A RECYCLING facility introduced by the Vale council is damaging the local environment rather than improving it, according to an angry Penarth Times reader.

Heaps of rubbish have started to pile up at the recycling unit in the Cliff Top car park.

The Penarth resident who contacted us said: "There are now over a dozen so-called recycling bins in the car park for a variety of used products.

"It would appear that more waste of all descriptions is left to lie on the ground than goes in the bins.

"By providing these facilities the council is supposedly attempting to improve our environment. This is far from the case. All we now have is a health hazard and an eyesore."

Vale Council Operational Manager for Waste Management and Cleansing, Clifford Parish, said: "Our bring sites are emptied and cleaned on a regular basis.

"The one at the Cliff Tops was last serviced yesterday (Tuesday 24 January) and is emptied three times a week. Unfortunately, we do encounter problems at the site, as some people leave behind items that cannot be recycled, for example cardboard, and general rubbish.

"We ask residents not to leave rubbish at any of our bring sites as this affects all users, incurs unnecessary cleansing costs for the council and, could ultimately result in us having to remove the banks.