Dear Spurtle
Readers must be weary of the constant recycling of stories about, er, recycling, but it seems to be an issue that just won't go away.
According to Edinburgh Council's latest recycling guide, kerbside recycling containers in India Street were due for collection on Friday 26 February. But here they are lined up in the early spring sunshine on Sunday 28 February …
… and they were still out on the pavements on Monday afternoon, 29 February!
Presumably, other city centre streets are on the waiting list, too.
Councillor Lesley Hinds keeps protesting to Spurtle and other news outlets that she is 'committed' to making Edinburgh's recycling scheme work. But saying you're 'committed' to something has become the easy way of not apologising for the very thing that you keep getting wrong. So banks are 'committed' to fair and transparent charges, NHS trusts are 'committed' to infection-free wards, and I'm 'committed' to giving up crisps for Lent.
With her wide range of responsibilities, Councillor Hinds seems to be 'committed' to so many things (see below) that readers might like to monitor her lavish use of the 'c'-word. Perhaps Spurtle could start a new feature - Commitment Watch - highlighting the best examples each month?
David Jackson Young
(India Street)
PS: The recycling lorry eventually came round on Monday evening, just three days late. But I'm sure they're committed to being on time next month.
PPS:
Lesley Hinds on city centre parking:
‘We know there is pressure on Edinburgh businesses and we are committed to various initiatives that will support them.’
BBC News, 6 July 2012 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-18727161
Lesley Hinds on public transport:
‘Today, Cllr Hinds said that as the major shareholder the council was “fully committed” to developing Edinburgh’s public transport system.’
Edinburgh Evening News, 13 November 2014: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/lesley-hinds-joins-lothian-buses-as-chair-resigns-1-3603566#ixzz41gN1r1gW
Lesley Hinds on food:
‘[Lesley] is committed to leading the Edible Edinburgh partnership as it spearheads the changes needed to make our city a sustainable food city.’
Edible Edinburgh website (no, me neither): http://www.edible-edinburgh.org/about-us/
Lesley Hinds on recycling in Edinburgh:
‘The council is committed to setting a recycling standard in Scotland ….’
Edinburgh Evening News, 9 June 2014: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/lesley-hinds-city-must-be-recycling-machine-1-3437547#ixzz41aE8FIOt
Lesley Hinds on accessible travel:
‘Transport Convener and Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, Cllr Lesley Hinds, said, “We are committed to providing accessible travel for everyone in Edinburgh.”’
Bus and Coach Buyer, 23 April 2015: http://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/transport-app-edinburgh-blind/
Lesley Hinds on green spaces:
'Environment Convener Lesley Hinds says: 'We are committed to maintaining the balance between a quality, sustainable events programme and the needs of residents and groups who make regular use of our parks and green spaces …".
Broughton Spurtle, 22 January 2014: http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/council-consults-park-events
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[See also: Letters, 4.3.16, 8.7.16]