Concerns over wheelie bins spoiling the charm of Tewkesbury’s historic town centre have sparked calls for stricter controls and fines. More than 230 residents have signed a petition urging local authorities to tackle what they describe as “bin blight” that detracts from the town’s unique character.
Alan Purkiss, chairman of the Tewkesbury Civic Society, presented the petition at the Tewkesbury Borough Council meeting on June 24. He emphasized that the presence of wheelie bins degrades the aesthetic appeal of the town, lowers property values, obstructs accessibility for wheelchair users and prams, promotes unhygienic conditions, and deters visitors.
The petition calls for wheelie bins to be issued only in areas where residents have designated storage space on their properties within the town’s conservation zone. For those without adequate space, it suggests alternatives such as blue recycling bags or shared community storage. Additionally, it recommends councils impose fines on residents who leave bins on public streets beyond designated collection times.
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Purkiss highlighted that recent investments in town heritage, including a £179,000 allocation from a £2 million High Street Heritage Action Fund, have been undermined by bins blocking key alleys and lanes. He warned that the bin problem could weaken the local economy and harm tourism appeal if left unaddressed.
“We need to stop delivering bins to homes with no place to store them,” he urged. “In parts of Tewkesbury like Mill Street and Mill Bank, residents use blue bags successfully, maintaining a litter-free and visually attractive environment.”
In response, Councillor Matt Dimond-Brown proposed the issue be reviewed by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee, which agreed to explore solutions over the coming months. The working group’s remit will extend beyond Tewkesbury to include nearby towns such as Winchcombe, where similar concerns have arisen.
Councillor Mike Sztymiak supported the initiative, noting: “We’ve invested over a million pounds in revitalizing the town centre, only to see it marred by bins obstructing shopfronts. Addressing this nuisance is crucial to preserving our town’s appeal.”
Any recommendations developed by the committee will be submitted to the full council for approval.