AN ‘ALARMING’ rise in complaints about missed bin collections in Coventry has been slammed by Conservative councillors.
Complaints have soared by over 80 per cent in three months – from 119 in April to 218 in July – according to data obtained under Freedom of Information laws by Tory councillors after the Deputy Cabinet Member for City Services refused to disclose the figures in a public meeting.
Coventry City Council said a number of vacant posts were being filled by agency workers to reduce staffing levels ahead of the switch to fortnightly collections in September.
A spokesperson for Coventry Conservatives said: “It’s the first time the Council has admitted the problems have been created by staff shortages. The Council has previously said problems were isolated incidents such as access problems caused by parked vehicles.”
Allesley Green resident Mike Walker said: “Collections were due to start on March 8. Since then 10 collections were due but 60 per cent weren’t collected until the following day and in one case not until the following Saturday.
“No one at the call centre seems to know where the crews are once they have left the depot.”
The Conservatives are seeking reassurances the situation will improve in September.
Leader of Coventry Conservatives and Woodlands ward Councillor, Coun Gary Ridley said: “Many residents have been affected by a number of missed bin collections and the huge rise in complaints is extremely alarming. With the switch to a new collection schedule residents will want assurances that we don’t end up with rubbish piled high like there is in Birmingham.”
Some Birmingham residents have not had their bins collected for up to seven weeks following a summer of strike action by the city’s refuse workers.
Shadow Cabinet Member for City Services, Coun Tim Sawdon, added: “These figures reveal a very serious problem and the Council needs to get a grip – fast. Uncollected bins could become a magnet for maggots and other pests.”
A council spokesperson said: “The Council recognises that there have been delays in refuse collections over the past few months and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents.
“We are continuing to work hard to ensure that we catch up on late collections, while at the same time we prepare for the implementation of our new services that will be introduced in the week beginning September 11.”
