BBC News, West Midlands – Caroline Gall
Since the Birmingham bin workers went on strike last month, the city has been facing a growing waste backlog, with piles of rubbish accumulating at a rate of about 1,000 tonnes per week. Lichfield District Council has now stepped in to help clear the streets of Birmingham, with crews being deployed to tackle the mountains of uncollected waste. The support from Lichfield will be provided at a commercial rate, ensuring that taxpayers in the district will not be burdened with the bill.
Despite talks breaking down between Birmingham City Council and the Unite union, efforts are being made to address the ongoing waste crisis in the city. Lichfield council leader Doug Pullen stated that their crews will not be responsible for routine bin collection but will solely focus on clearing the uncollected waste in Birmingham. The Conservative-run Lichfield council has criticized Birmingham’s Labour-led authority, attributing the current situation to “Labour’s mess.”
In response to the escalating waste issue, Birmingham City Council has mobilized over 20 bin lorries over the weekend, with vehicles now operating without the hindrance of striking workers. Temporary collection sites were also established in areas like Erdington and Billesley, providing residents with the opportunity to dispose of their rubbish. Despite the challenges, there seems to be a glimmer of hope as discussions between Unite and the council are reported to be progressing, with both parties expressing a desire to resolve the dispute and bring an end to the ongoing strike
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