WASTE SERVICES in Westmorland and Furness have faced a number of ‘operational challenges’ this summer resulting in delayed and cancelled collections.

A report prepared for the Furness Locality Board meeting on October 9 says the service disruption has ‘understandably’ resulted in ‘frustration’ for residents.

The report states staff sickness, unfilled vacancies and fleet breakdowns/maintenance issues are factors behind the disruption.

Council chiefs have agreed an additional £500,000 funding for waste services for the remainder of the current financial year.

According to the report this funding has been used so far for additional collection rounds, to recruit new drivers and loaders, for five leased refuse compaction vehicles, two mechanical street sweepers and to support data gathering efforts.

The report says: “The additional resource is targeted at service improvements in the collection of garden waste, recyclate and residual waste, and will support the work of our street scene teams to address litter and fly tipping concerns as they are identified, and to implement pro-active measures to maintain the street scene standards expected by our communities.

“We recognise that communication with our customers has not been effective, and we are working on our website, social media and other reporting channels to update customers on delays or disruption to service.

“This work is ongoing and we are reviewing how we can make it easier for customers to engage with our service and access the information that they need.”

The council has also received concerns about increased littering and fly tipping in the Furness area.

Councillor Beverly Morgan (Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour) previously told the council’s cabinet that Furness councillors are ‘constantly approached’ by residents about the state of the streets and added: “Walk in any direction within ten minutes of Barrow Town Hall and you will see piles of rubbish and scattered litter.”

In response, the cabinet member for climate, biodiversity and environmental services, councillor Giles Archibald said: “I’m very keen to look at what can be done, and I can assure you that if additional resources are the answer to this question, I’ll advocate for additional resources.”

In the report prepared for the locality board the council state the council provides litter bins to make it convenient for people to dispose of their rubbish properly.

The authority adds it works with communities, schools and businesses to raise awareness and educate on the consequences of littering.

The report adds: “Maintaining cleanliness in our public and green spaces is challenge.

"As a Council we are in the process of harmonising services to ensure a consistent approach across localities, and as part of our ongoing development we intend to unify our approach to education, engagement, enforcement and service delivery. This will include data collation, reporting and performance measurement.”

The locality board meeting will take place on October 9 at Barrow Town Hall.