Wheelie bin nightmare for elderly and disabled in Ashfield

He has claimed pavements are clogged with wheelie bins for days on end, putting the disabled, the visually impaired and parents with pushchairs in danger.

Residents have complained about having to go onto busy roads as they simply cannot use some pavements.

More than 50 residents have been written to on St Michael’s Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Other terraced streets face similar issues and Councillor David Hennigan has spoken about his worries for resident’s safety.

He said: “Residents need to know that by not taking their wheelie bins in, they are creating a huge problem for some of our most vulnerable.

“Parents tell me that they often have to go onto busy roads as wheelie bins are continually in the way, and the elderly and disabled tell me they struggle to get to the shops.

“The offenders need to realise the problems that others face because they can’t be bothered to take their bin in.

“It’s no exaggeration to suggest that this could cause a serious accident.”

Christine Wakefield from Sutton-in-Ashfield uses a mobility scooter.

She struggles to traverse the pavements and has spoken of being ‘terrified’ after being ‘forced’ on to busy roads.

Christine said, “I never thought that my mobility issues would end up with me having to rely on a mobility scooter.

“The pavements around Sutton town centre can be a nightmare - I am forced onto busy roads constantly and I am terrified.

“I have the same right to use our pavements as everybody else, people need to give a thought to parents with pushchairs, people who use mobility scooters like me, wheelchairs and the blind or visually impaired.”

Ashfield District Council have carried out a number of action days, targeting streets that have been highlighted with a range of issues.

Councillor Hennigan continued: “Ashfield District Council has the power to confiscate bins and charge residents £25 for a replacement.

“The problem with this is that it could lead to an increase in fly tipping.

“I hope the minority of residents who leave their bins out understand the problems they create for others.”