EVESHAM’S Mayor has hit out at the ‘shocking and filthy’ state of the town’s litter bins and claims residents are being put off from using them as a result.
Coun Fred Kaler called into question Wychavon District Council’s bin maintenance regime after he went to use one, but instead kept the rubbish in his pocket because of the disgusting condition the bin was in.
The Mayor is concerned the condition of the bins will be counterproductive in the Town Council’s continued battle over rubbish being dropped on the streets.
Wychavon has since defended its cleaning record and confirmed its contractors pressure wash the bins twice a year, with the bins due for a clean at the beginning of March.
Contractors will also take ‘extra care’ when cleaning and will report any defects to council chiefs.
Speaking to the Observer, Coun Kaler said: “The majority of the bins, particularly in the town centre, are in the most shocking and filthy state.
“I understand the litter bins are cleansed twice a year. However, the disgusting state some of the bins are in leads members of our community, myself included, to ask the question are the bins inspected after cleaning takes place to ensure they reach a good standard?
“And are they inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are kept in good repair and cleanliness?
“I see no point in Evesham Town Council and Wychavon District Council encouraging people to use the litter bins if they are not monitored and not kept up to scratch.
“If they are not kept in tip top condition then we are just throwing good money away.”
In response, Sharon Casswell, Client Services Manager for Wychavon, said: “We thank the Mayor for drawing this to our attention. We sent someone out to look at the bin in question which has now been cleaned.
“We empty all litter bins twice daily, and they are cleaned twice a year.
“We look after 1,360 bins in the district and this is the first complaint we have had concerning the cleanliness of a bin. Anyone that finds a problem can always report it to us via our website,” she added.
What do you think? Contact the editor via e-mail [email protected] with your views.
