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Scavengers scattering rubbish from bags or ‘smelly, eyesore’ bins? Readers join the divisive refuse debate in South Holland




To bin or not to bin?… that is the question that has been dividing our readers this week.

Despite 51% of residents recently voting in favour of keeping weekly bin bag collections, South Holland District Council’s cabinet will decide whether or not to scrap them for wheelie bins later this month.

Readers don't want bin bags as they can be ripped apart by scavenging animals
Readers don't want bin bags as they can be ripped apart by scavenging animals

The decision is being pushed through due to new legislation which has come into force.

The bin-bag debate has long proven an emotive and divisive one in the district, and this latest news has proven no different with readers again split on whether or not to refuse the refuse sacks.

Jenni Rayner said she was ‘perfectly happy with the system we have’ while Jane Britton labelled wheelie bins an ‘eyesore’.

South Holland councillors will decide later this month
South Holland councillors will decide later this month

“Not really wanting the wheelie bins myself as I prefer bags,” she said.

“I think they are real eyesore and I don’t really want to be looking at them in my garden.”

Paula Tippler questioned how she was expected to store any potential wheelie bins.

Refuse sacks waiting for collection in Spalding town centre
Refuse sacks waiting for collection in Spalding town centre

“Where are we supposed to put them?” she asked.

“My council owned property has a small garden, and I am disabled.”

Val Fairbanks was in agreement, arguing her property wasn’t able to store wheelie bins out of sight.

The wheelie bin debate remains divisive in South Holland
The wheelie bin debate remains divisive in South Holland

“No! Are supposed to have them outside on the front of the house when you do not have a way round the back?” she said.

“Certainly cannot push them through the lounge to the back.”

Lynda Crane added: “Nowhere to store them and the road is not big enough for the truck to drive down and empty them.

“Bags for me thanks.”

Julieanne Turner stated: “We live on a rural road down a long drive. A) you couldn’t drag a wheelie bin up the drive and B) you couldn’t leave it on the roadside as it would be a hazard.”

Commentors also pointed the finger at last year’s survey, where the 8,000-plus respondents narrowly voted in favour of keeping the current system.

“We had the debate the answer was no,” said Bryan Peter.

“Now get on with something more important that needs serious attention.”

Patty Curtis was among those fearing wheelie bisn could cause a stink.

“Our system works fine, no room for horrible smelly bins.”

However, others argued that a bin with a bad smell only comes from a neglected bin.

A cheeky post by The Wheelie Clean Bin Company & Pressure Washing Services said: “We think it’s a great idea. Give our page a follow and when SHDC rolls them out look out for some new customer offers.”

Doreal Perras agreed: “I used bins for decades until I moved to Spalding... bins aren't smelly if you clean them.

“I've been disabled for years and still managed not to have a smelly bin.

“They do help to stop vermin or wild animals getting to the rubbish but nothing is 100% secure unless you make it so.”

Indeed, the issues caused by bin bags being ripped apart by wildlife scavenging for food remains a hot topic.

“C’mon guys, it’s about time,” said Justīne Bambāne.

“Those bags make our streets look so terrible and no one is bothered to clean the mess after birds rip them.”

Janet Petheram said she would be grateful that ‘cats / dogs / foxes won't be dragging rubbish out overnight’, while Kate Simpson also joined the debate.

“I'm all for it, the black bags and green bags look bloody awful scattered around as people put them out days too early,” she said.

“Recycling bags end up flying around and the council does not pick rogue bags up.

“Cats and birds eat into black bags constantly. Bins would be so much more efficient - spray ‘em down weekly, isn't hard so would counteract any smells.”

Johanne Seymour agreed: I'm fed up with bags being ripped open and seeing rubbish, the contents, spread out by cats, rats, foxes and other animals.

“The bins will be a lot easier and cleaner plus less litter left around the town for people like our Wombles to clean up.”



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