A new community run kerbside recycling scheme is being launched in Port St Mary.

The company - operated by residents and run as a charity- is asking for 100 people to join the venture by Monday (June 11) at noon.

That is the deadline for tenders to be submitted to Port St Mary Commissioners to do the collection in the village.

The local authority pulled a recycling service in April citing a steep increase in the contractor’s costs but decided to explore other options.

Resident James Hampton is driving the new community initiative.

He wrote: ’This service has the single greatest potential to reduce village expenditure - which directly affects your rates.

’A small group of local residents have come together to propose the creation of a community controlled charitable company limited by guarantee in order to submit a tender - so that we can provide the service ourselves.

’If successful this enterprise would provide long term security, and ensure the service is run transparently for the benefit of the village. The 2017/18 budget for refuse collection in the village was £142.9,000 - by far the largest specific item of expenditure.

’A large part of this cost is the gate fee at the Energy From Waste plant (based on weight) and the collection costs, both of which can be significantly reduced by increasing rates of recycling. Failure to recycle means we are paying to incinerate materials that cost far less to dispose of if recycled, or in most cases materials that are in fact valuable for resale. Our recycling rates are still relatively low across the village compared to what is possible, and this has a direct consequence on our rate costs.’

He added: ’Members’ liability will be limited to £1.

’In order to establish the company and demonstrate support for the idea we have proposed that the company requires a minimum of 100 local residents to become members, and that the initial membership fee should be £20.

’The company will not become incorporated and no other costs will be incurred unless the tender is successfully won. The organising group is entirely voluntary. For now all that is required to submit the tender is a demonstration of commitment from residents - a name and address will be sufficient.

’The initial fee will provide the company with enough capital to become incorporated and commence work.

’Once established the company will generate enough income to support itself, and any surplus will be available for reinvestment back in to the village.’

To become a member join the Facebook group ’the Port St Mary Company’, call or text James on 434044, or email [email protected].