The company which operates the Eastern District Civic Amenity Site at Middle River says it won't be going anywhere on January 10, the date its contract allegely expires.

Tel's Limited is also giving a robust response to a recent assertion from the Department of Local Government and the Environment, and Douglas Corporation, that it would be illegal for it to charge for disposal services from that date.

In a letter issued by its lawyers, Tel's Limited says it has a lawfully valid and continuing contract with the Corporation, and Onchan and Braddan Commissioners. It also claims a notice to terminate the present agreement, is not valid. The notice is dated July 2007 and the agreement is from exactly two years ago today.

The letter goes on to claim that if the local authorities withhold payment in respect of services provided by Tel's, from January 10, the authorities themselves would be acting illegally. It says Tel's couldn't operate the site voluntarily, and the only option available would be to levy a small charge for each user.

The letter say that unless a lawful and valid notice to terminate the agreement is served on Tel's, the company will stay on the site and continue to operate the facility.

(Image: The emblem of the Department of Local Government and the Environment, which owns the Middle River site).