Residents criticise new cesspit charges

Some cesspit users have expressed concern about the new charges for missed collections

Some Guernsey residents have criticised new charges aimed at cutting down on the problem of missed cesspit collections.

The charge of £27.18 will be levied on residents if collectors are unable to reach their cesspit due to access being blocked or if their cesspit is not full enough.

One islander said he was angry with the charges and felt he was charged when he should not have been.

Guernsey Water said the measures were necessary to increase collection capacity without employing additional resources.

'A real mess'

Cesspit user Mark Breton said he had not any problems for years until Guernsey Water took over collections and he felt they "wanted to put all the blame on customers".

He said they had "made a real mess of the situation" in terms of managing the scheduling and he constantly had to chase them when someone hadn't been, with delays of a week or so.

"We have had a few times where sewage has gone down our garden and onto a public footpath below, which is just awful," he told BBC Radio Guernsey.

Mr Breton and other users also said they had been charged when they should not have been and some disputed the truck could not access their cesspit.

Increased efficiency

Tania Sargent, Guernsey Water's customer services manager, said the majority of customers were happy with the service.

She said 4,500 missed collections was the equivalent to a full-time driver working for six months.

"Overall, these charges affect 2% of yearly collections and are designed to ensure the system is as efficient as possible," she added.

Ms Sargent said customers with concerns about their collection should call the firm to discuss their schedule.