FOLLOWING delayed refuse collections in two Pembrokeshire villages, a local county councillor has written to PCC’s Environmental Services department.

In an email sent on Wednesday, August 27, Councillor Rhys Jordan stressed the importance of communicating any issues affecting the refuse collection schedule to local councillors, so residents can trust them for timely updates and informed answers to any questions they may have.

“Last week, St Mary Out Liberty was missed on its scheduled day and collected the following day,” he wrote. “This week, the same issue has arisen in St Florence.

“It is highly embarrassing when residents approach members about missed collections and we are left completely unaware. This undermines confidence in the system. What faith can residents have in us when they ask a simple question such as, ‘Why haven’t our bins been collected?’ and, as elected members, the only answer we can give is ‘I don’t know.’”

Despite the recent disruptions to service, the County Councillor for St Florence and St Mary-Out-Liberty paid tribute to the teams collecting rubbish and recycling from doorsteps throughout the county.

“To be fair, the teams on the ground are a workforce to be proud of, and I know they do an excellent job in often difficult circumstances. However, I must ask: what is causing such regular operational issues?

“Residents are generally tolerant, but I’m sure you’ll agree that what matters most to them is reliable refuse collection. Many already feel they see little tangible return for the thousands of pounds they contribute in council tax each year, so at the very least they expect a timely service and clear communication when things do not go to plan.”

Cabinet member for resident services Cllr Sinnett responded advising that both members and residents can check online for any disruption to refuse collections, via www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/waste-and-recycling-collection-disruptions .