Dumped computers sold

BOSSES at Portishead's recycling centre are tightening up their procedures after an undercover investigation revealed staff selling computer hard drives with people's details still on them.ITV West consumer show Bite Back filmed a member of staff at the Black Rock recycling centre at Valley Road selling on a batch of dumped computers to an undercover reporter.When the computer hard drives were checked it was revealed they were full of personal information, including names, addresses and bank details. The move came despite North Somerset Council banning the sale of secondhand goods at all its recycling centres earlier this year on health and safety grounds.It is understood the member of staff caught on camera selling the goods has been suspended while an internal investigation is carried out.North Somerset Council spokesman Steve Makin said: "Since October 2006 our waste contractor Viridor has put in place new arrangements which prohibit the exchange of money for goods at our household recycling centres. We are investigating this issue with Viridor and if the individual who has broken this arrangement can be identified, we will insist that they are removed from the site. Any further evidence of this behaviour will be dealt with accordingly."Mr Makin said the council was working to prevent further similar incidents at the recycling centre.He added: "We are in the process of installing new signs at our household recycling centre."This will include clear notices at the entrance to each site to state no goods can be sold. We will also install signs at the points where electrical items are collected which states that residents should ensure that all personal data is removed from items prior to their disposal. We cannot be responsible for data left on any computers or equipment disposed of at any of our sites.