Rubbish collection changes at Market Drayton retirement complex 'not a problem'

The comments come after John Robinson, whose 85-year-old mother lives at Mercian Court, Market Drayton, said changes were putting people in danger.

However, other residents have hit back saying the changes are not a problem and have improved their recycling output.

New rules by Veolia, which collects waste and recycling on behalf of Shropshire Council, means residents now have to carry their rubbish to a collection point instead of leaving it outside their properties. The firm claims its new vehicles are unable to fit underneath the archway leading to Mercian Court.

John Meadows, a resident at Mercian Court, said: "As a resident of Mercian Court my wife and I are quite able to get out rubbish to the pick-up point and the residents that are not able to carry their bags are given help by other residents.

"We on Mercian Court are a small community which help and look out for each other.

"Out of the residents I have spoken to, none have been opposed to us recycling or having to take bags to the pick-up point.

"Unfortunately we are in a time when cuts are being made in all things, we have to move on and find a compromise."

Another resident, who does not wished to be named, added: "We used to have to take our rubbish over the road to Morrisons.

"However, they have now given us recycling bins and this means it is a lot easier to recycle."

Barry Salter, who is also a resident at the complex, said: "It is not a problem because the residents who can help the disabled people carry their rubbish to the collection point. I am disabled and my lovely neighbours take my rubbish down for me. We do not feel their are any disadvantages to the changes. It is a change we have accepted and you learn to live with them."

And Gerald Green, 72, another resident at Mercian Court, said: "I have had no problems with the new collection. We all help each other."