FROM August 1, the council announced changes to the refuse collections through Barry and the Vale.

This has caused the streets to resemble a rubbish dump, no matter where you go you see rubbish bags that have been put out on the wrong days, ones that have yet to be picked up and some have to wait up to three weeks.

Confused, I rang the council to ask why and who is responsible for these changes, I was told someone who was more apt to answer my questions would get back to me. There has been no reply so I spoke to those on the front line –- the operatives.

From what I can gather the changes will save money, asking how that adds up, it seems that management have reduced the number of refuse lorries, so instead of two vehicles doing both sides of a road they are now using one and apparently the staff from both Barry and Penarth are swapping areas.

I’m no whizz kid but even I can see why the area looks like a dump lately.

Not only are the vehicles reduced and the days have changed, seemingly the staff have too and, in my opinion, the whole concoction will not work.

Their job is a very physically demanding one and will possibly become even more so, coupled with all the health and safety measures that govern every workplace it makes for a very dissatisfied workforce.

T Abery

Laburnum Close

Barry