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SOUTHPORT Lib Dems are calling on Sefton Council to have better plans in place for bin collections over the festive period as residents are left with overflowing bins.

Last year collections were changed at the last minute due to waste collection staff being unavailable. This year brown bins which were due to be collected during Christmas week won't be collected for another 2 weeks.

Southport Lib Dems demanded an apology from the Council for last year's issues and better planning for this year. When Cllr Gareth Lloyd Johnson raised the issue at a recent meeting he was told that the same approach would be used as last year, which was relying on staff being asked to do shifts on a voluntary basis. In 2023 not enough staff agreed to work which meant disruption to the schedule and last minute changes had to be communicated by social media.

Cllr Gareth Lloyd-Johnson, Meols Ward Councillor, commented:- "It's pretty unbelievable that following the chaos this caused to residents last year that the Council will be relying on the same approach which caused last minute cancellations and confusion. It's not good enough to simply communicate these changes via social media, as of course not everyone has access to it."

Cllr Leo Evans, Cambridge Ward Councillor, added:- "Last year many residents had their bins out ready for collection only to wake up to find that not only were their bins full, but rubbish from them was also strewn across the pavements because of the stormy weather. People need their bins collecting more than ever over the festive period. A 2 week wait is unacceptable and could lead to fly tipping. The Council really needs a more sustainable plan for the festive period; it's the same time every year so there is no excuse for poor planning!"