Killyleagh parking problem means bins go unemptied

Killyleagh parking problem means bins go unemptied

11 January 2012 - by JOANNE FLEMING

RESIDENTS of Killyleagh’s Highbury Avenue are hoping to find a permanent solution to their ongoing bin collection problem.

Some households were left with unemptied bins following the festive season after a bin lorry refused to go up part of the street that was narrowed by parked cars.

Mrs. Marceila Martin said she felt refuse collectors should have made an effort to retrieve her bin last Monday, and while pleased a smaller collection vehicle was sent out on Wednesday, said it is a recurring issue which needs to be resolved.

“These are one car or two car families who are normally at work and there is enough room for bin lorries to pass,” she said. “But when there is a bank holiday, for instance, it is chockablock. These are houses that just were not designed for cars.”

She said providing car parking in the area, possibly on land adjacent to a group of pensioners’ houses on nearby Castleview, could solve the problem.

Councillor Billy Walker said health and safety issues for the refuse collectors were a factor in the collection problems, and offered assurances on meeting with Roads Service and Housing Executive officials to discuss the issue. He also suggested getting rid of part of a grassy bank at Highbury Avenue.

“That could provide an extra eight or ten car parking spaces,” he said. “In the mean time I am asking the council to send a letter out to those properties and the cars that are blocking the street. The van does have to reverse up and they could easily take part of someone’s vehicles so I hope the letter will ask residents to park up the footpath a bit.

“I also have very serious concerns as to what will happen in that street if a fire engine needs access.”

A Down Council spokeswoman said the high costs associated with waste collection and the current economic climate meant it was imperative the service was provided in an efficient and effective manner.

“Poor access for refuse collection vehicles, caused by parked cars, results in non collection of bins and causes a great inconvenience to householders in the area,” said the spokeswoman. “It also causes additional costs to the ratepayers with alternative collection arrangements being made, which can still result in non collection with frustration for both the customer and staff involved.

“While the initial problem can stem from a housing and road system that had been developed in a time before the escalation of the motor car, a bit of thought in where you park your car would help. Most car owners do take into consideration where they park, allowing other cars clear access past their vehicle, but fail to consider the needs of larger vehicles.

“In problem areas the council will be taking a note of offending cars and will be passing the information on to the PSNI and Road Services. It will also be leaflet ping problem areas, to advise residents of the car parking issues.”

The spokeswoman continued: “Down District Council would like to take this opportunity to advise householders that the new Refuse Collection Calendars 2012 will be delivered before the end of the month. This will provide general information on bin collection services, such as what you should put into your blue bin and holiday arrangements.

“It is important that householders read the information in their calendars, as it will also indicate if their refuse collection day has changed as part of the revised service in 2012.”