RUBBISH and dog waste bins around Frome are ‘overflowing’ with litter and dog waste bags say residents, who continue to complain about the issue.
Bins in the open and green spaces are the responsibility of Frome Town Council which has a contract with grounds maintenance company, idverde, to empty them regularly. The other bins in and around the town are the responsibility of Somerset Council that has a separate contract with idverde.
However, residents have been reporting of rubbish and dog waste bags ‘spilling’ out of the bins and potentially posing a ‘serious health risk.’
“It’s so important for us to address these issues together for the wellbeing of our community. Every week, without fail, the same bins are overflowing like clockwork,” explains resident, Roger Melly.
“As for the overflowing dog waste bins, these pose a serious health risk and need immediate attention.”
Cllr Mark Dorrington said, “We know that good maintenance and regular emptying of bins is an important issue for Frome residents and Frome Town Council staff will (and do) act quickly when the bins we look after aren’t maintained to our high standards.
“Our team of rangers also keep an eye on Frome Town Council-managed bins while they’re out and about and act as a useful extra pair of eyes. If you need to report an issue with a bin in a park or green space, email info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 465757.
“If the bin in question isn’t managed by Frome Town Council, we can advise you how to report the problem to the county council via their neighbourhood services department, or the Fix My Street app.”
Somerset Council said, “Bins, including dog bins, are emptied on a scheduled programme, so that all bins get emptied on a regular basis. The schedule is based on actual usage, but it can depend on seasonal use and weather conditions, i.e, bins get fuller when people are out and about during good weather. Our workforce and resources, such as specialist vehicles, are fully allocated to service all bins on a regular basis.”
The authority has also asked for residents to report overflowing bins via the Somerset Council website. “We can attend to a damaged or full dog bin if it is owned and maintained by Somerset Council. It’s the quickest and easiest to report an overflowing dog bin online here https://www.somerset.gov.uk/environment-and-food-safety/dog-waste-bins/.
“Members of the public or visitors can complain about overflowing litter bins by raising a complaint here https://www.somerset.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/complaints-comments-and-compliments/