Family hasn't had garbage collection since November (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Family hasn't had garbage collection since November

8:30am Thursday 17th January 2008 in Swindon By Sarah Hilley

THE LAW family's garden has turned into a rubbish tip with more than two months' worth of black bags piling up.

Rats are now a common sight at their home on Nythe Farm, just off the A419, near Covingham, and can be seen scurrying among the mountain of bags.

Swindon Council has failed to pick up the family's rubbish since the new waste collection service began on November 5.

And the farmhouse has not received blue bags, wheelie bins or been told when the rubbish will be removed in spite of repeated calls.

Mum-of-two Michelle Law has been phoning for help since mid-November, but she says no-one has phoned back with an answer.

"My husband lifted one of the bags up and a rat jumped up," said Mrs Law. "We have had so many rats appearing near the rubbish bags, which is really concerning.

"I have to make sure our door is closed so they don't get in."

Council staff have said that the family have the option to take the rubbish for disposal themselves free of charge.

But Mrs Law doesn't want to take the rotting rubbish in her car for fear a rat may be in a bag.

She said holes have appeared in the bags and the smell is horrendous when the weather is dry.

The family have cut down severely on dumping, as they can't cope with the thought of the pile getting bigger and bigger.

Mrs Law says that they take suitable rubbish to be recycled, as they don't have a recycling box.

"The council have completely forgotten us," said the 45-year-old.

"I haven't had any answer from them on when it will be collected.

"I don't mind whether we get blue bags or wheelie bins, but I just want my rubbish collected.

"We could even manage if it was only once a month.

"We live off the A419, which is difficult to get to, which may be a reason and we are on our own.

"If we lived in a row of houses, it would be different."

She says that although council staff are very apologetic, she just wants to know when the waste will go away.

She said the previous service was excellent and collectors always arrived on time.

Mrs Law lives on the crop farm with her two daughters, 19-year-old Victoria and 16-year-old Rebecca, and husband Andrew.

A Swindon Council spokeswoman said: "We can only apologise to Mrs Law for what has happened.

"We will collect her rubbish today and also let her know what collection arrangements she will have in future."