Spalding tip queues could cause booking review

Council bosses say they may have to review how many people can book slots at Spalding’s tip after residents got stuck in long queues.

Visitors to the household waste and recycling centre (HWRC) on West Marsh Road have been left frustrated at having to queue outside, despite booking time slots to attend the facility.

The issue has arisen since the county council made more slots available - and bosses say they might review the policy if queuing traffic becomes a persistent issue.

Simon Bell, from waste services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Over the past few days, we’ve increased the number of slots available at the HWRC in Spalding. Unfortunately, this has caused queues onto West Marsh Road.

“We’re monitoring the issue and, if necessary, we will review the number of people accessing the site.”

The online booking system, introduced during the pandemic, is due to be scrapped from September 1.

There have been a number of frustrations at the facility - including the fact that staff were unable to help struggling users with their waste during Covid restrictions.

Fed-up resident Alf Searle (75), from Pinchbeck, even took to tipping a bag of garden waste over the floor in frustration a couple of weeks ago after being refused help.

He said: “I am not a weakling even now at 75. I have always been a strong chap and over the years I have very rarely asked for help.

“I couldn’t lift this one bag - I didn’t realise it was so heavy but it had rained.

“I asked for help twice and they said no.

“I tipped it on the floor because I couldn’t do anything else.”

As he drove away he said there were ‘six people waving their arms and shouting’ at him.

Mr Searle doesn’t think Covid was a fair excuse - and said that refuse collectors are still able to handle bags.

He said: “It’s a tip - and they have got masks on and coats on and everything.

“It doesn’t make sense to me. They are not helping the customers.

“If that’s progress I will eat my hat.”

At a recent meeting of the county council, economic and environment committee members were told that contractors have been advised to help customers again now following the removal of Covid restrictions.

They are being asked to prioritise elderly or vulnerable users.