A NEW enterprise is to integrate with Wirral

Council's ERIC service after the Globe revealed collections have slumped by 75% due to new charges.

Bosses at Wirral Independent Recycling Enterprise, based in Kelvinside, Wallasey, say the initiative could divert 30% more bulky household waste away from landfill, making a 'significant contribution' to protect the local environment.

WIRE is a social enterprise set up to deal with unwanted household furniture, provide basic necessities for disadvantaged members of the community and provide support and training for people entering the workplace after long-term unemployment or ill health.

Currently, the ERIC -Environmental Reciprocal Improvement Carrier - service charges £15 for the collection of up to six items of furniture for despatch to landfill. Under the new arrangement, however, items in good condition will be re-used.

Allen Barker, waste strategy manager for Wirral Council said: "We're doing something that helps a social business and avoids sending bulky items to landfill.

"Somebody might be changing their three-piece-suite and rather than us throwing it away it can be re-used to help someone starting up a new home.

"We struggle to meet recycling targets and have to do everything we can for organisations who can help us meet them."

Adrian Gill, business development manager at WIRE, said: "I think this will be very good for the Wirral community as it gives people an opportunity to recycle rather than use landfill.

"It is a positive move and were are looking forward to benefiting the community in this way."

WIRE collects unwanted furniture - in good condition - free of charge from homes across Wirral.

Items are then taken to the warehouse in Kelvinside where they are streamed according to condition. .

For further information on furniture collection or supply, contact WIRE on 0151 638 6691.

To view and purchase furniture, visit units 12-14 Kelvinside, Wallasey.