RECYCLING in Ribble Valley is to receive a boost thanks to a £150,000 scheme by the Tidy Britain group and Lancashire County Council.

Ribble Valley Council's community committee heard that the Tidy Britain group wanted to launch a project funded by Landfill Tax to support green schemes.

The council has one of the poorest recycling records in Lancashire because of collection problems in its wide rural area.

The project would involve appointing an officer res- ponsible for establishing mini-recycling centres in towns and villages, and spearheading educational initiatives and promotional activities.

Chief engineer Graham Jagger said: "The cost of the project over two years has been estimated at £150,000, of which the council's contribution is expected to be minimal."

"We may be able to contribute by way of providing office space and the use of a computer and administrative support rather than by cash.

"Detailed discussions about the funding package have yet to be concluded."

In the first year, the project officer would develop an educational and promotional campaign supporting the benefits of recycling and home composting. In the second year mini-recycling centres would be established. "This joint initiative represents an exceptional opportunity using external funding to boost the council's own activities in raising the amount of waste taken out of the domestic waste stream and being recycled rather than going to landfill.

"And it will give the council the ability to work positively with schools and community groups to increase awareness about the benefits of recycling," Mr Jagger added.

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