Blame the chiefs, not the indians, for problems with bin lorries and gritters (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Blame the chiefs, not the indians, for problems with bin lorries and gritters

3:23pm Thursday 7th January 2010

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As I write, it is the afternoon of Wednesday, December 30, and the collection of bins in our area of Tottington is two and a half weeks late (and counting).

As the previous bin collection was also over two and a half weeks late, we have had one collection in over five weeks. The audacious comment by Bury Council that we can have two extra bags of rubbish collected beggars belief.

As an HGV driver, I am fully aware of the difficulties large vehicles have in the adverse weather conditions we have experienced. However, Bury Council are responsible for the gritting of the roads, even in wilderness outbacks such as Tottington, Ramsbottom etc. and despite their proclamation that this was done, the residents of those areas know different.

I have cause to start work early, and over the years when we have had snowfalls have found the roads to be treacherous as I navigate the Bury area, only to see the gritters starting their duties, too little too late.

In no way do I intend to condemn the collection crews or gritters, as they do sterling work.

The problems are not caused by the “indians” but by the “chiefs” in the comfort of their warm and cosy office.

Instead of paying for agency workers with our council taxes, those councillors who initiated the budgetary cutbacks yet use our money to pay for “fact finding” trips abroad for themselves, and make cutbacks on our services, should don workwear and help out the collection crews themselves.

I shan’t hold my breath on the possibility of reduced council taxes next year to compensate for the incompetent management of Bury Council.

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