At last! Action to deal with our bins problem (From Echo)

At last! Action to deal with our bins problem

8:00am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Local News By Jacqueline McMillan

A FOUR-YEAR battle to improve living conditions in a block of council flats plagued by overflowing bins and antisocial behaviour could finally be won.

Frustrated residents of Chapman Court, in Seaview Road, Canvey , have had to contend with rubbish festering in their communal courtyard for years, because of there isn’t enough room for them to store all their household waste.

Overflowing bins and dumped furniture have been causing misery for residents, who have had to put up with horrible smells, flies and even maggot infestations.

Now Castle Point Council is preparing to spend £340,000 solving the problems.

Resident Tony Moore, 32, said: “Any changes or improvements here will be welcomed with open arms.

“The rubbish and overflowing bins are such a big problem here, and have been for a long time.

“Everyone is really pleased something is finally going to be done about it.”

Detailed plans have yet to be finalised, but could include new security gates, different, more secure communal bins and a fence around the refuse area.

A 39-year-old resident, who has lived in the flats for ten years, but did not want to be named, said: “It’s certainly going to be a lot more hygienic here if this does go ahead.

“Living right opposite the bins, I’ve had so many problems with flies and even maggots getting in the house, because there’s just not enough space to put everyone’s rubbish.

“I hope it will be a lot better. If they put in these security gates, it will make it so much safer for our kids to play.”

The council hopes to be able to tell residents more next month.

It would then put the contract for the job out to tender in the next few months, with the work itself likely to start in early 2013.

A council spokesman said: “We have been consulting the residents and leaseholders of Chapman Court on the options available for the refurbishment work.

“We are now analysing that information, so we can go back to the residents with the plans before going out to tender. “It is hoped more detail will be submitted to cabinet in October. “The refurbishment is planned to be around the improvement of the communal areas and general security of the site and there are some aspects, for which we will need to seek planning permission, which also takes some time”.

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