David Ruffley MP has given his backing to local authorities across Suffolk who have been shortlisted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for recycling beacon status.

Beacon status is an award given to councils who demonstrate excellence and innovation in Local Government. Suffolk County Council is the lead body in Suffolk's bid to gain beacon status in the area of Waste and Recycling.

The Suffolk bid centres on the county, district and borough councils working together to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste services, along with reducing the amount of waste going into landfill sites.

Suffolk is now through to round seven of the selection process which will include the judges making site visits and viewing presentations. Successful applicants will be announced in March 2006.

David said:

'I congratulate Suffolk County Council and all the borough and district councils across Suffolk on getting through to round seven in the Beacon Scheme.

'I am proud to represent a community that tackles 'green' issues, such as recycling, so proactively and I see this next step towards Beacon Status as recognition for all the hard work put in by Councils at every level across Suffolk.

'I have every confidence that when the judges visit Suffolk they will be just as impressed as I have been with the strong working relationship on waste and recycling schemes between all the authorities in Suffolk.'