I completely endorse the comments made in the October 28 issue. When we first received a leaflet about the new collections, last July, I emailed Waste and Recycling describing my difficulties with a large bin and requesting a smaller one. About a fortnight later I had a reply stating there would not be any small bins, but if I sent my telephone number I could request a visit by a ‘technical officer’ to discuss my ‘problems’ (too little space, lots of steps, old age and insufficient plastic and cardboard to fill a large bin in a month, let alone two weeks). I replied requesting the visit. In September I received yet another leaflet so I emailed again and again was required to send my telephone number for an appointment to be made for a visit.
No-one rang and no-one came. Then the large bin was delivered. I telephoned (twice) and was told the bin would be taken away and I would be put on a list for a visit.
After a fortnight of the bin sitting in front of my house and no contact from anyone, I wrote to Martin Lithersland, head of waste and recycling on October 25. I have today received a polite reply excusing the delay because they have been so busy delivering leaflets and bins, and telling me I shall be ‘contacted by a colleague in due course to discuss my issues’. At one of their ‘roadshows’ I was told disabled people or people with no space for a third bin could have bags for plastic and cardboard. This would suit me. Why does it take four months, delivery of an over-large and unwanted bin, two emails and a letter describing my problems, two emails and two telephone calls giving my telephone number (which is no secret, it is in the telephone directory and I am on council records) to achieve nothing at all, except a lot of time and money wasted? Wake up Wiltshire Council!
Ruth Black, Bradford on Avon.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here