A Hackbridge resident says she is at her “wits’ end” after dealing with repeated failed bin collections since moving into her new home five months ago.

Stephanie Wood was among the first families to move into the Maple Grove development, in Riverbank Way, during March this year.

But the mum-of-two has been “desperately” trying to get her bins collected over that time – with some being too full before they’re “ripped open” by foxes.

Although they were collected on Wednesday (August 29), she says no one has explained to her why this has been an ongoing issue for Sutton Council and Veolia.

Mrs Wood said: “The houses became inhabited at the end of March, with ourselves being one of the first families to move in. Since then, we’ve had one bin collection two weeks ago that was completed properly.

“Other than that, Sutton Council and Veolia have consistently failed to explain what the issue is and rectify the problem, occasionally sending additional crew to clear it up.

“I've got a little baby. Every time I change her nappy I'm thinking, 'Oh God, how long is this going to sit in the bin for? It's going to absolutely stink'.

“I'm wrapping it in so many plastic bags thinking it could be there for a month, and that's not good for the environment because I'm using more plastic than I need to - which I really don't want to.”

The HR business partner, 32, says she had repeatedly tried to get in touch with the council and Veolia through various means but is unhappy with the action that’s been taken.

Apparent responses to why these issues have mounted include the new postcodes not being recognised, lorry drivers struggling to reach the roads, and waste not being recorded.

Despite the problems, she believes the developers, Rydon, have been proactive in helping residents deal with the issues.

Mrs Wood added: “The most frustrating thing is not getting the bins emptied. I've asked, and have been asking for months, can someone just tell me what the problem is?

“I get you can't get the bins, I can see that, but actually why? It might be something I can help with and it might be something Rydon can help with, but why?

“I think it's a reasonable request that, as someone that pays my council tax, could you explain to me what steps you've taken to try and resolve this issue? And can you explain to me what the problems are?

“No one will respond, so the only thing I'm left to think is, actually, you're not doing anything. You're making a couple of phone calls and that's it.”

A Sutton Council spokesman said a team was sent out to clear the rubbish on Wednesday morning and the authority is working with Veolia and residents to resolve the problems.

A Veolia spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the missed collection issue in Riverbank Way has been rectified, and all properties in this street will have their ongoing waste and recycling collections closely monitored moving forward."