A COUNCILLOR is saying we should "throw the kitchen sink" at fixing the bin collection crisis.

Brighton and Hove councillor Chris Henry warns residents could face a "woeful winter" if refuse collections are not sorted out soon.

Some residents, the Westbourne Ward councillor claims, are waiting up to six weeks to have their bins cleared.

His warning comes as workers at Cityclean – the council's rubbish collection service – voted to take strike action over disagreements with management.

“Residents and Cityclean staff and managers are all suffering,” said Cllr Henry.

“There are staff shortages and vehicle issues which are well documented and I sympathise with, but after three months it’s time for a major intervention by the city leadership.”

Cllr Henry said he has contacted council leader Phelim McCafferty and chairwoman of the environment committee, Amy Healey, as well as the chief executive of the council.

Last week, The Argus reported how a GMB union ballot resulted in members voting in favour of a walk out.

The strike was triggered by a dispute over pay and working conditions.

The first of a number of strike dates will be over a two-week period from October 5.

However, Cllr Henry says residents are already suffering.

The Argus: Labour councillor Chris HenryLabour councillor Chris Henry

He said: "The issue is bad because it's been going on for so long and households have lost faith in the council, asking why can other towns and cities run a successful service but not Brighton and Hove.

"Some streets, around the Portland Road area, in Poet's Corner and down to the seafront have waited over 6 weeks for a collection.

"Inevitably the overflowing rubbish often ends up on the pavement causing yet more issues.

"The most common thing I hear from residents is that it is 'ridiculous' and 'I don't understand why some streets are done and others ignored".

The Argus: Overflowing bins in the cityOverflowing bins in the city

A council spokesman said: “We’re very sorry about the rubbish and recycling collections we’ve missed.

“Cityclean is currently really short staffed due to the pandemic and the widely reported national shortage of available HGV drivers.

“We’re doing everything we can to recruit staff and prioritise collection rounds that have been missed.

“Thanks to all Cityclean staff who are doing their best to keep the city clean and safe.”

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.