ANGRY residents in Heather Bank, Burnley, decided enough was enough when refuse collectors again failed to empty their bins.

Carole Galbraith, the Labour candidate for the area, arranged a meeting between local householders, Phil Walsh, chairman of the council's public protection committee and contractors UK Waste in a bid to iron out the problem caused by irresponsible parking blocking access to the houses.

The UK Waste representative failed to turn up, says Carole, but as the street meeting assembled, one of company's wagons swept into the avenue and collected the bulging bins - to the cheers of residents.

Residents say bins are left in the street for two or three days each week because UK Waste is unable to gain access.

Said Coun Walsh: "I must emphasise that Burnley's contract with the company states that if the wagon is unable to enter a street because of obstruction, it must return the very next day to empty the bins.

"I shall be reporting the situation to the town hall for investigation."

Said Carole: "My concern is that if UK Waste cannot get into Heather Bank because of bad parking at the junction with Cog Lane, then it is likely the fire brigade will also have a similar problem."

She added: "The safety of residents must be protected.

"I will be arranging a further meeting involving the police, councils, fire brigade and officers to seek a way to resolve the issue."

No UK Waste spokesman was available for comment.

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