Overflowing bins have been driving residents “mad” in three blocks of flats in South Oxhey.

Residents at the properties in Oxhey Drive, owned by housing association Thrive, have been “outraged” by the mess.

There have been complaints from people living in the area, which has led Steve Cox, councillor for South Oxhey, to report the issue to Three Rivers District Council.

Watford Observer:

He said: “The way the council are dealing with the bin issue has been rubbish. They are communal, and anyone can access them which is part of the problem. But if the council works with Thrive we could get something done.

“The council cannot solve this themselves. They need to work in conjunction with the company who owns the flats.”

Watford Observer:

The three blocks, Erskine House, Filton House, and Forfar House, have various issues which have impacted the emptying of the bins.

Cllr Cox claimed that there have been “cars in the way” so bin men can't reach the bins.

He claims that “residents are outraged and the rubbish driving them mad”.

Cllr Cox has also witnessed the bins be “abused” and is hoping there is a solution before there is an issue with it “attracting vermin”.

Watford Observer:

He has had two members of his ward complain to him over one weekend which has highlighted the “easily contaminated” bins issue even more.

He hopes that the bins will be “locked away” to avoid members of the public who do not live in the flats from using them and causing the rubbish to spread across the outside of the flats.

Watford Observer:

Thrive Homes said: “Thrive Homes works closely with the waste management team at Three Rivers District Council and our contractors so that we receive timely notifications when bins stores are contaminated. We will be reviewing the process and make improvements if required. Our team will be visiting the area today to check the bin store and arrange clearance.”

A Three Rivers District Council spokesperson said: “The Council continues to work with Thrive Homes, who are the Management Company responsible for these locations, to assist them in implementing measures that will help to ensure that the area remains clear of waste and litter.

"This has included increasing the frequency of bin collections, returning to collections when they could not be undertaken due to access issues relating to parked cars and communicating with residents regarding responsible disposal and storage of their waste. All complaints received are passed to Thrive Homes and the Councils Enforcement Officers monitors their response.”