Doncaster councillor's frustration at green bin suspension

DMBC bosses said they had taken the decision to stop collections from November 2 due to a staff outbreak of Covid-19 within waste contractor Suez.

But Conversative Sprotbrough councillor Cynthia Ransome has said private operator Suez will have had money given to them by the council back in March to help tackle the issues brought about during the pandemic through Rule 16 money.

She called on external staff to be brought in order for the services to continue due to the large number of residents in her ward who use the service.

“There were a lot of complaints earlier in the year when it was suspended and I find quite irritating this has happened,” Coun Ransome said.

“I do have sympathy with the staff who have tested positive. I appreciate the difficulty this causes.

“But waste management was awarded an amount of money from the council to continue with services. So why can't this money be used to get agency staff in?

“In Sprotbrough and the surrounding villages, people pay the highest rates and often receive the poorest services.”

Coun Ransome urged tips to be more accommodating with waste and feared a possible increase in fly-tipping as the ward is ‘blighted already’ from incidents of dumping in rural areas.

Green bin garden waste collections resumed as per normal across Doncaster on September 1 for on their fortnightly basis.

Green bin collections were suspended earlier in the year due to the coronavirus pandemic, to enable prioritisation of the collection of black and blue bins, before temporary monthly collections took place throughout June, July and August.

Coun Chris McGuinness, cabinet member for environment, said: “The safety of the public and staff members must take priority.

“It is balancing act to safeguard everyone’s safety against the risks of Covid-19 and make sure the bins are collected. However, as we have fewer staff members, this will mean that black and blue recycling bin collections will be prioritised.”

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