Pensioner’s fury at bin bill

A pensioner has been told to cough up for a new wheelie bin by Walsall Council officials - despite never having had one in the first place.

Brian Wilkinson says he is the latest victim of the “jobsworth” council’s policy, where residents are told they must pay for missing bins.

The 66-year-old, from Ryecroft, Walsall, is using his neighbours’ wheelie bins to dump his rubbish while he hasn’t got one of his own. He said there wasn’t a bin at his bungalow when he moved into the Walsall Housing Group property last month.

He claims the previous tenants left with the wheelie bin because they had their previous one stolen and had paid for a new one.

Mr Wilkinson contacted Walsall Council to ask for a wheelie bin but was told he would have to cough up £18.50.

Neighbours say they don’t mind him putting rubbish in their bins while he is in dispute with the authority.

He said: “I moved into the bungalow in July and there wasn’t a wheelie bin.

“I contacted Walsall Council and they told me it would cost me £18.50 for a new bin. I am a pensioner and money is tight.

“A bin should be provided for me at my new property.

“Neighbours have been very good and allow me to put rubbish in their bins but I should have a bin of my own. I think the attitude of the council is absolutely disgusting.”

He is the latest Walsall resident to be told to fork out money for a new wheelie bin.

The council also told Bloxwich pensioner Norman Dodd he would have to pay to replace a wheelie bin he claims was broken by one of their refuse collectors.

But after the Express & Star intervened the council agreed to provide the 77-year-old with a free bin.

The council cabinet introduced the charging policy in 2001 because it was costing the authority £60,000 a year to replace the bins.

It is the only Black Country authority to charge for bins that have either been stolen or broken accidentally.

Natalie Greenway, spokeswoman for Walsall Council said: “We are investigating the situation.”

By Andy Richardson