Bin problem is piling up again
Overflowing rubbish angers traders
Business owners in a city centre street have hit out over mounting piles of rubbish on their doorstep that they claim are driving away customers.
Angry traders in Baker Street say that their businesses are being blighted by wheelie bins strewn across the street for several days at a time.
The bins are said to come from the surrounding residential properties and businesses.
The Observer reported in August last year how several retailers were considering giving up their leases when they expire because of the problem.
Now, six months on, the business owners say the issue has returned and could potentially cause a serious health hazard.
Stacey Mackrell runs beauty treatment store, Beau Boutique and rents the premises from Stirling Council. She said: “Over the past few months we have slowly but surely got back to where we began. Stirling Council advised that they would keep on top of it but as the pictures show, they have not.
“My clients come to my shop and they see the state of the street out in front of it. It can be off-putting.
“I mean there must be rats. There’s food and everything that gets left out for days.”
The business owner has been based in Baker Street for the past three years, but she insists that she will move once her current agreement expires.
She said: “This is an unbearable situation for me and my clients, who comment on it every week. I won’t be renewing my lease when it expires. I can’t wait to get out of this street. No wonder the town is derelict and falling to pieces.
“It’s unfair to us small businesses as it affects our livelihood.”
The council has blamed a fault to its fleet of vehicles on the delay.
A spokesperson said: “We’re sorry the recycling bins in Baker Street were not collected as planned last week. This was due to two of our vehicles requiring repairs.
“All bins have now been emptied and we would like to remind business owners to return bins to their properties once collections have taken place. Any issues can be reported to our enforcement team on 01786 233533.”
Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 deals with the collection of household waste and provides powers for the council to serve notice on an occupier requiring them to place household waste for collection in receptacles of the type and number specified. Failure to comply can result in a fine.
I won’t be renewing my lease when it expires. I can’t wait to get out of this street