Lib Dems call to bring back ‘Freddie the Freighter’ in alternative budget

Local Liberal Democrat councillors and campaigners have been petitioning to bring back ‘Freddie the Freighter’ - the popular estate skip that used to serve Shrewsbury
well.

Until the old Borough Council was abolished in 2009, residents used to be able to rely on a regular visit from the skip every couple of months. It would stay for anhour or so before being taken away, so that residents could get rid of any bulky waste easily and conveniently.

Former Mayor of Shrewsbury and Harlescott Grange resident Jon Tandy has joined
with Councillor Alex Wagner to campaign to bring back the skips. The petition has
already won the support of over 350 residents asked on the Grange, Meole Estate,
and in Gains Park.

Jon said: “Lots of us who have been around the area for a long time remember
Freddie the Freighter being brought around. It gave local people a chance to get rid
of any bulky waste in an easy and convenient way. It seems like we see more and
more fly-tipping around the Grange at the moment, and I think this would be a good
way to stop people dumping.”

Alex said: “Residents in Shrewsbury deserve to live in a clean, safe, well looked after
town. Sadly, not everywhere currently meets that criteria, with fly-tipping and litter
one of the top complaints I get as a councillor. Bringing back the estate skips would
crack down on fly-tipping and help out residents who need to get rid of bulky waste,
especially those without a car.”

The Liberal Democrat group on Shropshire Council is set to propose bringing back
‘Freddie the Freighter’ as part of the upcoming alternative budget process. This puts
the ball in the court of the Cabinet to incorporate proposals for the benefit of
residents.