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Savings but at what cost to health?
NOT too long ago it was deemed necessary to install dog dirt bins across Leeds to enourage owners to pick up after their pets.
It was an eminently sensible move, not least because for decades we had been told of the potential health risks of dog waste, which can, in extreme cases, cause blindness in children.
Yet now there has seemingly been a change of opinion, with the city council deciding there is no need to replace the dog bins if they are close to normal rubbish bins.
Their argument is that the public is now sufficiently educated on the need to clear up after pets that separate bins for dog waste are no longer required.
We are not so sure. And we're not the only ones.
Microbiology expert Chris Boothby warns that such a policy carries the risk of serious health issues.
He argues that flies and insects attracted to general food waste in the bins will come into contact with the dog dirt and possibly spread harmful bacteria to humans.
A child going to throw away their lollipop stick in one of the bins would be exposed to whatever is in there, while normal open bins attract rats and other rodents which can also spread diseases.
And what about standing at a bus stop or sitting on a park bench near a normal bin that is filled with dog dirt? An unappealing prospect if ever there was one.
Not just that, but the absence of designated bins may just encourage some dog owners to not bother cleaning up after their pets at all.
No doubt not replacing the bins will save a little bit of cash. But if it means safeguarding public health then surely it is money worth spending.
Don't forget your Euro vote
TODAY'S European elections are widely predicted to see a backlash against the major political parties in light of the ongoing expenses scandal.
Well, for those who actually bother to vote, that is.
Voter apathy is a traditional enemy of democracy, especially when it comes to electing the MEPs who are to represent us in Brussels.
However, as the old adage goes, if you don't vote you can't complain if you're not happy with what you get.
And that's as true when it comes to the Euro vote as it is with a general election.
Similarly, the chances are that many of us who do bother to turn up to the polling station today will have been motivated to do so by feelings of anger.
That is perfectly understandable, but anger has a nasty habit of clouding judgment.
And is is important to remember that, when it comes to elections, a short-term protest vote can have long-term ramifications.
So let's use our vote today. But let's use it wisely.
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
