Bins not collected 'since before Christmas'

Jay Stansfield said while the excess bags were taken away this week, the bins have still not been emptied

The failure to collect bins since before Christmas is "an environmental emergency", frustrated residents have said.

People in Colne in East Lancashire said there were bin bags and litter strewn all over the streets since Pendle Council started missing collections.

Jay Stansfield, from Colne, said: "We've been let down ferociously by Pendle Council."

David Walker, assistant director of operational services at the authority, said the recent snow and ice disrupted the schedule, but "things are now back on track".

Mr Stansfield said litter all over the back street has been attracting cats and rats

"We're very sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their patience and understanding," he said.

"Due to the snow and ice at the beginning of January our collections were unfortunately unable to go ahead in all areas as planned.

"Some areas were inaccessible because of ice and it would have been very dangerous for our large and heavy wagons to try and access them."

But Mr Stansfield said while the excess bags were taken away this week, the bins have still not been emptied.

He added: "The problem is at the bottom of the bin we've got waste from Christmas, and this is everyone, it's not just our house.

"It's four or five streets round this area, which is becoming an environmental problem.

"If normal collections have been resumed, then why are our bins still full?

"The snow and ice was around for five days maximum.

"We want Pendle Council to show some accountability and we want you to show us that you're helping us do something about it, urgently.

"It's an environmental emergency."