BINS at a block of flats have become infested with maggots and flies after several missed waste collections.

Residents at The Mulberrys, in Sutton Road, Southend, are fed up with the sporadic waste collection service provided by the council’s contracted waste manager, Veolia.

The bins in their shared refuse area are supposed to be collected at least once a week, however residents say they often have to wait much longer than that, leading to flies, maggots and foxes feasting on the garbage.

Richard Turner, who has lived in the block of flats for six years, says missed bin collections are a regular occurrence.

The 53-year-old said: “This is not the first time this has happened. We are used to rubbish building up in are bins, made worse by people who don’t live here travelling to the flat to fly-tip.

“On more than one occasion we have had vehicles come into our car park which are not residents’, from not around here, and they have been seen dumping rubbish into our shared refuse area.

“It’s a regular occasion for us. Rubbish building up. It’s often full of flies and maggots because food collection hasn’t been done. It smells very bad.”

Veolia claims the issues have been caused by blockages, often fly-tipping, restricting access to the bins.

Photos of the latest instance so rubbish piled head-high after no Veolia collection for more than two weeks.

The waste manager did however turn up yesterday, after numerous calls to the council residents claim.

“They finally turned up but afterwards I had to go down afterwards with a shovel, brooms and disinfectant and scrub the area clean to clear up the rubbish and food waste left on the floor from where some bags had split,” Mr Turner continued.

“It’s not my job to clean it. We are paying a service charge, and not getting a service and it’s not good enough.”

A spokesperson for Veolia UK said: "We are aware that on a few occasions our team have been unable to access the bin stores at the Mulberrys and as a result collections have been delayed.

“The issue has been caused by fly-tipped items blocking access to the bins stores. We are working with South Essex Homes to find a solution to the situation as providing an efficient service for all residents remains our priority.”

Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for public protection, said: “We have been made aware of recent missed collections in this area. It is disappointing that residents have faced these unforeseen delays, and we are working closely with Veolia to ensure the issues are rectified.

“I would urge any residents that have missed collections to report these via MySouthend, so that there is a record of the missed collection and Veolia can take the appropriate action.

“It is also important to note that fly-tipping is against the law, and those responsible could face a fine of up to £50,000 and a criminal record. Large items can be disposed of at either of the Borough’s two household waste recycling centres, or you can also book a charged collection via the council’s website. I would also remind residents that they should present their rubbish before 7am on their collection day, to avoid foxes and other wildlife tearing the bags open.”