Andy kicks up bin stink

Meet the man who was voted into power on a manifesto demanding a return to weekly bin collections in South Staffordshire.

Andy Ball topped the district polls last week by making the controversial issue his main platform to steal the only district seat from the Tories in Brewood and Coven.

The fortnightly collections have been a burning issue this year amid complaints it has caused rats, maggots and smells.

Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell continue to have a weekly collection policy, despite pressure on councils from the Government to adopt fortnightly pick-ups, although Sandwell is keeping its options open.

The system was launched in 2004 in South Staffordshire, which includes the villages of Wombourne, Featherstone, Perton and Codsall, and has sparked a 3,000-name protest petition to the House of Commons.

Mr Ball, who has lived in the village for 20 years, won 1,128 votes – 100 more than his nearest rival, Conservative Michael Hampton.

Today the 49-year-old insisted his victory should act as a wake-up call to the Tory-controlled council and said it reflected the extent of ill-feeling towards the fortnightly collections.

He has now vowed to pile the pressure on the district council.

“I view myself as a walking, talking petition and I will make sure my voice is heard over the next four years,” he said.

Before deciding to run for election, Mr Ball carried out a survey which revealed a whopping 98 per cent of residents were against fortnightly pick-ups in Brewood. 

He added: “It’s a very emotive subject and the reaction I have had from the villagers has been fantastic. 

“Although I have been a parish councillor for four years this is the first time I have been a district councillor and I will raise the issue whenever possible.”