Bin collection dumped

Binmen have stunned families living in a small cul-de-sac by suddenly refusing to collect rubbish after the service has been carried out for more than half a century.

Residents in Engine Lane, Moxley, have been told they must wheel their bins on to the High Street themselves so unwanted waste can be picked up. Just three families live along the lane, and Walsall Council binmen have collected rubbish from their doorstep until a few weeks ago. However, they were recently informed that the street is 'unadopted.'

This means families wanting all waste material picked up will have to move their green bins on to the main road.

But Walsall Council today apologised and said collections would resume.

Ward councillor Graham Wilkes said residents were stunned to be told of the changes but had no written confirmation from council chiefs.

It means resident Sajjan Singh Naphray, who uses a walking stick, has had to push his bin more than 50 yards to the end of the road.

The 81-year-old has lived in the street for 53 years and since the changes to collections has had his bin stolen twice, costing £18.50 for a replacement.

Councillor Wilkes said: "The bins have always been emptied until recently." Walsall councillor Rachel Walker, who has responsibility for the bin collections, said: "Unfortunately there has been a communication breakdown.

"We will be collecting the bins from the boundary of the properties on Engine Lane from now on."