"Thatcham recycling collections late for 10 weeks" - Port

12.00.00am GMT Thu 15th Feb 2007

Tory failure to manage the waste collection means recycling has been collected late for 10 weeks

Outraged Thatcham South Councillor Terry Port has today criticised the Tory administration at West Berkshire Council for failing to collect recyclables on time from Thatcham South for the 10th week in a row.

"It is obvious that the Tories are struggling to run this waste contract properly - every week there are reports of uncollected rubbish and overflowing bins" said Councillor Port.

"Poor weather might have been a factor last week - but what about the nine previous weeks? If they are consistently going to run these collections late, why don't they just change the collection day? There are over 2,000 properties on this estate, who have suffered enough."

Fellow ward member Councillor Owen Jeffery has experienced similar problems and commented:

"This simply isn't good enough - changes need to be made, and quickly. Recycling bins left out overnight are unsightly and can clutter pavements and be a hazard. Not only this, but Thatcham residents pay council tax - surely we are entitled to a reliable waste collection service?"