Council pulls the chain on service (From Penarth Times)

Council pulls the chain on service

ANGRY Dinas Powys residents are slamming the Vale of Glamorgan Council over their decision to cut a vital service.

As of December 31, the council's cesspit emptying functions will stop completely, and the rural houses on Cardiff Road will be cut off from this necessary facility.

Owners of Biglis Farmhouse, Argae Lane, Phil and Jan Gray are disgusted that after 12 years of loyal custom to the Vale, they will no longer have this service.

Jan told the Times: "We live in the more remote area of Dinas Powys, and the option to go onto the main sewerage system is not available. We rely on our cesspit being emptied regularly. While we understand that the Vale's rates have been lower than many private firms, they only gave us four weeks notice to find another provider."

After frantic telephone calls to other businesses who offer the same service, Jan finally managed to find one that could empty the cesspit at around the same price.

She said: "It took a lot of phoning around. Because this is a vital need for people like us, it's difficult to find a company that doesn't take advantage. I've found one called Acorn, who were very competitive. But it was still such a hassle."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "The decision of the Vale of Glamorgan Council to cease its cesspit emptying services from the end of the year was confirmed in a letter to customers last month. Although the council will continue providing a service to customers with standing order agreements until March 31 2002, all others will cease from December 31.

"Over recent years, the authority has been forced to increase its cesspit emptying charges. This led a number of very competitive private companies offering the same service. Three years ago the council received on average 12 requests a day for the service, but this has now dropped to around five. It is no longer viable to retain the necessary labour and transport."