At the start of the fourth week of the new refuse collection service, householders continue to find their recycling uncollected despite numerous complaints to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC).
Typical of those with concerns is Nigel Peacock of Upper Grosvenor Road, who told the Times bags of waste had been left to pile up outside his block of flats attracting rats and a fox.
Mr Peacock said tenants had also been left with not enough bins and too long between collections.
He claims the six recycling bins for 30 flats have not been collected for more than three weeks.
He said: “I have seen rats and a fox behind the recycling bins. I feel it is a health hazard, I have reported this to the council but there is no response or action.”
Mr Peacock requested that TWBC do something about the situation earlier in the month when a collection was not made on the scheduled day.
He was issued with a reference number and promised there would be a review of the bin situation outside his flats within two working days. Despite further follow up emails the recycling was left to pile up.
“I want them to sort this out. Quite what we are supposed to do about this so called collection service we don’t know. Will there ever be collections made in this town or are we all about to drown in recycling?”
TWBC confirmed it had had ‘more complaints than usual’ about the new service.
Head of Housing, Health & Environment, Gary Stevenson, said: “Recycling and waste staff worked over the weekend and are making every effort to catch up on collections.
“Once again we apologise to residents whose bins have not been collected and we can assure them that additional staff will continue to work while there are still outstanding collections to be made.”
