NEWS RELEASES
Temporary change to refuse and recycling services
22 May 2008
THE FUNERAL of Jason Maguire, the Horsham District Council refuse loader who was tragically killed on Thursday 15 May, will take place at the Sussex and Surrey Crematorium on Tuesday 27 May.
As a mark of respect and to allow work colleagues to attend the funeral, Horsham District Council will be suspending all refuse and recycling operations on the day of the funeral, Tuesday 27 May.
Household refuse and recycling collections are already scheduled to take place a day late because of the Bank Holiday Monday (26 May) and this decision will delay collections by a further day.
Refuse and recycling crews will work additional overtime over the next two weeks to help bring collections back to normal and they will collect an additional bag of waste if left beside the bin.
Ian Jopling, the Head of Environmental Management Waste and Cleansing at the Council, explained:
"This has been a difficult decision, not least because of the additional disruption it will cause the public after the Bank Holiday.
“Jason was a popular figure at the depot and many of his work colleagues wish to attend his funeral.
“In order to allow as may as possible to attend and as mark of respect to Jason, we have decided to suspend operations on that day.
“We will be working additional overtime to catch up and ask all residents to put their bins and baskets out on the advertised day and we collect them as soon as we can.
“I am sure that the public will understand why this difficult decision has been made and join us in remembering Jason on Tuesday."
Cllr Robert Nye, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability at Horsham District Council, added:
“I would like to add my sincere condolences to Jason’s family, friends and colleagues.
“I am sure that everyone will appreciate why we have decided to suspend our household refuse and recycling collection services on the day of Jason’s funeral.
“Having said this, I am sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.”
Information about Horsham District Council’s household refuse and recycling services is available online or by calling 01403 733144.
Ends
Note to editors
There will be a minute’s silence in memory of Jason Maguire at tonight’s Annual Meeting of Horsham District Council (21 May 2008). The mark of respect and prayers will be led by Reverend Richard Jackson, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Rudgwick.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk