Waste firm apologises over missed collections
THE firm behind missed rubbish and recycling collections in Bridgend has apologised to residents.
Despite a long list of complaints from residents, managing director Julian Tranter has said the company had “successfully completed” at least 90% of planned collections.
Kier has a seven-year contract to deliver Bridgend council’s new waste scheme, which started on June 5.
But large numbers of residents have reported they haven’t been given the correct bags and boxes.
Many others have said rubbish and recycling collections have been delayed by up to a fortnight and now they are finding maggots in food waste bins.
In a statement Mr Tranter said: “We are sorry for the issues some residents have experienced with their collections during the introduction of the new service.
“We are working hard to ensure that all refuse and recycling collections are up to date and have successfully completed at least 90% of our planned collections every day since the start of the contract.
“In the first two weeks of the contract we’ve seen a 50% increase in recycling and would like to thank residents for their participation in the new service.
“Our teams are continuing to carry out additional checks to ensure no properties have been missed and we have increased the number of agents in our call centre to keep pace with demand.
“We are however experiencing an exceptionally high number of calls, so there may still be a short delay in calls being answered.
“If any properties are still awaiting collection, please leave your rubbish out and we will collect is as soon as possible. If any missed collections haven’t already been reported to us, please email recyclingandwaste@bridgend.gov.uk”
Mr Tranter’s apology follows one from Huw David, leader of Bridgend council.
He said he was “extremely disappointed” in Kier’s performance and understood people’s frustration.
He added: “We have made it clear to Kier that significant and urgent improvements must be made.”
Coun David spoke out after 44 borough, town and community councillors signed an open letter urging him to take action and “recognise that a crisis is unfolding before us”.