By Martin Walker
Two Aycliffe pensioners have told Aycliffe Today how they’re “wheelie” pleased about Durham Council’s bin-collecting U-turn.
As reported in this morning’s Northern Echo, wheelie bin collections will return to normal for almost 300 households after the local authority reversed its decision to ban bin men from collecting in back alleys.
It comes as a relief for pensioners David and Jill Stevens, who say the decision was “ridiculous”.
After meeting with representatives from some of the 287 households affected, Durham Council has gone back on its decision, admitting it could have handled the situation with more sensitivity.
“Common sense has prevailed,” said 65-year-old Jill, of Marshall Road.
“We’re just pleased they’ve listened to us and have done something about it.
“I don’t think they expected this reaction, and how strongly everyone felt about it. They’ve collected our bins from the back alley for years, there’s never been a problem.”
David, 68, added: “It was ridiculous, but we weren’t getting at the bin men, we have brilliant bin men, they were probably embarrassed about it.
“I think it was a cost-cutting exercise and they were trying to disguise it.”
Oliver Sherratt, head of direct services at the council, said the authority had decided to review its decision after it was made aware of householders’ feelings.
He told the Echo: “We are now able to work with the local housing provider Livin to arrange for the necessary work on the alleys to be undertaken so we can start collecting the bins again as before.”
Improvements, which are due to start today, include resurfacing the footpaths, clearing vegetation and trimming overgrown hedges to make it easier for crews to manoeuvre the bins.
The council will write to residents to inform them of its decision and wheelie bins will be collected from the front and back of the houses while work is carried out.
BIN MEN BANNED FROM AYCLIFFE ALLEYS