Rubbish removed after month
Recycling bins which were allegedly left overflowing for almost a month at a Shrewsbury block of flats have finally been emptied - thanks to the Shropshire Star.
Rubbish piles up around the recycling bins at Millmead flats in Shrewsbury" class="imageframe alignright" height="130" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/bins_overflow.jpg" width="175"/>Recycling bins which were allegedly left overflowing for almost a month at a Shrewsbury block of flats have finally been emptied - thanks to the Shropshire Star.
Ian Sheppard, of Millmead flats on Sutton Road, said four large recycling bins were installed about a month ago to serve 36 flats.
But Mr Sheppard said after four weeks the bins had not been emptied and were overflowing with recyclable waste. He said if people saw bins overflowing it did not encourage them to recycle their own household rubbish.
Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council has now apologised for the situation, and after being contacted by the Shropshire Star yesterday the bins were emptied.
Speaking before the council came to empty the bins Mr Sheppard said: "People have been putting all their stuff in the recycling bins and nobody has been along to empty them. They are all building up and it's all overflowing."
He said the caretaker for the flats had been in touch with the council three times in recent weeks and had been told the matter was being looked into.
The council is encouraging people to recycle ahead of a move to fortnightly collections on October 22.
Liz Parsons, borough councillor for Sutton and Reabrook, said she was unable to comment on the Millmead flats situation.
But she spoke of the importance of recycling and urged people to contact the council if there were any problems with collections.
She added: "I'm totally in favour of measures to encourage people to recycle.
"I do understand that for some residents in different types of properties it may not be as easy as it can be for other people.
"I would encourage all residents to do all that they can and if they have difficulties to contact the council."
James Thompson, recycling and sustainability officer with the council, apologised for the situation and, prior to the bins being emptied, said the rubbish would be collected "as soon as possible".
By John Kirk