Thornhill resident calls out Southampton City Council on 'fire hazard' overflowing bins

John Parker, of Burke Drive council estate in Thornhill, said his building's recycling bins were "missed out" on collection days.

The 60-year-old said: "The bins haven't been taken since the Queen was alive.

"There's a fire risk because the bin men leave the door open when they collect the general rubbish and there are kids who like to set fires. 

"I have called and called. I live right above the bins and the building has three disabled residents so it is a big hazard.

"It's just depressing to see this much pile-up." 

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Bins at Burke Drive council estate (Image: Hannah De Boltz, Newsquest)

John who suffers from COPD, a disease which causes breathing difficulties, says he had to crush over 80 boxes himself to save space.

The rubbish included mattresses, cardboard boxes, glass and bottles. 

John said he voiced his concerns to bin men but nothing was done.

He said: "The rubbish was just piled up all over the floors and spreading to the hallway because everyone doesn't know where to put it.

"I have called and called but all I get is apologies and being told to wait five days. I wait and they never turn up. 

"We pay for this. Our council tax goes to this but we don't see anything. It's just depressing. 

"It never used to be like this but it's just getting disgusting. I don't know if they just don't have drivers or what but it's just a load of rubbish."

A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said: "Due to recent staffing shortages we have utilised agency staff to cover some waste collection rounds.

"These staff members are less familiar with the collection routes and mistakes are sometimes made and bins missed.

"We have no record of these bins being reported as missed, however we can confirm that they have now been emptied."

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