COUNCIL chiefs are urging Vale residents to have their say on the future of scrap metal policy- as they look to take on new powers to tackle metal theft.
Wychavon District Council has launched a public consultation on whether to adopt the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, which gives local authorities greater power in their fight against metal thieves.
The consultation will remain open until September 30 and council chiefs are urging residents to have their say, especially those working in the scrap metal industry.
Dave Etheridge, Senior Practitioner for Licensing at Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “Metal theft over recent years has had a significant impact on communities, businesses and local authorities alike.
“Such thefts have seen communications and the train network disrupted, historic buildings damaged, churches desecrated and everybody’s safety put at risk with inspection covers, drainage gully covers and road signage being stolen.
“The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has been created to help prevent some of the issues surrounding the sale, collection, storage and disposal of scrap metal and it provides a stronger legislative framework to empower local authorities and police forces in their fight against metal thieves, whilst strengthening and supporting legitimate scrap metal dealers.
“It is important that people involved in the scrap metal industry especially, are aware of the policy and guidelines surrounding the Act and we encourage them to take part in this consultation.”
The draft policy is available to view and download from www.wychavon.gov.uk/consultations.
Alternatively, copies of the draft policy document are available from the Civic Centre in Pershore and the contact centre in Evesham.
Anyone wanting to comment on the draft policy should e-mail [email protected].
