'Garden waste permits should be refunded if mistakes occur'

PEOPLE in Stockport who paid £59 for a garden waste permit should get refunded when things go wrong, a councillor has said.

- BY DECLAN CAREY

Coun Joe Barratt, deputy leader of the council's opposition Labour group, said residents 'deserve a clear response, not silence' when asking for their money back.

It comes after Woodley resident Michael Baker asked the council for a partial refund after two regular collections and one recollection of his green bin were missed.

He was given an apology but not refunded and claimed the council had treated him like 'rubbish' during the process.

Stockport council said it understands how frustrating a missed collection can be and is sorry when things don't go to plan.

"If residents are paying for a service, they should be able to rely on it," Coun Barratt said.

"When things go wrong, they deserve a clear response, not silence. The Liberal Democrat administration needs to get a grip on the problems that have occurred since the introduction of the green bin permit scheme and make sure people are treated fairly.