COUNCIL chiefs have promised Stratford will be kept spick and span this summer.
A decision to bring forward summer operating hours will see Stratford District Council’s waste collection teams working until 10pm.
The move follows concerns raised by former mayor Cyril Bennis after the warm weather at the weekend brought a surge of visitors to the town – leaving rubbish bins overflowing.
Mr Bennis told The Observer said: “There’s no excuse, they should be prepared for improved weather and more visitors. It’s an embarrassment to residents that we can’t take care of our guests.”
The council said disposal services had been operating on winter hours meaning the last collection was at 4.30pm – during which all bins around the town were emptied.
A council spokesman said: “Stratford District Council apologises for the standard of the Recreation Ground and Bancroft Gardens over this weekend.
“The combination of excellent sunny weather and the new Observation Wheel resulted in much larger visitor numbers than expected.
“Our contractors are working every day to keep these areas clean and tidy and they will now be working until 10pm to ensure this poor standard does not recur.”
* The council is reminding residents what can go in their green recycling bins.
Grass and hedge cuttings, branches and small logs – maximum 10cm diameter – plants, flowers, leaves and food waste are all permitted.
But some residents put large amounts of soil in their bin making them heavy, potentially uncollectable and creating a health and safety issue for collection crews. Soil is already at the end of the composting process so is not a material that benefits by going through the composting collection service.
Alternatively, Warwickshire County Council will accept a small amount of soil at their household waste recycling centres.
