Crest at Llandudno is a very good cause

Dec 17 2009

I WRITE in response to the letters of both Maureen Sanders and Lynsey Carew printed in last week’s letters page – ‘concern over other charities suffering’.

Firstly, I wish to clarify the facts concerning our relationship with Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC).

Until November 30 2009, we were contracted to collect garden waste across the county, this contract has now been taken over by a national private sector operator following a competitive tendering process. We were not contracted to collect paper, cans or glass as suggested, these have always been collected by CCBC recycling teams.

Aside of the aforementioned green waste contract, we do not receive any financial or ‘in kind’ support from CCBC.

The textile collection service was set up utilising our extensive knowledge and experience of the recycling sector and, most importantly, by using our own financial resources.

In fact, CCBC were informed of our intention to collect textiles at kerbside, although permission was not sought as none was required. We are at liberty to collect textiles from householders using our own bags as other charities are and, frequently do.

Lynsey Carew hits the nail on the head in the second paragraph of her letter by stating that she will continue to support her favourite charity.

Crest provide a free convenient textiles collection service to the community, however, we completely respect the freedom of residents to choose which good cause they wish to support by only collecting bags clearly intended for us.

Monies raised by the service are used to support new local jobs, training and work opportunities to a wide range of local people who are, for various reasons, socially and/or economically inactive.

As a not for profit company, all of our surpluses are re-invested back into the business to create more quality opportunities for local people.

No, we are not a global or national ‘good cause’ but, rest assured that our impact is very much appreciated closer to home.

Anyone wishing to make an informed judgement as to Crest’s contribution to the community are more than welcome to pay a visit to us in Llandudno Junction and meet some of the people benefiting from our support. I’ll even put the kettle on!

Jay Martin

Operations DirectorCrest Co-operative.