Harlow Council’s newly appointed portfolio holder for environment, Councillor Alastair Gunn, has said today that sorting out the town’s bin collections is at the top of his list of current priorities.
For the first time in three weeks bin collections in Harlow are up to date following the council taking more direct action to manage contractor performance and Veolia putting more resource back into the service. This is something Councillor Gunn is determined to see continue.
Councillor Gunn, said: “Making sure residents bins are collected on time is my immediate priority, given the recent disruption and ongoing issues with this service. It is the one service which affects every household in the town and at times it has been letting down local council taxpayers.
“This new council is determined to sort out the bin issues as quickly as possible, starting by taking more proactive steps to manage Veolia’s performance. As of today (21 May 2021) bin collections in Harlow are up to date – a direct result of the council starting to issue formal rectification notices on Veolia.
“There are however ongoing operational issues we need to sort out, working with Veolia. For example, we are looking at proposals to change some bin days to balance out the number of collections across each day during the week, ensuring a smoother service. We will be taking every step to ensure residents are fully informed of any changes to their bin day.
“Communal bin collections for flats are also a challenge. There is work Veolia are doing to improve this service and work the council can do to improve bin storage and capacity, as well as reminding all residents to be responsible with their waste and not use bin areas as dumping grounds for large items of rubbish.
Councillor Gunn, adds: “None of these issues or delays are due to the brilliant bin men and women. Harlow’s bin crews do an incredible job and have been some of the town’s heroes during the pandemic. I recognise the hard and often difficult work they have had to do to get the service back on track and offer them my heartfelt thanks, on behalf of all Harlow residents. The issues are about how Veolia are resourcing the delivery of the contract in Harlow.
“I am deeply sorry to residents who have experienced delays to their collections. I will be meeting with Veolia’s management soon to discuss how the council can work with them to improve their level of performance, and better support Harlow’s hardworking bin crews. In the meantime, we will continue to serve contract notices where collections are missed.”
