Letchworth: Swift action to clear rubbish 'nearly up to the ceiling'

Natasha Lagowska, who lives on Western Way in Letchworth, contacted the Comet on Sunday with shocking photographs of rubbish piled up in a communal bin room used by people living in maisonettes on Western Way.

The rubbish was piled high. (Image: Natasha Lagowska)

"The bins have not been emptied since December," she said. "I have rung North Herts Council a number of times to complain, and they said it's being sorted with settle, but nothing happens. 

"The bin bags are nearly up to the ceiling and still nothing has been done."

The bins hadn't been emptied for weeks. (Image: Natasha Lagowska)

The Comet contacted both North Herts Council and housing association settle yesterday (Monday), and the rubbish has now been cleared.

Joe Williams, director of housing at settle, said: "We would like to extend our apologies to residents for the inconvenience and concern caused during this time."

He explained: "North Herts Council are contracted to collect the bins in this neighbourhood and were unable to gain access to the bin room during recent collection days due to the locks having been changed on the low-level bollards in front of the entrance. Usually, these are lowered to provide access to the bin areas. Access has now been fully restored."

The rubbish has now been cleared. (Image: North Herts Council)

A spokesperson for the council added: "Upon investigation, we discovered there has been an issue with our crews being able to gain access to the bin store. However, this has now been resolved."

Council officers and a settle representative visited the site yesterday - the same day the Comet contacted the council to raise the issue - and waste contractor Urbaser collected the rubbish today.

"We apologise to all the residents for any inconvenience," the council spokesperson said.