DISABLED resident Angela Underhill experienced the good and the bad side of the council this week.
Angela, from Hoole, who has multiple sclerosis, was so ‘miffed’ at not receiving a single rubbish collection since the new service began at the beginning of October she descended on the council HQ building.
But Cheshire West and Chester Council came to the rescue when, on the way to her one-woman protest, the pavement was blocked by contractors laying tarmac for the new Architect pub next door who asked her to go the long way round.
However, following the arrival of council highways inspector Phil Sumner they agreed to create a passageway and laid down boards for her electric wheelchair. Mr Sumner is now considering a prosecution alleging the rules had been flouted.
Angela, from Gosforth Place, is supposed to receive one of the well-publicised assisted collections for people with mobility problems but was forced to store up to 10 bags of refuse and that was despite her carer Mark Rushan having taken some rubbish to the tip.
After The Chronicle intervened, her rubbish was removed within minutes and she was given a private meeting with Steve Kent, director of community and environment.
Angela, a qualified chef who can no longer work, said: “I understand there are teething problems, if there is a new system there always is, but this is beyond a joke.”
Angela is also upset that she can no longer recycle, having done so for 30 years, because she can’t manage the recycling boxes and has been told to throw everything into black bin bags. However, Mr Kent has promised to see if this can be addressed.
The council refused to allow The Chronicle to be present at the meeting with Angela.
Asked afterwards if he could guarantee Angela’s rubbish would be collected a week on Friday, Mr Kent said: “I would hope so.”
