Call for bigger bins to stop rubbish overflowing in West Midlands city

Councillors are calling for bigger bins outside a row of shops in Worcester.

They say there is a problem with rubbish overflowing from the bins on Cranham Parade at weekends and on bank holidays.

But not all businesses and residents believe new bins would solve the issue.

City councillors Jill Desayrah and Ed Kimberley have started a petition saying the shopping area in Warndon too often looks a mess.

“The bins overflow with rubbish, because they are too small,” said Cllr Desayrah, who said rubbish also collects in nearby alleyways and the car park behind the shops.

One resident raised concerns as to how the larger bins would be collected.

An employee in the Spar said the bins are too small, adding: “We do need bigger bins.”

But their colleague said: “It will make no difference. People will throw their rubbish on the floor anyway.”

Another shopkeeper said: “We don’t need bigger bins. We need people to use the bins we’ve got – people need to be educated.”

Cllr Kimberley said: “There are two problems here – people are throwing rubbish on the floor during the week, but at weekends people are showing a willingness to use the bins but they’re overflowing.”

Both councillors and several residents commented on how the shopping area is kept tidy by a Platform worker throughout the week.

But Cllr Kimberley said bigger bins would help stop rubbish piling up on days they were not working.

Cllr Desayrah said this is the fifth time she has asked Platform Housing to replace the bins.

This time, in an email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Platform said: “Following a review of the matter, it has been decided that Platform will not be funding the replacement of the bins.

“However, should the local shopkeepers or the council wish to fund the purchase of larger bins, Platform would be happy to install them at no additional cost.”

Cllr Desayrah said: “On this fifth time of asking, we welcome Platform’s movement on this issue.

“They have indicated that larger bins could be installed if funded by others, and all options remain under consideration as we work together to find a solution acceptable to everyone.”

We have asked Platform Housing for comment.