Councillor Lorna Fielker (Lab), leader of Southampton City Council, has responded to recent disruptions in waste collection services, acknowledging inconvenience faced by some residents.
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In a statement she explained that changes to the waste collection system, aimed at prioritising crew safety and efficiency, had led to delays.
She said: "Previously, the waste crews operated a ‘task and finish’ system ... The new system requires crews to work full hours, reducing risks and allowing time for training."
She added that efforts are underway to address crew challenges with the new system, with additional staff mobilised to minimise backlog. She thanked those working to clear the backlog.
Apologising for any inconvenience caused, Fielker said fixing collections was a priority, although she wasn’t able to provide a date for resolving the issue. She urged residents to continue to report missed collections via the council’s website.
It’s understood that residents in the Bitterne Park area have experienced fewer disruptions compared to some other parts of the city, with only minor delays reported on certain roads. But if you know different, we’d be interested to hear from you.