For more than two years Gareth has been highlighting the problems caused by bins blocking pavements and now the Environmental Scrutiny Panel will be discussing the success of a scheme piloted in Katesgrove to stop pavements being blocked by bins.
Last August the Council's Streetcare team began a trial in Alpine and Edgehill Streets, two streets with narrow pavements and a mix of front gardens. Persistent offenders who regularly blocked pavements with their bins were sent an escalating series of letters and notices, starting with a friendly warning letter reminding them of their responsibility to clear their bins from pavements.
Where bins continued to be left out, a Section 46 Notice - prohibiting them from leaving their bin on the pavement - was issued, warning the householder that they risk being prosecuted. In cases where the offences still continued, a third and final warning letter was sent out.
Fixed penalty notices of £100 were only issued if the third letter was ignored and people continued to block the pavement with their bins. Trials showed most people complied at each of the various stages of warning, well before a fine was issued.
The problems with bins blocking pavements in Alpine Street has been regulalrly reported to us and was a particular problem as the narrow width in places and a mix of properties with and without front gardens was stopping disabled residents from getting around. Because of this we supported this move.
It is not been without controversy but we have had many residents praising it, with only one complaint. It is not a question of Councils enforcing their policy: it is a fundamental question of people's right to get about. We couldn't support a situation where residents were fined 'on the spot', but a balance has to be struck somewhere.
However, it is equally important that the Council listens to residents, especially those with little or no front garden. There are still many problems caused by forcing residents to have two large wheelie bins, no matter what size their house.
Liberal Democrats have consistently said that 'one size does not fits all'. The Council needs to tackle problems by giving people smaller bins or putting them onto sack collections where this is the best solution.
If you have a particular problem with bins on your street, please contact either of us.
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