Rubbish set to pile up in Southwark during hottest week of year

Strike action involving Southwark's refuse collection service will begin on Monday 14 July and run up to Saturday 19 July.

This will mean no collection of domestic or business rubbish during the week, and no collection of paper via the kerbside blue box scheme.

Southwark  Council claims that resources will be increased from Monday 21 July to try to clear the backlog.

The strike is not directly related to Southwark Council's own service but part of Unison's London-wide action over pay. Therefore the council says that it is not within its powers to resolve this issue locally.

Council chiefs are appealing for residents to help to minimise the disruption by using the recycling banks around the borough and the Reuse and Recycling Centre at Manor Place Depot to minimise the amount of waste they produce.

Dumped rubbish or fly-tipped material should be reported to the call centre on 020 7525 2000.

The strike action only affects the refuse collection service. Street cleaning and estate cleaning services will continue as normal.

Cllr Nick Stanton, Leader of Southwark Council, comments: "We are extremely disappointed that the unions are taking this action: they know full well we cannot afford to meet their claim for higher pay. Leaving the borough full of rubbish is unlikely to win support for their position."

The council claims that agreeing to the unions' pay demands would add £90 to the average council tax bill in Southwark.