Heartwarming notes left on bins to thank binmen for collecting rubbish during coronavirus lockdown
HEARTWARMING notes have been left on bins to thank dustmen and women for collecting their rubbish during the coronavirus lockdown. Binmen across the county have previously spoken about their fear of being exposed to the deadly virus. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates Almost every house in The Stewarts, […]
HEARTWARMING notes have been left on bins to thank dustmen and women for collecting their rubbish during the coronavirus lockdown.
Binmen across the county have previously spoken about their fear of being exposed to the deadly virus.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Almost every house in The Stewarts, a cul-de-sac in Bishop’s Stortford, had a thank you message on their black bins during this week’s collection.
Joe Connolly, who came up with the idea, told the Daily Mirror: “I often see the binmen working and they have to rush around to meet the very tight schedules they are given.
“They aren’t paid a lot and do well for us at the best of times so I thought it was the least we could do on our lovely estate is to say ‘thank you’.
“I understand they even stopped briefly to take photos on their phones of some of the messages which is very touching.
“The community is really coming together in such difficult times.
“There are lessons we can learn from all this and we’ll be the better for it.”
Touching thank you notes have also appeared on bins across Birmingham.
One said: “Thank you for carrying on and doing this. We appreciate it. Take care and stay safe.”
Another wrote: “Thank you to our binmen – you are appreciated.”
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Birmingham city councillor John O’Shea said: “It’s great that their effort to give their very best in such circumstances is being recognised by the people of Birmingham.
“The positive words are having a great effect on morale. I want to formally place my thanks and gratitude on behalf of the council alongside those kind comments from residents.”
The heartwarming gesture comes as refuse collectors complained they have not been provided with basic protection, such as hand sanitiser and face masks.
Workers said they were also struggling to cope with the extra waste caused by moronic Brits panic buying food in bulk.
Councils across the country have scaled back household bin collections and many recycling centres have shut.
Stuart Richards, of the GMB union, said: “Our members working on the bins are key workers. The least they can expect is for their employers to take some responsibility and put adequate measures in place to keep them safe.”
Bin collection bosses admitted they were struggling to get hold of sanitiser.
Richard Kirkman from Veolia, the UK’s largest waste collection contractor, said they were doing “everything in our power to get more protective equipment”.
He added: “Safety has always been, and particularly now, our number one priority.”
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