A MAN from Okehampton has asked that people take more care over their waste management as it becomes more of a problem on one estate.

Rob Flexman lives on the Broadlands estate. Black refuse bags are collected from the estate once a fortnight, and residents have been putting them out early, causing them to pile up outside people's homes over the two-week period.

Mr?Flexman says the problem is particularly bad on the Wadlands Meadow arterial road through the estate, which is often strewn with litter.

He said: 'It seems people are putting everything into black bags rather than being split into recycling, food waste and refuse. It means the black bags collect quickly, and often are out on the street or in front of people's homes very early, sometimes 13 days before collection.

'Animals get into the bags and the rubbish and food waste gets spread around.

'It is a difficult situation because people's back gardens are so small, and I understand why they wouldn't want to leave rubbish out there, and decide to leave it in front of their houses.

'It is a shame and could become a health hazard. It is more a case of educating people and providing them facilities to dispose of their rubbish properly, and to recycle.'

Town councillors last week sympathised with the situation. Cllr Kay Bickley said: 'This is a wider anti-social issue. This is about building a sense of community in our estates and across the town, to make individuals address it personally.'

Cllr Mike Davies said: 'As is often the case with problems like littering and dog fouling, it is the minority causing the aggravation for the majority. I sympathise with Mr Flexman and hopefully we can find a solution to ease the problem.'

Cllr Tony Leech will discuss the issue with West Devon Borough Council.