Erskine House overflowing bins branded 'shambles'

The refuse storage at Erskine House in Oxhey Drive has been plagued by problems as residents have reported that bins can go unemptied for weeks at a time due to cars parked in front.

It is operated by Thrive Homes which said on July 31 it was “in the process of improving access for waste removal” and carrying out weekly checks to monitor the situation.

Overflowing bins have been an issue at Erskine House for years. (Image: Cllr Steve Cox) But today (August 27), South Oxhey Labour councillor Steve Cox branded the ongoing problem a “shambles” after the bin store was yet again not emptied following the bank holiday weekend.

Cllr Cox said: “People have to live with this and it’s deeply unpleasant. They shouldn’t have to live in conditions like these.

Cllr Steve Cox branded the ongoing problem a shambles. (Image: Cllr Steve Cox) “This should not be an ongoing matter, it should be resolved by now. The residents are sick and tired of this, Thrive and Three Rivers have to pull their fingers out now.”

He called for locks to be added to the bin store like at newer properties to prevent non-residents from leaving excess rubbish there.

Cllr Cox said: “People have to live with this and it’s deeply unpleasant. They shouldn’t have to live in conditions like these. (Image: Cllr Steve Cox) The councillor shared photos taken this morning of black bags heaped on top of and around the commercial bins as well as a mattress dumped on the floor.

Erskine House resident Lina Ames previously told the Watford Observer that the continuous problem had left her feeling “hopeless” and embarrassed.

Lina Ames said she would “gladly pack up everything and leave” over the ongoing bin problems. (Image: Lina Ames) The 46-year-old event coordinator has lived there for three years but said she would “gladly pack up everything and leave” after the bin began to smell of “rotting rubbish” amid the summer heat.

• Months of 'embarrassing' rubbish woes leave resident 'hopeless'
• Residents being 'driven mad' by overflowing bins

When asked why it has not yet solved the issue, Thrive executive director of operations Jo Barrett said they were still working with Three Rivers to consider relocating the bin store so that parking does not cause an obstruction.

She added: "During this period, we have increased our inspections, communicated with customers regarding parking near the bin store and are in the process of installing new signage advising customers of waste management in the area.

"Customers are encouraged to report any issues, and the team is visiting weekly to arrange clearances as needed. Updates will be provided to customers in the coming weeks once a resolution is agreed."

A Three Rivers District Council spokesperson confirmed they had not been able to empty the bins on Tuesday morning due to parked cars, although Thrive contractors have now removed the bulky items by Wednesday.

They added: “The council continues to work with Thrive to resolve the issue – however, bins must always be left in an accessible position and any bulky items must be disposed of responsibly in order to ensure collections can be completed.”