A housing company says it will investigate concerns about rubbish at a property it manages in Long Eaton - amid claims that waste is "polluting" a canal. Shepherd Court on Bridge Street is a mixture of social flats and housing that backs on to the Erewash Canal.
For the past few years, one regular user of the canal says he has noticed recycling from residents in the buildings falling into the canal. Rather than recylcing bins, Shepherd Court residents are provided with bags which are hung up on fencing.
But particularly in windy conditions, these bags of recycling are reportedly being blown on to the side of the Erewash Canal, with waste including plastic bottles then falling in the water and floating downstream. Jamie Eadie, 36, lives in Stapleford but regularly cycles along the Erewash Canal to go to the gym.
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He said: "It's not as bad in the summer when there's quite a lot of growth at the side of the canal, because the rubbish seems to bed in a bit more then and you can't see it as much. But in the winter when the leaves have fallen away, it looks horrible.
"The rubbish ends up falling in and polluting the canal. I've noticed this going on for around two years but I've just decided to email a few of the authorities because it's such an easy fix - the residents just need to be given proper recycling bins.
"It's a shame because it's a nice spot and you often see people fishing along the canal, so it would be good for this to be sorted." Shepherd Court is managed by Riverside, which says it was not previously aware of issues with rubbish falling into the canal.
Explaining why their residents did not currently have recylcing wheelie bins, a spokesperson for Riverside said: "We will investigate this concern and will take the necessary action to adapt our rubbish system where needed by working with our external contractors and Erewash Council to find solutions. Currently customers at Shepherd Court are provided with recycling bags and general waste wheelie bins by Erewash Council, and at present Riverside are unable to offer bins to avoid affecting collection.
"The bins are currently stored in the allocated bin area situated in the most suitable location onsite to ensure fire safety, with the bags hung up on the fence there. The canal sits at the back of our bin area."
Speaking about the impact that rubbish and litter can have, a spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust said: "The Erewash Canal is a really important green space, bringing nature onto the doorstep for so many in Long Eaton but litter pollution can cause permanent harm to some of the precious habitats that the canal provides.
"That's why it's vital that everyone plays their small part in helping us to keep it clean and attractive. We ask everyone living beside, or visiting, the canal to be extra careful with their rubbish, disposing of it securely or taking it home with them to be recycled where possible."
Riverside added: "We are already engaging with our customers at Shepherd Court to tackle fly-tipping in the area and clearing away rubbish when it's reported. We have recently received reports to suggest members of the public are leaving rubbish onsite, but there is currently no evidence to support this. We will be exploring the possibility of installing temporary CCTV to identify those responsible."
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