Bolton councillors call for meeting about missed bin collections

Councillors across Bolton are now calling for a special scrutiny meeting to examine the problems behind repeated missed bin collections.

The calls come after weeks of disruption, with the council previously blaming operational issues and higher than usual staff sickness.

Cllr Nadim Muslim, Bolton Conservatives leader, said: “I am supporting calls from members of the place scrutiny and councillors that there should be a meeting of place scrutiny about the appalling state of bin collections.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

“Councillors need to be aware of the issues affecting collections.

“Our inboxes are inundated with emails about missed bins. It is unacceptable, and we need to see change sooner rather than later.”

The council has cancelled some burgundy bin collections as it tries to catch up with missed food waste and non-recyclable collections.

Previous council records showed scores of streets appeared to have missed collections last month.

(Image: Public)

David Grant of Leader of Horwich & Blackrod First Independents, said: “Ultimately, the state of play within the relation to bins is inexcusable.

“We are at the cold face, so to speak, with residents not being given answers; we have only been told it was staffing issues, but before it was operational issues.

“We have been given no indication to why we have got ourselves into this situation, what emergency plan is in place, the issues with the bins are still happening, some have gone weeks.

“Our job is to find out why the service is failing badly; we represent the public, and they have a right to know.”

The Bolton News previously reported that 20 bin wagon drivers had been signed off sick, including 10 on long-term sick leave and 10 on general sick leave.

Bolton Council has apologised for missed collections and said extra crews and extended working hours have been used to recover affected streets.