Kentish Express Ashford & District
BINS OUT EARLY FOR BREXIT
RUBBISH MUST BE OUT BY 6AM TO AVOID TRAFFIC CHAOS
Residents have been told they must put their bins out an hour earlier - because of fears over disruption caused by Brexit.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has announced collections for all waste and recycling will be extended from the beginning of November.
It comes amid concerns the borough will be at the forefront of traffic hold-ups after October 31 with the Operation Brock contraflow and partial opening of Junction 10a on the M20.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the council says homeowners will need to put their bins out by 6am - an hour earlier than the current arrangement.
“Due to potential disruptions over the next few months, we are extending our bin collection times from the beginning of November,” it said.
“Bins will need to be presented no later than 6am on the morning of collection, if it is safe to do so you can leave your bin out the evening before.
“Collections are also being extended to take place later in the day so if your bin is not collected at the usual time please leave it out and our crews will get to you as soon as they are able.
“There is a possibility that food waste may be collected separately from your recycling and refuse bins so please leave your caddy out if it hasn’t been collected.
“We thank you all in advance for your co-operation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Next week, part of the longawaited Junction 10a will open to all traffic in time for the Brexit deadline.
Meanwhile, the Operation Brock contraflow will return on the M20 between Junctions 8 and 9 from 6am on Monday (October 28).
ABC deputy leader Paul Bartlett (Con) explained the reasoning behind the extended collection hours.
“There is a view that if Brexit happens, there could be considerable traffic congestion throughout the county,” he said.
“Our waste goes to Cobbs Wood in the first place, but
‘The risk is that when the M20 is reduced to two lanes with Operation Brock, it will be a lot more difficult to move around the waste...’ - Cllr Paul Bartlett
then it it is either taken up to the incinerator in Allington [near Maidstone] or recycling site in Crayford [near Dartford].
“The risk is that when the M20 is reduced to two lanes with Operation Brock, there will be a lot more traffic on the A20 and it will be a lot more difficult to move around the waste.
“Putting the bins out by 6am means the trucks will be able to go on the roads when they are less busy.
“They could get their rounds done and be on the road to Crayford or Allington at 2pm before the schools are kicked out.”
■ For more on Junction 10a and Operation Brock, see page 11.
■ What do you think about the extended bin collection hours? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk