'Terrible smells' as food waste piles up in hot weather

Residents in parts of a coastal town say they are having to put up with flies and foul smells because their food waste bins have not been collected for four weeks.

BCP Council said due to the heatwave its crews could not be sent out in Bournemouth on some of the hottest days.

The problem has been exacerbated by pre-existing staff shortages, with not enough staff available to crew the food waste lorries.

Tenants at one block of 36 flats in Boscombe have described overflowing waste bins and terrible smells.

St James's Court resident Jade Smallwood said the "stench" was "horrendous".

"We've had maggots, we've had hundreds of flies," she said.

"It's not the crews' fault and unfortunately it's us as the people who live in the flats that pay the price, and it's just extremely unhygienic."

Sharon Valler, from Muscliff, told the BBC: "Well it's not been emptied for several weeks. It's been left out here waiting for them.

"But it's absolutely full of flies and maggots and it smells really bad.

"I really feel for [the crews]. It's not a job I would have wanted to do myself but at the same time we do need to find some solution."

Lyn Moreland, who lives with her husband on Owls Road, Boscombe, said rubbish was piling up in the area.

"We had four weeks worth of food waste and the smell was just awful, but then yesterday they came and emptied the bin," she said.

"Possibly a coincidence that the BBC have been asking them questions? I couldn't possibly comment."

Andy Hadley, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: "The continuing hot weather, added to current staff shortages, means that some waste and recycling collections - including food waste - are delayed.

"We know that this is frustrating for residents, particularly in the heat, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this is causing."

He said the temperature at the back of the refuse truck became "extremely high" in hot weather.

"This means crews need to work more slowly, and there is also an increased risk of vehicle breakdowns," he explained.

"The health and safety of our crews remain our top priority.

"We appreciate everyone's participation in the food waste service and for their patience during these exceptional circumstances. If your food waste bin hasn't been collected this week, please leave it out for collection next week."

The council said teams were starting earlier and working over the weekend where possible to catch up on the service, and residents are advised to keep bins out even if they are not collected on the usual days.

There is a missed bin list available online which has updates on collections.

"I also want to thank the residents who have offered crews water and refreshments while they are out on their rounds," Hadley added.

"Those small acts of kindness are hugely appreciated by our teams."

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