‘Action is being taken over bins and rubbish’
ACTION is being taken
There has been a recurring theme about bins and rubbish in some areas of the borough.
Following claims that street wardens ‘ticket cars’ and ‘do nothing’ about bins and rubbish, I arranged to spend a day with one of our wardens as they went about their business.
I did this because I have a new role on the council as lead member for regulatory services and this is the service responsible for enforcing breaches in the laws regarding litter and waste.
In situations like this, the street warden is given a list of complaints to be investigated. We started with the very centre of Anstey and fly-tipping. It was then on to abandoned trolleys in Thurmaston before we returned to Loughborough to deal with Rosebery Street, Oxford Street, fly-tipping on private land (further investigation required), Oaklands Drive and a few other areas as we walked around.
I agree with residents, yes it can be disgraceful, but we are taking action. On that day, we knocked on more than 30 doors to warn residents that their bin should be taken off the street or waste cleared away. They were informed if we had to return and it was still there, then we could take further action and that could include a fine. Walking through alleyways there appeared to be numerous broken bins with no lids and bins belonging to Leopold Street residents in Oxford Street. Some students reported they did not have a bin or it had been stolen.
This shows landlords have a role to play as well. If bins are damaged or missing then they should be promptly replaced.
It’s also not always about people being unwilling to move their bins and waste. One resident was puzzled why his bin had not been emptied. Unfortunately it belonged to a council in Shrewsbury! This is not a new issue and one I, as a ward councillor, have been dealing with for a number of years. We have worked with the university to educate students and more work will be done.
Between November 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017, we had 242 reports of bins being left on streets and 38 reports of additional side waste being left. In these cases an officer would have visited the site or the occupants written to. In one case, legal action was taken and a fine was issued.
What I think is important is that people report issues to us so more action can be taken. Please call the council on 01509 634563.
Coun Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for Regulatory Services, Enforcement and Licensing