‘BIN Too Long’! Three little words say it all …

This nautical-style rubbish bin has been topless and unusable on Watchet Esplanade for nearly two years as the authorities argue over £150 worth of repairs.

Now an unknown campaigner has slapped a foot-high notice on the plastic-shrouded receptacle in the hope of getting something done.

The fate of the four-foot-high metal bin – one of five on The Esplanade in the style of dockyards bollards – was discussed by West Somerset council last November but local residents say there has been no apparent action since then.

The bin has been unusable since its cast-iron top was broken off and thrown into the marina mud in 2014. It was recovered and is now in district council storage as negotiations drag on between the district council and Watchet Town Council over responsibility for the repairs.

In January 2015, West Country Blacksmiths of Allerford inspected the bin and told the district council it could be removed for repair once they got approval. They are still waiting.

When the matter last came before the district council, Watchet’s Mayor, Cllr Peter Murphy said that he had been assured last September that the bin would be repaired and there had been no response to emails and correspondence.

This week the town council issued a statement: “The matter of the broken bin on The Esplanade first came to the notice of town council officers in spring 2015 and was addressed by the environment and planning committee when efforts by West Somerset Council officers to achieve a repair were unsuccessful.

“A series of complaints from residents were received on how the bin, wrapped up in black plastic on the Esplanade, was an eyesore to residents and off-putting for visitors during the tourism season. 

“Since that date the town council has been pushing for the bin to be either repaired or replaced, but no action was taken by West Somerset Council.

“Eventually, after the town council took the initiative, we have received confirmation that a new bin, sourced by this council, has been ordered and West Somerset Council will pay the town council £150 towards the replacement.

“The town council regrets the length of time it has taken for West Somerset Council to resolve this matter but are assured this is now progressing and are keen to keep good working relations with West Somerset Council.”

Cllr Murphy added: “The town council should not have to pay the majority of the cost of replacing this bin which is the property of West Somerset Council. 

“However, in the interests of the town, we have taken responsibility for sorting this matter out. The new bin should be installed for the summer season.”

West Somerset councillor Martin Dewdney, lead member for environment, said: “Arranging a replacement bin is in hand and we hope to resolve the matter satisfactorily in the near future.”

The owner of a nearby house remarked: “The bin is an eyesore and, to make matters worse, people still try to stuff rubbish in it and throw stuff around. With the tourist season coming up, we need all the usable bins we can get.

“Let’s hope this notice jerks the powers-that-be into action. Certainly nothing else has worked up to now.”