A planned dog waste bin for a Buckley street has yet to be installed after a seven-month wait because the unit ordered was diverted to replace a damaged bin at another site, councillors say.
Long wait, then disappointment
Local councillor Mike Peers lodged the request in January for a bin to be sited on Drury New Road amid repeated complaints about dog fouling. He says Flintshire County Council initially agreed to supply the container and sent a local area co-ordinator to mark the agreed position.
After months of chasing, the councillor was told variously that the bin was out of stock, awaiting delivery or still pending. Two weeks ago, he was then informed that the item had been delivered but taken to another location to replace a bin that had been damaged beyond repair.
“It’s unacceptable that they have taken a bin ordered for my residents in Buckley. If they needed replacements they should have ordered extras,”
The diversion has left residents uncertain about when the Drury New Road site will receive its new bin, and has prompted sharp criticism from the councillor who raised the issue.
Council response and next steps
Flintshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Streetscene and Transportation, Katie Wilby, said the matter was being resolved and that another bin had been secured for the requested location.
“A replacement dog waste bin had been ordered for the requested location, but redirected to an existing site to replace a bin that had been damaged beyond repair. We prioritise replacing broken bins to maintain service continuity. Another bin has been secured and will be installed at the requested location as soon as possible.”
The council framed the decision as prioritising continuity of service where a bin was no longer usable, while the councillor and residents remain frustrated at the delay and the lack of spare stock.
Timeline
| Event | Date / Note |
|---|---|
| Initial request by councillor | January (requested for Drury New Road) |
| Local area co-ordinator visit | Shortly after request (position marked) |
| Seven-month period of follow-ups | Multiple updates: out of stock, awaiting delivery |
| Bin delivered but redirected | Two weeks ago (to replace damaged unit elsewhere) |
| Council secures replacement | Council says another bin will now be installed |
What this means for residents
For people living on or near Drury New Road, the absence of a dedicated dog waste bin can contribute to ongoing fouling problems and community complaints. The councillor has urged the council to ensure spare stock is available in future to avoid similar setbacks.
Practical points for residents:
- Report persistent dog fouling and request bin provision via Flintshire County Council’s Streetscene service.
- Keep a record of complaints and responses — councillors can use this when pressing for action.
- If a bin is damaged or removed, notify the council promptly so a replacement can be prioritised.
I'll monitor the council’s promised installation and update readers when the bin is finally put in place.
