PR 1995
COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERING WITHDRAWAL FROM PROJECT INTEGRA BOARD
Hampshire County Council is considering withdrawing from Project Integra over what it sees as a lack of shared vision over the purpose of Project Integra, and the way it needs to develop to meet the challenge of a significantly higher rate of recycling. The latest difference of view relates to the role and reporting relationships of the current Executive Officer.
The County Council's Director of Environment, Alison Quant, said: "The view of the Project Integra Board on this important matter is clearly quite different from that of the County Council and it reflects a wider malaise, so we feel it may be inappropriate for us as an authority to remain on the Board any longer.
"If a decision to withdraw is made, the County Council will continue to work with the waste collection authorities - that is, district councils - and with Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils as joint waste disposal authorities, but outside the current partnership arrangements which the County Council now believes are hampering progress.
"We were instrumental in setting up Project Integra in 1994 and have put a great deal of effort into its successes. We are disappointed that it seems to have lost its way in not driving forward effectively on the future recycling agenda. The County Council is proud of its leadership role in creating Project Integra, but feels new ways of working are now needed to remain the leading UK county on the waste agenda."
ENDS
For further media information please contact: Sarette Martin on 01962 847666 sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk