Binmen were forced to abandon a collection in Ashford after they were chased and abused by angry residents.

Police were called following the clash, when crews decided to leave because of an “extreme level of intimidation” from one group of people.

The incident kicked off when the crew from Biffa refused to empty a bin in Steddy Close, off Stanhope Road, on Tuesday, because it was full of items that could not be recycled.

It comes a week after Ashford Borough Council appealed to residents over non-recyclable materials being placed in bins.

After learning that the bin would not be emptied, one householder is said to have become verbally abusive towards the workers, demanding the bin be emptied.

It is understood the person then chased the crews, and after being joined by other residents, confronted the driver.

Although no physical abuse took place, the crew decided to leave the area and call the police.

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council (ABC) said: “The driver of the freighter had to pull away from one road on Tuesday morning because the level of intimidation that the crew faced was so extreme.

“Indeed, the matter was reported to the police.”

The spokesman added: “The crews tried to be helpful and explained the reason the bins were not emptied.”

Police confirmed that the abuse was reported to them.

A spokesman said: “Police were informed that a worker had received verbal abuse. Police have spoken with the informant and given appropriate advice and support.

“The local council has also been informed.”

The bin in Steddy Close was not the only one left behind by Biffa’s crews on Tuesday.

In total, 128 bins across Stanhope were not emptied after they were discovered to be contaminated with items that cannot be recycled, including food and clothing.

This equates to around 10% of the bins across the estate not being emptied, 13 of which were in Sheldwich Close.

One resident’s bin was so full with non-recyclables that officers from ABC’s environmental team were sent to visit them. They were advised that their green bin would be emptied next week with the refuse collections.

Now, ABC have instructed Biffa to leave labels on any bins which are not emptied to indicate the reason why. The council advised that the missed bins on Tuesday were collected the following day.

Residents who have any concerns over their collections are advised to call 01233 331111.

More information is available on the council’s website at www.ashford.gov.uk/waste

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