RESIDENTS in northern Powys have demanded answers over why their recycling and rubbish collections are missed more than in other parts of the county.

A question from Phillip Ellison, a member of the public, will come before the council's full meeting on Thursday (October 5) seeking clarity over the missed collections in Llandrindod Wells compared with Llansantffraid and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.

Mr Ellison said: “Why is there such a discrepancy?

“I am making these inquiries as I think it poses a health risk to elderly people who put their bins out every Tuesday in my area and then have to bring them back in again as they not coming for that week.”

He also points out that other local authorities inform people of changes to their waste collections on their websites either the evening before or by 7am the morning the waste collection is due.

In response Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for Highways, Transport and Recycling, Cllr Jackie Charlton explains that from the data available this year there have been 12 missed rounds in Llandrindod, and four of these were down to inclement weather.

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In comparison there have been 18 missed rounds in Llansantffraid and Llanrhaeadr with five of these down to inclement weather.

Cllr Charlton adds a “bit more context” to the issue by saying that there are 2,364 properties affected in Llandrindod and 1,352 in Llansantffraid and Llanrhaeadr.

Cllr Charlton said: “The reason for the discrepancy is that these wards are serviced from different depots in the mid and north of Powys.

“The problems with recruitment of staff have been more acute in the north of the county and this is a problem that has been experienced by other local authorities in North Wales as well as the private sector.

“We do appreciate that it is an inconvenience for residents to wait an additional week for their recycling collections.

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“We do try to ensure that residual waste rounds are not missed due to the three weekly cycle of (black bin) collections and do catch up as quickly as possible if this does occur.”

Cllr Charlton adds that putting the information on the website the night before “is not possible” as the council will only be aware of staff sickness or broken down vehicles on the day.

Cllr Charlton said: “As soon as we are aware that a round is going to be missed, a message is sent to all the affected councillors, the helpdesk is informed, and our missed bin reporting form and collection day finder are updated on the website so that if someone puts in their address they will be informed of the change.”

Cllr Charlton adds that there has been “some success” recruiting more staff and “hopefully” collections will stabilise.

Mr Ellison has the right of reply and will be allowed to ask an extra question to Cllr Charlton should he wish to do so.