OPERATIONAL problems have dogged a massive shake-up of Bury’s bin collections as crews struggle to adapt to new routes.

A union leader has said a reduction in the number of wagons, allied to other teething troubles, has meant a number of binmen failing to complete their rounds on time.

Brian Bamford, branch secretary of the Unite union, claims Bury Council has been forced to take on agency staff to cope with the workload.

Council bosses have said they are collecting between 80 and 90 per cent of bins on schedule and almost 100 per cent on recycling collection routes. However, they have asked residents for patience and understanding.

Three weeks ago, the council introduced new routes for rubbish and recycling collections. Around one quarter of almost 82,000 homes were given a different collection day.

The changes were part of a plan to reduce carbon emissions by cutting down on fuel use, making better use of collection vehicles and extending recycling opportunities into rural areas.

But Mr Bamford, whose union represents a number of the refuse staff, said: “Over the last few weeks, the feedback that I’ve been getting indicates the situation is getting worse, in terms of bins that haven’t been emptied.

“A number of wagons are late in completing their rounds and it seems staff are having to work overtime and that the council is employing agency labour.

“Two wagons have been taken off the road and their rounds shared between the others.

“I believe that less than one quarter of the bins aren’t being emptied.”

One householder who has been experienced problems is Rachel Ashton of Brookshaw Street, Bury. Her bin was not emptied last Wednesday.

She said: “I was promised a pick-up on Thursday or Friday but the collection didn’t take place.

“I phoned Bury Council and was advised that half the borough has been missed.”

Bury Council said some operational problems had been experienced while crews familiarised themselves with the new routes. But bosses say the situation is improving.

A spokesman said: “By Friday, 18 out of 22 rubbish and recycling crews had completed their scheduled work as compared with 16 out of 22 the previous week.”

But he added: “We do anticipate that some disruption will continue to take place for a relatively small number of collections.

“If the collection is missed on a Friday, the return collection will be on the following Monday. During this time of change it is particularly important for residents to ensure that their bins and bags are out for collection by 7am.

“Taken as a whole, these new routes will significantly improve the collection service for everyone and we ask for residents’ continued patience and understanding during this time.”

Collection advice and information is available online at bury.gov.uk/ binandbagcollections or by calling 0161 253 5353.