RESIDENTS are demanding a council makes more of an effort to empty bins after months of workers refusing to collect waste.

Last week, around 40 bags of recycling waste could be seen piled up in a shared car park behind properties in Cant Way, Braintree.

Residents say bin workers refuse to collect the waste because their bin lorry cannot fit into the car park due to parked cars.

They claim it has only recently become an issue with workers previously parking lorries on a grass verge and walking a short distance to collect the waste.

Robin and Margaret Moyle, who live in Cant Way, say they have attempted to contact the council about the problem on several occasions.

Mrs Moyle said: "It's frustrating and it's annoying and you can see that it's encouraging people to fly-tip because they see the rubbish and just leave their stuff there too.

"On one occasion the man in charge said it was too dangerous for his crew to walk across the car park to the bags.

"They need to do something, even if they put up a sign to say no parking on Fridays just so they can pick up the bags.

"It's not as if it's a huge amount of walking - they have legs and legs are made for walking."

Mr Moyle added: "With the warm weather there's been all sorts of flies and bluebottles which have been attracted by it.

"It makes you think twice about paying your council tax bill."

A spokesman for Braintree Council said: "We are aware of ongoing problems in Cant Way due to inconsiderate parking at the junction with Chelmer Road which often prevents the crews collecting bins.

"When this occurs, the crews return as many times as necessary to gain access and clear the waste.

"Not only does this cause frustration to residents, but also increases the cost of the waste collection service because of the need for frequent re-visits.

"We would ask people that when parking, to allow sufficient space for larger vehicles, including refuse vehicles and emergency services to gain access so that we can avoid these problems in the future."