Woolwich New Road bins flooded with waste

Rita Baranakova – who has lived in Woolwich New Road for many years – claims that local businesses are not disposing of their waste in an appropriate way, as her home’s bins are often found with commercial rubbish.

She says the build-up has recently led to a rat infestation, causing concerns for Rita and others living in the area.

Rita claims stacks of rubbish build up daily in Woolwich New Road, Hare Street and Ferry Place – including empty pizza boxes and hair blades from local hairdressers.

Due to the excessive overflow of bins and high amounts of commercial waste, Rita says the residential waste collectors are now refusing to take the bins.

A spokesperson for Greenwich Council has said they are “aware of the issue” and are taking the misuse of bins “extremely seriously”.

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Rita told The News Shopper: “We've got bins that are for residents only who pay Council Tax and we have a number of commercial shops around us.

“There are a number of businesses around the area that use our residential bin for their commercial purposes - which obviously causes a lot of drama and mess around us.

“This has been an issue for years and there’s a sign in the road saying there will be a fine given if people are caught fly tipping, but no one is doing anything about it.”

Rita explained that after seeing a post on social media about the overflow of rubbish, the Council did dispose of the waste.

However, this apparently didn’t last long, as commercial waste soon started to fill the residential bins again and it was “back to the same story” for Rita.

Rita added: “We've spoken to the companies and one of the managers promised me that he's not going to do it again - but then obviously it kept it keeps being done.

“I shouldn't be the one chasing it - I've given it a go, but the resolution is absolutely zero.

“I wanted it to be resolved in the most diplomatic manner - such as the council doing what it says and issuing fines for fly tipping and doing health and safety checks.”

“It’s making me feel frustrated” Rita added, as she says her, and other residents are attempting to improve the surrounding area.

She explained: “This area has never been great, but the waste is just making it difficult.

“It's getting to the point where the area is not improving - although there's a lot of money flooding in from the council to make it a better place.

“But I just don't think that's the case.”

A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: "The Council is aware of the issue and takes the misuse of bins extremely seriously.

“We have investigated the site and found evidence of waste from nearby businesses.

“Those businesses now need to provide documentation of their official commercial waste collections for the last two years or they could be fined.

“Businesses play an important role in helping to shape the look and feel of their local high streets.

"Having a clean and well-maintained shop front attracts more customers to the area, so it is extremely disappointing when some businesses do not dispose of their waste properly.

“However, businesses that are serious about making their local area more attractive can sign up to become a Love Your High Street Champion royalgreenwich.gov.uk/LoveYourHighStreet"

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