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Rubbish left over nearly four weeks in Folkestone Road, Dover, in 'binday bingo' collection fiasco

15:45, 13 May 2021

updated: 15:44, 14 May 2021

This rubbish built up over nearly four weeks during Dover district's waste collection fiasco.

Householder Lisa Coward counted up 26 bags of festering waste, plus a box full of cardboard and paper for recycling.

The 26 bags of uncollected rubbish. Picture: Lisa Coward
The 26 bags of uncollected rubbish. Picture: Lisa Coward

They have come from her flat and two others within the same house in Folkestone Road, Dover.

Miss Coward told Kent Online: "The rubbish was outside for exactly three weeks and four days.

"I called Dover District Council three times and explained the situation.

"Then last Friday I saw a dustcart a few 100 yards from my home with men picking up rubbish. I asked why they haven't been to collect the rubbish here.

"One of them asked for my address and said: 'Don't worry I'll collect it today.'"

Dustbin emptying has been delayed in areas such as St Radigund's, Dover
Dustbin emptying has been delayed in areas such as St Radigund's, Dover

But the mass of trash was left untouched for other four days until it was all taken way on Tuesday.

Miss Coward, 41, an admin clerk, moved to Dover from Brixton two months ago.

She said: "It is not good. It causes all sorts of problems such as vermin and is unsightly outside properties.

"I was in south London years and never saw anything like this."

Miss Coward took the photograph in Folkestone Road last Friday.

Dover District Council has apologised
Dover District Council has apologised

She sent it to Kent Online after reading yesterday's story about Dover district's waste service being in chaos after collection dates were changed from April 12.

Dover District Council had to place an apology on its website after complaints of the chaos from householders mounted, with one calling the fiasco "binday bingo."

Lisa Terry, of Dover's St Radigund's Resident's Association Two, said that rats, foxes and seagulls were tearing at uncollected bags.

She added that not all waste was picked up even when an extra collection day was given.

Resident Jill Burford said that waste in Deal had at times been left for weeks, yet the previous collection schedule had worked perfectly well.

The rubbish in Dover district is picked up by contractors Veolia
The rubbish in Dover district is picked up by contractors Veolia

A resident in Dover Road, Deal, said rubbish was picked up a week late and a householder in Templar Street, Dover, said it had not been taken for four weeks.

The council's apology said that the new schedule was introduced by its contractors,Veolia.

They were especially meant to help the environment by reducing dustcarts' travelling times.

The authority said it was now working with Veolia to solve problems.

It advised householders to put their bins out as usual when required and they would be emptied as soon as possible.

DDC says these bin bags have been illegally dumped in New Street
DDC says these bin bags have been illegally dumped in New Street

Some streets have had their waste taken away on time.

Rubbish bags were collected on scheduled days in, for example, Primrose Road, Salisbury Road, Barton Road and Clarendon Place in Dover.

Meanwhile, this picture was taken in New Street Last night (Thursday).

It shows a pile of black bin bags that have been ripped open beside red commercial bins.

It is not known whether this rubbish is commercial or household waste.

Dover District Council is responsible for litter clean-ups and enforcement.

A spokesman said: "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We note that the red bins are commercial waste bins that are nothing to do with DDC. The side waste has been illegally deposited and is being looked into by our Environmental Crime team.

"DDC would like to remind businesses and residents to make sure their waste is adequately contained and presented correctly for collection.

"We have arranged a one-off clearance in this instance, while we look into this matter."

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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