Garden waste is rotting outside homes because it hasn't been collected for a month.

Fingringhoe is the latest area suffering, after Colchester Council introduced its new waste collection scheme.

Ann Chamberlain, 65, of Chapel Road, said: "Everyone has got their white bags out. The whole village is littered with garden waste. It should have been collected two weeks ago, but it wasn't so it's been left out for a month."

Mrs Chamberlain said the council had reassured residents the waste would be picked up but, so far, no-one had arrived. She said the smell of the old grass cuttings turning to mulch was horrible.

Paul English, waste services team leader, said: "If there are any residents who are experiencing issues, we would ask them to let us know as soon as possible, so we can act on these.

"I apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents in Chapel Road and will ensure that this is dealt with as soon as possible."

Published Thursday June 17, 2004

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