ANGRY Hammer Vale residents have slammed East Hampshire District Council and Norse South East after a dozen no-shows by bin collectors in four months.

Hammer Vale resident Jackie Jones said: "In June Norse South East, who have the contract from East Hampshire, decided their lorry would no longer come down the track that serves six cottages despite instructions from East Hampshire.

"Residents have reported missed bin collections on at least 12 occasions via the East Hampshire website.

"Reasons given by Norse South East for not coming down the track have changed on a regular basis.

"Norse South East delivered four smaller bins to each resident, but the existing large bins remained, making a total of 36 bins as well as six glass boxes. A total of 42! This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which the council should be protecting.

"The residents are calling for a permanent resolution that is acceptable to us and not driven solely by Norse South East."

In response, Councillor Robert Mocatta, portfolio holder for community development, placemaking and infrastructure at East Hampshire District Council, said: "Because of ongoing access issues a review of the collection arrangements for this area has been made.

"Currently residents are trialling the option of having four smaller 120-litre sized wheeled bins, instead of the larger 240-litre bins. This allows a smaller vehicle to access and collect rubbish and recycling.

"A communal glass bin, which could be stored and collected from the entrance of Hammer Vale, has been offered, however residents felt this was not suitable for them at this moment in time.

"We will continue to work with the residents for a solution that will work for the householders, the council and its contractor Norse South East."

Cllr Mocatta added: "The larger, unused wheeled bins are due to be collected shortly."