The bins of Greenwich

David Mentiply takes a look at the bins of Greenwich.

Those who use Maze Hill station got something of a surprise last month when a series of homemade bins were fixed to Network Rail’s chicken wire fencing. Overnight, the approach to the station went from being binless and litter-strewn to neat and tidy.

I hope Bernard Cribbens does not get to see this

Maze Hill is located between Greenwich Park and bustling Trafalgar Road. For years, local residents have complained about the lack of bins and the state of the roads around the station. Labour-run Greenwich council were clearly not convinced of the need to install bins or introduce a regular streetsweep operation and so things deteriorated over time.

Whoever made the bins certainly struck a chord with commuters. By midmorning each day, they were packed full of litter – often exceeding capacity. By late evening, the bins were empty, ready for another day of action.

Sadly, the bins are no more. They have mysteriously disappeared. All that remains is a womble-inspired poster.