'Space invaders' welcomed
WHEELIE bins were proving to be very popular with Craigavon residents in February 1983.
WHEELIE bins were proving to be very popular with Craigavon residents in February 1983.
The new bins came out smelling of roses after the council totted up the results of a questionnaire of tenants in the test areas.
Although all the forms had not been counted there was an overwhelming vote of confidence being given to the 'space invaders.'
This response helped give the green light for Craigavon to introduce the dustless refuse collection system to every part of the borough.
When the bins were delivered to the test areas in the latter part of 1982, householders had been asked to hold on to their old metal dustbins in case the experiment was unsuccessful.
There were, however, surprisingly few problems with the new system and most tenants began to consider the 'space invaders' to be a big improvement.
"At the very start there were one or two enquiries," said Bobby McDowell, the council's chief technical officer, "and if people had any difficulties we managed to get them sorted out. But there have been no major complaints."
People had been concerned that the bins would fall over in the street on collection day if there were strong winds, but the fears proved unfounded and it seemed certain the bins would become a permanent fixture.
The new system benefited dustmen too, with hydraulic lifting gear tipping the rubbish into the lorry, making their work much cleaner.
A large slice of Craigavon was expected to have the new bins within the next financial year.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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