AN ELDERLY Christchurch man is taking rubbish to public bins around the borough due to difficulties with the new collection service.

Terry Davis, 83, from Burton says he is unable to fit the new wheely bins through his back gate at his home in Redcliffe Close, meaning he has to store them in a garage away from his house.

Although the distance is not far from the alleyway at the back of his property, Mr Davis, who suffers with health problems, said it was absurd to have to go to the garage every time he or his wife Lynne want to put an item in the recycling or rubbish.

The couple also cannot leave the two large wheely bins in the alleyway as it will block access to other people’s properties so have asked Dorset Waste Partnership for an assisted service on account of the difficulties.

The request has so far been turned down.

“They’ve changed the system and given us the new bins, which are totally inappropriate for us”, Mr Davis said.

“Before they changed it, we just left the bags outside the back gate where they were collected from.

“We haven’t been able to use the system yet and I certainly can’t lift the bin over the fence to put it in our back garden. We asked for a non-standard service after it became clear we couldn’t use the regular one but we were told this area was able to use the new service.”

The couple still take their recycling items to Sainsbury’s to dispose of them as they can’t take part in the new system.

Mrs Davis’ wife Lynne said: “I was actually really looking forward to being able to do all this. But it’s set up so we aren’t able.

“Despite contacting them and being sent a letter, which was a standard instruction letter, we haven’t heard anything.

“What annoys us is the one system fits all mentality. It clearly doesn’t and there should be some flexibility when requested.”

Bill Davidson, Dorset Waste Partnership’s head of strategy, said in a statement: “I received a response to a letter to Mr Davis explaining our decision about his application for a non-standard service, outlining his concerns.

“As a result, I have spoken with Mr Davis and have made an appointment to visit him on Monday to review his request. This is well within the 10 days service standard for responding to appeals."