COUNCILLORS in Wrexham have hit out over bin collections which has left "piles of rubbish collecting in the streets". 

Bin and refuse collections were severely impacted by recent strike action taken by workers at Wrexham Council. 

The workers, represented by Unite, went on strike for seven weeks before coming to an agreement at the end of October. 

While strike action was taking place, a number of bin collections across Wrexham didn't take place, including green bins and recycling, with some residents waiting seven weeks for a collection.

Following the resolution between parties which ended the strike, Plaid Cymru councillors are calling for fairer collection schedules, so that certain communities are not left with rubbish piling up. 
The Leader: Uncollected bins in Wrexham.Uncollected bins in Wrexham. (Image: Kevin Jones)

Cllr Becca Martin, who represents Acton and Maesydre ward, said: "Strike action by Unite members affected many departments of the council, but was most noticeable with refuse collections and rubbish collecting in the streets.

"Many areas of Wrexham struggled through reduced collections. However, it seems some areas have been hit harder than others, with those who usually have Friday collections being most affected.

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"These tended to be ones in Wrexham town itself and we've seen the results - piles of rubbish accumulating in the street even now - more than a week since the strike ended.

"Throughout the strike action we saw bin collections being pushed back by a day or two through the week. This is completely understandable and acceptable given the circumstances; what isn’t acceptable is that although collections Monday through to Thursday were all continued and completed through the week, on Monday’s the cycle started again meaning Friday collections were missed repeatedly and consistently throughout the strike. To make matters worse it is continuing now workers are back on the job and dealing with the matter." 

Cllr Marc Jones, added:  “This level of disparity is completely unfair on our residents who have Friday collections, many of whom have barely had a single collection since August. We’ve all struggled with the effects of the strikes but to completely miss out the same rounds week in, week out is just unacceptable. Particularly when we are hearing that other areas have been prioritised.

"Although most of our group's councillors represent town wards, the ones that represent village wards have seen a far more reliable collection over the strike period and since then. Why is that?” 

Wrexham Council was approached for a comment.