Latest Update (6th September)

Continuing Confusion Over Rubbish

Somerset Council have responded to the concerns expressed by Luccombe Parish Council that refuse collections in Stoney Street were suspended because of long-overdue repairs to subsidence caused damage to a refuse truck.

A repair has been made which should allow refuse collections to return to normal.

However, a spokesman for Somerset Waste Services says that refuse truck drivers feel unable to navigate the narrower part of upper Stoney Street and that the status of collections is being reconsidered.

Despite years of curbside collections on Stoney Street, the state of the road has triggered anxiety among drivers about reversing up or down Stoney Street. They say the road has become too narrow and that there are hazards preventing turning at the top of Stoney Street or in the field alongside Stoney Street.

Luccombe Parish Council has been told that refuse may only be collected from as far up as Porch Cottage. However, the council may institute a scheme with refuse collectors walking down the remaining refuse.

Luccombe Parish Council is seeking clarification to this unsatisfactory situation.

Previous update on the refuse situation on Stoney Street from the Parish Council
(4th September)

Somerset Waste Services department has responded to the concerns expressed about the suspension of refuse removal in Stoney Street. David Rosser, the Waste Management Officer has contacted Luccombe Parish Council and advised that every effort will be made to collect refuse as normal.

He has warned however that where the road is subsiding between The Cottage and Hilltop Cottages the contractor’s vehicles are unlikely to be able to collect rubbish and alternative arrangements will have to be made.

Until further notice, other than Hilltop Cottages, residents of Stoney Street should be able to put out their refuse as per the Somerset Council schedule.

The situation is subject to change as a further inspection by Somerset Waste Services is due to take place.Luccombe Parish Council is trying to ensure that provision is made for access for emergency and other vehicles when Highways eventually begin work on repairing Stoney Street.

The ongoing issues on Stoney Street are also featured in the Free Press this week