Herefordshire Council speaks out over A49 layby bins

Herefordshire Council has spoken out after volunteer Kim Saer raised an issue concerning overflowing litter bins along the A49, particularly near Leominster in Herefordshire.

"The bins I come across on my A49 litter picks are very often overflowing and have bags of rubbish and loose rubbish all around them," said Mrs Saer.

"I have noticed A49 Leominster bins are also left for far too long before they are emptied."

Herefordshire Council has acknowledged the issue and said steps are being taken to address it.

"With regard to the concerns about litter at the lay-by on the A49, the council has asked public realm contractor, M Group, to keep the location under review as part of its routine inspection and cleansing programme," said a council spokesperson.

"As with any reported issue, officers have also shared the information with the relevant council teams so they can assess whether any further action is appropriate."

Mrs Saer described a particularly unpleasant experience at Big Trev’s lay-by at Moreton, where she discovered a green bin containing a bag full of human excrement.

"I could smell the bins as soon as I got out of the car," Mrs Saer said.

"I don’t know how I held on to my breakfast to be honest.

"The stench was disgusting."

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Herefordshire Council said that bins in busy areas can sometimes become full before the next scheduled collection.

"We would encourage anyone who spots an overflowing litter bin or other environmental issue to report it directly to the council using our online reporting service.

"This is the quickest and most effective way for issues to be logged, assessed and, where appropriate, added to our routine maintenance programme."

The council also expressed appreciation for volunteers who help keep the county clean.