Lynne Featherstone

Highgate’s Lib Dem councillors have condemned the way wheelie bins are being rolled out in the area, as wheelie bins this week arrived earlier than planned, giving local residents virtually no time to object and to point out that their home may be largely unsuitable for the new containers.

Several residents in Cromwell Avenue and the surrounding roads have objected this week, but received little comfort from the Council or Haringey Accord. They are now collecting a petition objecting to the whole mess, and want many of the bins removed.

After the intervention of Lib Dem councillors, the council and bin providers Haringey Accord have agreed to come to Cromwell Avenue to try to sort out the mess.

In a further twist, Haringey Accord has told the Lib Dems that their database shows which houses should have wheelies – but when those distributing the bins go round doing so, they do not have this information to hand, causing completely unnecessary distress to residents who have found the bins foisted upon them this week, and must now battle at their own time and expense to have them removed.

Lib Dem councillor Neil Williams comments:

“The whole roll out has begun very badly in Highgate. The council and Accord are entirely responsible and must sort out this mess. It is a ridiculous approach, just dumping the bins on residents without observing the timetable and without checking their own lists to see if the property is suitable. Residents do not have to accept this fait accompli, and should call Accord on (020) 8885 7700 to object.”