Disgusted as bins not emptied for six weeks
RESIDENTS in Musselburgh are pleading for their overflowing communal waste bins to be emptied, six weeks since their last collection.
With a mountain of rubbish piling up at the bin stores and a used syringe spotted nearby, some of the residents at and near 205 North High Street say they have been left with no choice but to take their household waste by car to recycling centres.
Resident Mandy Gibb, 60, who has lived in the area for 15 years, described the past month-and-a-half as “awful”.
She said: “The conditions outside are absolutely disgusting and it cannot keep on going on like this. I feel very disappointed by the council. It is an absolute disgrace.
“I’ve phoned so many times to get the rubbish collected and I have been passed from person to person. I am at a loss of what to do.
“I can understand that the bin men do not want to pick up litter due to the possibility of sharp objects like needles touching them, but something has to be done.”
Several of the surrounding flats are owned by East Lothian Housing Association and are served by a bin store.
Due to the amount of rubbish that has accumulated in the past six weeks, a smell, described as “revolting” by one passer-by, has started to waft around the group of metal bins and the street.
There have also been claims of sightings of rats.
Lee Hill visits her mother and father, who live on the street, on a daily basis, and said: “I am very disappointed how the situation has escalated and it is an absolute disgrace.
“I have no idea why this has happened, I’ve contacted the council and the housing association but I haven’t been able to resolve this.
“It is a mess and it is disgusting and I want something done now!”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I have taken it upon myself to drive my rubbish to Wallyford tip. I can’t just leave my bags of stuff here or the situation will just get worse.
“The council have to do something soon or this will escalate.”
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “While the waste team is responsible for emptying bins at the development, there is currently a significant amount of excess waste outwith the bins which is creating a hazard to our crews. We have asked the housing association to remove this excess waste to allow us to access and then remove the contents of the bins.
“The council provides a weekly household recycling service. Much of the material being put into communal waste bins at this location would be suitable for collection through the weekly recycling service. Residents can order additional recycling bags/ containers via the council website.”
An East Lothian Housing Association spokesperson said: “We are aware of recent problems in this area where ELHA and ELC manage properties, and agree with residents that the situation is unacceptable.
“We also understand the council’s approach that they will not empty bins that have been overfilled by residents.
“We are working with the council to clean the area, and with residents to ensure that the bins provided are the most suitable for the residents, and that residents use these appropriately going forwards.
“We have inspected the area and have not seen any evidence of used needles around the bins ourselves, but again we would take steps to protect the health and safety of both residents and council staff should any issues like this arise in the future.”