Residents spray rubbish with disinfectant daily as Suez bin crisis continues in Ashford, Swale and Maidstone

Neighbors who have been troubled by the problem with the garbage can for almost two months say that their road has turned into a “slum district” due to the amount of garbage left uncollected.

Some homeowners in Longbridge, Willesborough Lees, Ashford, even sprayed the manure with disinfectant every day.

David Cossey, of Willesborough Lees, Ashford, now sprays his bucket with disinfectant every day.  Image: Joe Herbert
David Cossey, of Willesborough Lees, Ashford, now sprays his bucket with disinfectant every day. Image: Joe Herbert

It comes after Suez Recycling and Recovery UK took over a £152m waste contract from Biff at Ashford, Swale and Maidstone on 25 March.

The service was plagued by problems that resulted in hundreds of complaints from fed-up residents.

Many pickups were significantly delayed, forcing some to pay private companies to dump their trash around the county.

Longbridge residents have not emptied their food waste and recycling bins since May 1.

Household waste collection was also absent last week.

David and Joan Cossey say Ashford Borough Council must do more to help them and other residents.  Image: Joe HerbertDavid and Joan Cossey say Ashford Borough Council must do more to help them and other residents.  Image: Joe Herbert
David and Joan Cossey say Ashford Borough Council must do more to help them and other residents. Image: Joe Herbert

Pensioners David and Joan Cossey, who have lived on the street for 10 years, told KentOnline that communication with the council was unacceptable.

Mr Cossey, 84, said: “The whole situation got worse as the month went on.

“I feel like the honeymoon is over for everyone involved after two months.

“I don’t know why we pay around £200 in council tax every month when nobody is helping us.

“We’ve called Ashford Borough Council (ABC) several times over the weeks but we can’t get through, so it’s just so inconsistent.”

Longbridge is one of many roads across Ashford and Kent affected by the Suez crisis.  Image: Joe HerbertLongbridge is one of many roads across Ashford and Kent affected by the Suez crisis.  Image: Joe Herbert
Longbridge is one of many roads across Ashford and Kent affected by the Suez crisis. Image: Joe Herbert

The former NHS emergency worker believes the situation is now causing a “chain reaction” of problems the longer it lasts.

“There are terrible smells here now and with the woods behind the road there is a fear of foxes causing a disturbance,” Mr Cossey added.

“The weather is also getting warmer, so I spray the buckets with disinfectant every day.”

Kevan Johnson is another homeowner who has had enough.

The 66-year-old, who has lived in Longbridge since 2006, said: “It just really needs sorting because you’d think we’re turning into a third world country with how snowballed it is.”

Rod Maller (left) and Kevan Johnson say the situation in Longbridge is getting worse.  Image: Joe HerbertRod Maller (left) and Kevan Johnson say the situation in Longbridge is getting worse.  Image: Joe Herbert
Rod Maller (left) and Kevan Johnson say the situation in Longbridge is getting worse. Image: Joe Herbert

Husband and wife Rod and Beverly Maller also expressed their concerns.

Mr Maller, 68, said: “You’re afraid to look in the bins because you know there will be worms in them from the smell.”

Mrs Maller added: “Our road has not been inspected and has been turned into a slum.”

Others across Ashford say they are also experiencing problems with the new provider.

Charity shop worker Joanne Veryard lives with her mum, Denise, 71, and dad, Bert, 70, in Boxley, South Ashford.

Joanne Veryard lives in Boxley, South Ashford.  Image: Joe HerbertJoanne Veryard lives in Boxley, South Ashford.  Image: Joe Herbert
Joanne Veryard lives in Boxley, South Ashford. Image: Joe Herbert

She says her recycling and food waste bins have not been collected since May 4.

When asked how this has affected the family, the 41-year-old said: “Our bins are on the path in front of the house.

“But since everyone is just sitting, scooters and prams can’t get through.

“We have to leave them there though because we’re all worried they won’t be picked up after we drag them home for the night.”

Meanwhile, Elena Rooker, who lives with her husband Steve in Hawks Way, Beaver Green, says she lives in “hope” that her waste will be collected.

Elena Rooker says she lives in "hope" its waste will be collected.  Image: Joe HerbertElena Rooker says she lives in "hope" its waste will be collected.  Image: Joe Herbert
Elena Rooker says she lives in “hope” that her waste will be collected. Image: Joe Herbert

The 55-year-old said: “We haven’t collected our waste since the last day of April and it’s just been sitting outside our house since then.

“It started to smell, so it’s not very pleasant.

“The councilor from the municipality told me that our road will see the garbage cans emptied on May 21, but that has not happened yet.

– Now we all just wait and hope.

Meanwhile, Ashford Town Council has apologized to residents for the delay.

Lee Wood went almost a whole month without emptying his bins at Stanhope.  Image: Joe HerbertLee Wood went almost a whole month without emptying his bins at Stanhope.  Image: Joe Herbert
Lee Wood went almost a whole month without emptying his bins at Stanhope. Image: Joe Herbert

A statement from the local authority said: “We are working closely with Suez to overcome these issues to minimize disruption during this transition period.

“We had to make some changes to service vehicles and routes and tours, which took longer than we expected.

“These changes meant that our missed container reporting system was unavailable for some time.

“This has been rectified and the system will now allow you to report any missed bins online.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this is causing and thank everyone for their patience during this time.”

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