Residents of a cul-de-sac in Swansea have voiced their frustration over delayed or missed waste collections, sparking concerns in the community. The issues at West Cross have been ongoing, separate from the county-wide interruptions due to staff shortages and minor lorry problems. One resident, Jim Young, referred to the area as “the road the council forgets”, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by residents on Woodburn Drive.
Parking was identified as a significant factor contributing to delayed collections, with a photo captured by the Local Democracy Reporting Service showing a refuse lorry carefully navigating the narrow street. Residents have expressed heightened anxiety due to frequent delays and missed collections in recent months, prompting concerns about hygiene and cleanliness in the area.
In response to the residents’ grievances, Swansea Council acknowledged the access issues faced by refuse lorries on Woodburn Drive and pledged to explore options to improve waste collections. Suggestions such as introducing residents’ parking areas and using smaller refuse vehicles with wire cages have been put forward to alleviate the ongoing challenges.
Among the affected residents, Breda Regan and Denise King also raised their voices, citing the inconvenience of having to deal with scattered waste and hold onto bin bags for extended periods when collections are disrupted. The community is actively seeking solutions to ensure smoother waste management practices in the area.
Addressing the broader context of staff shortages impacting waste collection services, the council revealed recruitment efforts to bolster the team and enhance operational efficiency. The implementation of new working methods and the addition of new refuse vehicles are part of the council’s strategy to address the challenges faced by the waste collection department.
While the council considers measures to enhance waste management, proposals to limit the number of black bags per household have been under review as part of a wider strategy to promote recycling and composting practices. The community remains hopeful for a more stable waste collection system in the future to ensure a cleaner and more efficient environment for all residents across Swansea.