City blames weather as bins are left unemptied for weeks

Complaints about Leeds City Council's bin service are being received across the city following a shake-up of bin collection routes at the end of October, although the council is also blaming the bad weather for the difficulties.

Last night one resident complained bins had not been emptied for seven weeks in Bentley Lane, Meanwood, Leeds.

"I have been paying my council tax regularly and expect services like refuse collection to be carried out without having me to walk down Meanwood Road with a large bag of rubbish every alternate day to dispose of the rubbish as my two black bin are full to the brim and over flowing," the resident said.

A council spokeswoman said: "This address has been put on our list for urgent attention, which means there will be a visit from refuse collectors within the next 24 hours. We will also be ensuring that collections on this street are closely monitored during the next few weeks to ensure it doesn't happen again."

Another resident said there were still problems in West Ardsley, where he claimed there had only been three collections since the new system began.

Under the shake-up, the number of bin collection routes have been reduced from 51 to 40.

Bosses say more efficient, longer, rounds have allowed them to take 11 bin lorries off the roads and reduce a reliance on agency staff.

They say the changes will save 2.4m.

Last night Coun Andrew Carter, leader of the Conservative group on Leeds City Council, said efforts needed to be made to get the service back on track.

The council spokeswoman said anyone who had experienced more than one missed collection should call 0113 222 4406 or email [email protected] to report it.

She added: "If this has happened only once, please leave the bin out for 48 hours before taking it back in.

"The bad weather has clearly affected access for crews and slowed down collections, just as the new routes and systems were bedding down.

"We apologise for delays encountered during this period."