When should Gerpins tip re-open?

Havering’s Labour leader Councillor Keith Darvill today writes in the Havering Daily.

Of course we all want to the tip to open as soon as possible. But it has to be done safely and effectively. Havering must not be in the position of opening Gerpins and causing miles of static traffic as happened recently in Manchester.

Social distancing measures need to be set up to adhere to government guidelines. Personal Protective Equipment needs to be available for those working at the site. We need assurances that this will actually happen as we already know that PPE is still not being adequately provided at Queen’s Hospital and our borough’s care homes. We don’t want to put people’s lives at risk, as many thousands have died as a result of the virus in this country already.

Labour wants to see a coordinated approach to a re-opening that will be in line with other London boroughs and Essex County Council. The police need to be able to monitor and supervise this enterprise, as long queues will cause frustration. Possible fly tipping en route to the tip could occur if the public are unable to reach their destination for long periods of time.

We don’t want to see political, petulant point scoring from Havering Tory Leader Damian White that helps no one. We do want Gerpins to open safely for the protection of those working there and the general public. 

If those safety measures need more time to be ensured and organised, then we say take the time needed and put people’s lives first.