Household waste is being left to rot and fester in overflowing bin stores on a housing estate constantly missed out from weekly collections, it's been claimed.

Dartford resident Andy Newman says the sheds serving three blocks of flats in Shakespeare Road, Temple Hill are being neglected by refuse workers.

The 50-year-old claims bin collections are being constantly missed despite numerous emails and phone calls from fed up neighbours to Dartford council.

Inside the bursting bin stores, bags have towered up to the ceiling with waste now spewing out into the communal gardens where children play.

To worsen matters, Andy – who has been told a HGV driver shortage is behind the issue – says rubbish is still being regularly picked up by the council's contractors Urbaser at nearby homes.

He said: "Every week the houses get their rubbish taken and we are missed.

"It is diabolical out there at the moment. You ring the council and you get the same old 'We will send someone out'".

"They don't get back to you either which makes it even worse. It is a total liberty."

The hospital porter, who has lived in the same block of flats for more than 20 years, says the issue first started some 18 months ago.

But despite some initial improvements he says the state of bin stores continue to fall into decline and have now been consistently missed off collections for at least three weeks.

"I have got to my wit's end," he added. "I'm paying council tax for a service and I'm just not getting it.

"It is not that they are not aware because I know others that have complained as well.

"It seems to me if you live in a house you are okay but if you live in a flat it is like 'oh well'."

And Andy claims the problem is fast becoming a health hazard with foul smelling bins attracting foxes and other animals.

The NHS worker said: "We don't know if there is vermin in there. It is a run down area and some times people fly-tip but at the end of the day that is a separate issue.

"This is particularly frustrating as it appears they do not care about the health and safety issues."

He added: "Good money is being paid in advance with the council tax and the whole area is being neglected. "

Dartford council spokesman Luke May said: “The national HGV driver shortage has been well documented and we have worked hard with Urbaser to get our services back on track. In general our waste services are now running normally, with minimal delays.

“In this specific case we received a report from a resident this morning (Tuesday) regarding the bin stores at Shakespeare Road and have requested that they are cleared as soon as possible.

“It is a reality that bin collections do occasionally get missed – when this happens it can be reported via our website and it will be sorted out.”

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