Enfield Council’s leader says staff are working hard to maintain key services such as refuse collection during the coronavirus crisis – with some facing abuse from the public.
It comes after residents raised concerns over missed collections, with some of the problems dating back to before the restrictions on movement that were brought in after the outbreak of the virus.
Simon Boult, who lives in Hertford Road, said a pile of rubbish was left outside the back of houses in Bounces Lane, after refuse and recycling collections were missed since the council moved to fortnightly collections on March 2.
Mr Boult pointed out that NHS advice to stop the spread of germs is “catch it, bin it, kill it” – but then said the council had not been collecting it.
He said the bins were finally emptied on Tuesday (March 31).
Other residents raised concerns over missed bin rounds on Twitter.
Amit Darji tweeted on March 18: “Black bins missed collections twice in the row now and I am told I have to wait another 5 days!”
there are also issues reporting missed collections which I have reported. Black bins missed collections twice in the row now and I am told I have to wait another 5 days! #Enfield @EnfieldCouncil
— Amit Darji (@amitdarji) March 18, 2020
On March 20, Chris Ramsay tweeted that general waste had not been collected over the past three weeks and missed collection reporting had not been effective.
He added: “This situation is deeply concerning and totally unacceptable.”
@EnfieldCouncil @FeryalClark @Enfield_Indy
— Chris Ramsay (@jimson5027) March 20, 2020
Could you please explain why general waste bins on my road have still not been collected in the last 3 weeks. Online missed bin collection reporting has not been effective. This situation is deeply concerning and totally unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/40wfcIFiEu
Some councillors also reported receiving complaints over missed collections since the switch from weekly to fortnightly bin rounds.
The council has warned on Twitter that “some disruption” to bin rounds will occur during the coronavirus outbreak but it is trying to keep this to a minimum.
Currently there are no changes to bin schedules, Please try ways to reduce your waste whilst we work together through this Coronavirus period. Some disruption will occur but we are trying to keep this to a minimum. https://t.co/1RqoEc7red
— Enfield Council (@EnfieldCouncil) March 30, 2020
Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan said some bin collectors had recently faced physical and verbal abuse while doing their job.
Over the past week I’ve been informed that there have been several incidents of @EnfieldCouncil refuge collectors & other front line staff receiving verbal & physical abuse. To those officers who had those terrible experiences, I am so sorry! https://t.co/WawYKN8UPN
— Nesil Caliskan (@Nesil_Caliskan) March 28, 2020
Cllr Caliskan (Labour, Jubilee) said: “Enfield Council officers are working hard together to provide the best possible service while we are dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
“This includes keeping the streets clean and collecting rubbish and recycling.
“Our refuse collectors are designated as essential front-line workers during the crisis. They are working hard to ensure the bin collections service can continue to be delivered as efficiently and safely as possible, at a time when other London boroughs are reducing their collections.
“While most Enfield residents have been supportive of our staff, a minority have been verbally and in some cases physically abusive towards them, particularly our bin collectors.
“I am proud of all Enfield Council officers who have been working hard to maintain our key service areas for the borough, amid staff shortages and increasing pressures. My message to residents is please be tolerant and be kind.”
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