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Overflowing bins at Christmas a 'health hazard'

Richard EvansLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageRichard Evans A public litter bin on a residential street during daylight. The bin is dark grey with rust patches and has the word "Litter" printed on it in faded letters. A sticker on the front reads "Bag it & Bin it" with an image of a dog, indicating it’s also for dog waste. The bin is overflowing with rubbish: several plastic bags in green, white, and black are stuffed into the top and hanging out. More black bin bags and one green-and-white Asda shopping bag are piled on the ground around the base of the bin. The pavement is wet, and the bin stands next to a metal lamppost. There is a grassy verge along the pavement. The lighting suggests early morning or late afternoon, with long shadows cast across the road.Richard Evans
Bins were overflowing in Llandudno over Christmas

A council has been criticised after it blamed residents for overfilling public bins at Christmas.

Earlier this week, residents and councillors complained after bins across Llandudno were left unemptied over the festive period, causing some people to leave bags on top of or around bins.

Conwy County council said staff were working between Christmas and New Year to empty bins and added that residents should take rubbish home with them if there is no room.

Councillor David Carr said it was "a bit rich" to blame the public when bins have been removed and council tax increased but services decreased.

Bins on Augusta Street, Oxford Road, The Oval, Conway Road and Vaughan Street were among those piled high with overflowing rubbish, with bags left on the pavement when there was no room.

This led to councillor Louise Emery branding the mess "a health hazard".

This was worsened as some dog owners stuffed poo bags into already overfilled bins, which the council criticised.

The council said its staff worked "over the weekend" when they were out from 07:00 GMT to 15:00 emptying bins and litter picking across the county.

The authority added: "It's disappointing when people are not responsible with their waste, and there is no excuse for dropping rubbish on the floor or fly-tipping.

"If a bin is full, people should use the next available bin instead or take their rubbish home with them."

Mr Carr said: "You can't cut staff and cut the number of bins available and expect there not to be loads of rubbish.

"There are less people getting rid of the rubbish and less bins. The council has got rid of some dog poo bins. The public are paying more and more and are getting less and less."

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