Trade waste is being collected quicker and more efficiently from Bath city centre in a three-month trial aimed at growing the evening economy as well as escalating the war on gulls.
Under the scheme, rubbish bags are being collected from outside businesses between 5.30pm and 6pm to ensure they are only on the street for a short time.
The trial, which got underway last week, is being staged as lighter and warmer evenings mean more people want to eat and drink al fresco outside the city’s bars and restaurants.
But the city’s gull menace means bags are often ripped open by the birds and their contents strewn across pavements – severely denting the city’s image to visitors and hampering efforts to boost the early evening economy.
The trial, staged by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), is a significant enhancement of the successful trade waste scheme introduced by the BID and operated in partnership with SUEZ.
Bath BID chief executive Louise Prynne said: “The trial will help support the late afternoon/early evening economy during the very busy summer period, when the city is perhaps at its best as the days draw out and the number of visitors increase.
“We have worked very closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council to develop this trial and if successful will look to expand the service across other areas of the city.”
Council cabinet member for community services Martin Veal added: “This trade waste trial will help to drive forward the council’s crackdown on the gull problem by reducing street litter and food sources for gulls.
“It is the ambition of the council and Bath BID that our World Heritage City grows its reputation as one of the UK’s cleanest and most attractive visitor destinations. The trial will also underline the power of collaborative working between the council and the Bath BID and help us to support the evening and night-time economy.”
Kambiz Shayegan, who owns Vino Vino wine and cocktail bar, the Amarone Restaurant, the Oven, and Rapheal – all on the trial route – said: “If successful this will be a big improvement, especially for the city’s hospitality sector businesses. As summer arrives the city’s pavement culture comes into full swing and in many ways helps to define the attractiveness of Bath as a place to relax and enjoy food and drink.
“The speedier removal of trade waste and food segregation in seagull-proof canisters will help to ensure that pleasure is not compromised.”
The trial covers Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Saw Close and the end of Upper Borough Walls. All B&NES and Bath BID/SUEZ trade waste customers are included in the trail and it is hoped other trade waste collection companies will support it.
B&NES and Bath BID teams have been on the streets monitoring the progress this week.
Pictured: Cllr Martin Veal, Louise Prynne of Bath BID and business owner Kambiz Shayegan
