Brum bins: Lib Dems say that police should act now

The Liberal Democrats are calling for West Midlands Police to take urgent action in response to the major incident declared on Monday. 

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Roger Harmer said: “The residents must come first; A ‘major incident’ requires swift action and a back-up plan. Two days on, nothing has changed. Bin lorries are still being delayed getting out of the depots. 

“This happens endlessly in Birmingham. A major incident is announced, then nothing changes. It’s simply not good enough. 

“The urgent need now, is to allow the bin crews that want to work to do their job and clear up the mess in our city. The council say they have capacity to keep on top of the problem but working crews are being obstructed from doing their job. This must stop.

“The police have powers to stop the obstructions if they choose to use them. They must now do this, rather than standing by. 

“If the police need more resources, they must be found. If they are unwilling to do this, then the Chief Constable should resign and be replaced by someone who will act.

“Because of the fast-moving nature of this situation, the plan also needs a backup. If more resources are needed, then the council must consider bringing in the army and fire service to help to remove obstructions and clear the mounting backlog of waste.

“Seven years ago, the Liberal Democrats called for the outsourcing of the waste function. Had that happened, the Equal pay issue and this dispute could have been avoided altogether.