wagons

day would be 12 miles and a lot of wheelie bins, loaded two at a time.

11am Unload at incinerator

12pm – late afternoon Quick lunch then out on recycling bins. Good news the recycling bins are lighter. Phew! Bad news quite a few folk not recycling right items- nappies, dog waste and polystyrene, ugh! The stink from some of the bins is horrendous. A couple of angry dogs called back from savaging one of the ladsanother occupational hazard. Most residents very happy with bin collections but a small minority are abusive. One forgot to put their bin out then got in their car drive after the bin lorry and demand we go back to collect.

I made the mistake of putting the bin for number 25 in the drive of number 27 which can lead to a furious response. I swap them back. I hear it’s not uncommon for refuse collectors to be attacked. In recent years there has been a 26% increase in assaults on refuse collectors. Following his day, Brian reflected on what he had learned and what improvements might be made. He said: “Once upon a time, households only had a standard, grey bin which was emptied once a week. Pretty straight forward. Nowadays, households have more bins which has increased the work of the bin men, which in turn increases the waste at rubbish tips. We all need to recycle more. I think we need to do more to explain to the public the reasons why, collections are now fortnightly, and help residents to be clear about what can be recycled and exactly how this must happen. Residents might feel irritated that their bins are not being emptied as often, or that they may have to pay for garden waste to be taken away, but it’s not the fault of refuse collectors, nor that of the local authority.”

Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, Cllr Barry Hunt, said: “I commend Brian getting out there on the front line. It’s always good to find out as possible about what our dedicated and hardworking colleagues face every day and I’d like to thank Brian for doing just that - as well as our refuse workers who must have been shocked to find themselves working side by side with their director all day! I am very proud of our teams who are out there on the frontline every day. It is also good to build up an understanding of what we must do to improve our recycling rate and how all of us can do our bit.”

Whist listening to the news about the King’s Coronation, several Marske residents had the same great idea, and rather than working independently they decided to all work together to arrange The Big Help Out – Marske Volunteer Fair.

The original idea came from Ben, who lives at Marske Hall, and quite by chance Mrs Lindsey Phelps the new headteacher at Westgarth School also had the same idea, with both contacting Cllr Karen King to see what she thought. A meeting was arranged by Ruth Hebden, which Ben, Lindsey, Karen and volunteer Christine Watson attended, and we all agreed it would be fantastic to celebrate the many wonderful community groups we have in Marske, and the individuals who volunteer, or have volunteered in the past.

Held on 8th May 2023, Marske Hall will be hosting the event between 10am and 2pm,with the first half hour being reserved for anyone who may struggle in a busy environment. It will be an opportunity for Marske based volunteers to come along and enjoy a free cuppa and a cake as a thank you from local people for all of your hard work and the positive difference you make. There will also be information available to anyone who visits of many volunteering opportunities, some of which you may have never thought about, such as dog walking for the elderly, making scarecrows, or working with one of the many Marske based charities and community groups, there really will be something for everyone. Everyone is welcome, there will be free refreshments, entertainment and more. If you are based in Marske, want more information on how to get involved or want a free table to promote your volunteering opportunities please contact Ruth Hebden on 01642482672 or email Ruth.hebden@valorumcare.co.uk.