Councillor makes plea over wheelie bins (From The Advertiser Series)

Councillor Gerald Lee fears wheelie bins will be a problem in Heighington

3:41pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Steven Hugill

A COUNCILLOR has called for understanding ahead of the introduction of wheelie bins in villages.

Gerald Lee, ward member for Heighington and Coniscliffe, says some properties will struggle to store the new bins, which he believes will damage conservation areas.

Councillor Lee held a tour of homes in Heighington, Piercebridge, Killerby and High Coniscliffe with Darlington Borough Council’s Street Scene team to identify properties which will struggle to house the bins.

He has asked if residents can continue with existing black bag collections due to steep drives and worries over elderly people using a wheelie bin in winter.

He said: “We are trying to make it as easy as possible for people when the bins are delivered, and all of the properties which could have issues have been looked at.

“There are homes which do not have a back entrance and the people living in them can manage a black sack, but not a wheelie bin.

“I suggested that those who have steep drives – some are like the Eiger – should be able to have black bags and I doubt the bin wagon will get around the village green.

“However, they are adamant that everyone will get a new bin.”

The wheelie bins will be rolled out in May, ahead of the first collections in June.