A CULCHETH family was told they would be left without a black wheelie bin for 10 weeks after council workmen took away their existing bin because it was too big.
Borough councillor Sue Bland (pictured) stepped in and got the “waiting time” reduced to three weeks.
But she said: “Apparently the council had run out of black bins. But it seemed stupid to take away the old bin knowing that it could not be replaced immediately.
“This was quite a large family and needed a bin. They were told they would have to make do with binsacks.”
The council has, for some time, been replacing old, larger bins with new standard-size bins because the old bins are consider too heavy when full. Usually, they replace the old bin on the same day.
But because of a shortage of bins, the Culcheth family were told they would have to use sacks for up to 10 weeks.
Cllr Bland said: “The family took the matter up with me and I raised if with the Town Hall. As a result I was told the new bin would arrive in three weeks.
“But I cannot understand why the old bin was taken when a replacement wasn’t immediately available. They have been used for years and no-one has complained that they were too big or too heavy.”
A council spokesperson said: “Over the last 12 months we have been removing the larger wheeled bins, on a recommendation from the Health and Safety Executive, due to their weight and the issue that they often fall off the back of the bin wagon when emptied, causing a potential hazard to our operatives.
“We have been exchanging the bins area by area. When we remove a larger bin we inform the resident in advance and provide them with a replacement bin on the day. We also give them the opportunity to apply for a second black bin at the same time.
“If a black refuse bin is lost or stolen the current delivery time is three weeks and we take up to three bags of refuse on collection day until the bin is delivered. We would encourage any residents who want extra help managing their waste and recycling to contact the team on 01925 443322 ”
“Ten weeks without a wheelie bin”
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
