THE article in last week’s edition, “Vermin on the rise because of fewer bin collections”, gives very serious reasons for concern and certainly in the recent past as a local councillor I have been contacted by a number of residents complaining about problems associated with the new bin collection schedule as well as a significant increase in fly-tipping.

So much so, and being in possession of some appalling pictures of fly-tipping which will not only be instrumental in increasing the rat population but will probably have a seriously detrimental effect on public health, I raised the issue at the full council meeting last Wednesday, but unfortunately to no avail. 

Bury’s Labour-controlled council does not seem to be prepared to accept that the changes which it has made to the bin collection schedule are not only not working, but could be causing serious problems.

What is perhaps significant, according to the Bury Times, is that one senior Labour councillor – I am assuming prior to the changes – is quoted as saying: “There is no evidence there will be a detrimental impact on public health such as vermin, unpleasant smells and fly tipping”. Perhaps that councillor should think again.

The article in the Bury Times has come about because of concerns raised by the binmen (refuse collectors) themselves and has been taken up by their union bosses (Bury Unite commercial branch).

Although Bury’s Labour council seems prepared to ignore everyone else, perhaps they might just listen to their employees who are at the grass roots with hands on knowledge of the situation.

Dorothy Gunther
Councillor North Manor Ward