Waste collection changes 'putting pensioners at risk'

Residents of Mercian Court, in Market Drayton, say they are unhappy at the new rules by Veolia, which collects waste and recycling on behalf of Shropshire Council.

The firm claims its new vehicles are unable to fit underneath the archway leading to Mercian Court.

The council today said the caretaker at the property was able to assist any residents with help taking their rubbish to the collection point.

John Robinson, whose 85-year-old mother lives at Mercian Court, said rubbish used to be picked up from the front doors.

He said: "Whose bright idea was it to ask residents, elderly and disabled, at Mercian Court to carry their rubbish bags up to 50 yards to place them on the pavement in Cheshire Street because Veolia's new bin lorries allegedly won't fit under the archway?

"My mother is 85 and walks with sticks, so how is she and others with mobility scooters expected to move the rubbish which our council tax is paying them to do?

"The time frame is 6am until 7am for depositing the rubbish 50 yards away, surely a bin man can be dropped off to place all the rubbish from the complex on to the requested pavement.

"This is a dangerous operation for the residents, particularly in inclement weather, and could result in lawsuits for injuries under health and safety.

"If this ridiculous operation is not received, myself and other residents will be contacting Age UK, my MP and a solicitor." Mr Robinson said residents were not allowed to put their rubbish in the collection area the night before because of fears of cats and foxes getting into the bags.

"My mother has already had two broken hips – I don't want her to have a third," he added.

Paul Beard, waste contracts manager with Shropshire Council, said: "Residents at Mercian Court are on a bag collection for their refuse as they did not want communal bins.

"These bags are taken to a collection point – agreed with the caretaker – on the day of collection. The caretaker assists any resident with this if required.

"Before the new recycling service started last November, residents at the properties had no recycling service. They now have a full recycling collection service, which includes plastics, cans, glass, paper and cardboard.

"They have communal bins to put their recycling in and are now being widely used. Veolia has visited the caretaker at the development who is happy with the service and has offered to help residents take their waste and recycling to the collection point if they are not able to do so."

In its letter informing residents at Mercian Court of the changes, Veolia's contract supervisor Andy Old said: "Unfortunately, Veolia's vehicles are unable to fit underneath the archway leading to Mercian Court. From your next collection please present your waste under the archway."

"Veolia is to provide recycling facilities for the site to include paper and card, glass, can and plastic, with containers placed near the entrance to Mercian Court (warden to please direct residents). Veolia are to provide a suitable bag."