Fed-up residents say a new waste operator is failing to provide a service as wheelie bins "keep being smashed to pieces".

Those living in the Ashford borough have been plagued by months of disruption since contractor Suez replaced Biffa at the end of March.

Now neighbours say their problems are worsening as bins are being "gradually wrecked" during collections.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) says reports of damage are no higher than previous years but residents say they are now at the end of their tether.

Kennington's Irene Mitton, who recently paid £120 to have two garden bins at her disposal, says both were damaged just days after she ordered them.

She also received only one replacement bin on June 25 - despite requesting two on June 7.

The Park Road resident explained: "Have the new operatives had any training in bin handling?

"They keep being split in exactly the same place all the way down the side of the bin.

"I’m 73 and have a drive which allows me to move my bins from one end to the other.

“So if I can lug them I’m pretty sure an enormous lorry can lift them.

"Either the bins or lorries are no longer suitable as the splits are happening in exactly the same place.”

ABC recently increased its garden waste collection fee by 33%, charging residents £60 per bin instead of £45.

But although the cost to replace a garden waste bin remains free, a new recycling or household waste bin will set buyers back £31.50.

Ashford resident Trevor Watson says he is "fuming" as he has seen both his garden and household bin damaged this month.

“The new contractors Suez have gradually wrecked my brown bin and seriously damaged my black one since they've been collecting for ABC,” he said.

“I can see others in the street have had the same treatment too.”

Another Ashford resident noted: "My garden waste has been collected and they have smashed my bin to pieces. I have filed a complaint with ABC.”

Neighbours have been beset with collection issues since Suez became Ashford, Maidstone and Swale's sole waste provider on a £152 million contract.

The company's controversial service has led to rubbish piling up on streets and hundreds of complaints from fed-up homeowners due to delayed collections.

In a statement, ABC said it is “currently experiencing a delay in delivery of bins” but is “working to reduce this”.

"Bins requiring replacement are due to natural wear and tear and normal with waste collections,” a spokesman said.

"The number of bins requiring replacement is proportionate with previous years, taking into account age and the anticipated growth in replacements.

"If a resident's garden waste bin breaks, they need to fill out a form on our website to request a new one.

"We provide replacement garden waste bins for free regardless of how it breaks.

"We are currently experiencing a delay in delivery of bins and are working to reduce this.

"Our normal delivery timeline is 10 working days [and] we are currently at 10-15 working days.”

KentOnline approached Suez for comment.