Recycling scheme given a boost from TV Gladiator

RECYCLING was top of the agenda in 1994 as council bosses pledged to recycle a quarter of the borough’s waste.

The war on waste was launched after the Government issued councils with recycling targets.

And to help East Staffordshire council bosses muscle in on their target was television Gladiator “Warrior”.

In true “eco warrior” style, the Gladiator helped to launch the first of the borough’s new neighbourhood recycling centres.

The centres were launched at Branston, Horninglow, Stapenhill, Stretton and Winshill to allow residents to recycle their own glass, cans and paper.

Scout groups and school children were encouraged to adopt the sites to prevent vandalism and encourage people to use them in return for a share of the recycling cash raised.

Speaking at the launch, East Staffordshire’s deputy leader Penny Perry said: “The borough produces 24,000 tons of waste each year, but more than 65 per cent of this could be reused. This would save energy and resources and reduce pollution.

“We hope that putting these centres around the district will make it easier for people to recycle their waste.”

While Warrior (real name Michael Ahearn) was in town to promote recycling, he faced lots of tough questions on unrelated topics.

In the days leading up to his visit to Burton’s Brewhouse Arts Centre, ITV’S Cook Report ran an article on steroid use – including by some fellow Gladiators.

Speaking about the report, Warrior said: “It’s just sensationalism – the Gladiators are the biggest show on television at the moment. I haven’t seen the Cook Report but I will see it tonight, I can’t comment properly until then.

“But all my muscles are my own. I haven’t taken steroids – this has taken 15 years’ hard work.”