Residents have expressed disappointment about the state of Islington’s streets despite the latest data having revealed fewer complaints.
The number of reports made to the council about missed bin collections and issues involving pests decreased by 31 and 8 per cent respectively between 2018/19 and 2023/24, a Freedom of Information request from Islington Now has found.
The fall follows a 0.5 per cent cut in the council’s street-cleaning budget over the five-year period.
Local residents have voiced scepticism about the positive data. Robert Jones, from Angel, said: “Complaining about it and seeing it are two different things.” The figures, according to Mr Jones, are underestimates.
He said: “If I see an overspilled bin, I will not report it because there are too many other things going on,” he explained. “It takes so much time to report.
“Have you ever tried ringing the Council? No one answers. No one answers.”
Sya, who has lived in Holloway for three years, said he had his food waste collection missed three times in total, including twice this year. The council failed to pick up the items despite marking his complaint as resolved.
He said: “I don’t think the data reflect the council’s efficiency in street cleaning. Whether they follow up the reports is more important.”
Anyone can report issues about the state of the borough’s streets through their My Islington account or by downloading the Love Clean Streets app.
Islington Council was contacted for comment.
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