio holder for waste said: “When the new regime comes in with wheelie bins it’s my intention we will continue to look to offer the service to parish councils or community centres, village halls, that kind of thing.”
Speaking after the meeting, Coun Avery said the collections had now been reinstated by South Holland.
“Pinchbeck Hub and Library somehow got picked up in this review, but we’re unsure how this happened.
“The Hub building was indeed a school, but this was up until about 60 years ago.
“Although mums and toddlers sessions are available at the Hub, there is no childcare provision offered or delivered at the Hub.
“It is possible SHDC Officers believed paid childcare was being offered, but that clearly is not the case.
“With the changes planned for the future reorganisation of the delivery of council services across Lincolnshire, we understand this situation is likely to be reviewed again, but for now, we believe the service will be re-instated.
“In fact, the parish council’s waste and recycling was indeed collected this week, for which we thank SHDC sincerely.”
