PROGRESS has been made over controversial waste bins sited in the alley next to Boots Opticians as Waverley Borough Council sends out reminders following previous community protection notice warnings issued in January.

Farnham Town Council clerk Iain Lynch told the Herald that the council has had “very positive” meetings with shopkeepers and “is very grateful to businesses for working with us”.

Many of the bins are being removed and other temporary solutions are being used until a permanent fix can be found.

For example, Tony & Guy is temporarily using two narrower bins to open up the alleyway for pedestrians, while Hazy Trails has agreed to redirect deliveries to another store, reducing waste.

Stephen Hill, lead member for community enhancement, said: “The town council is determined to remove all the bins from the footpath by Boots Opticians and are being aided by officers from WBC.

“All the businesses involved have been contacted and some have already removed their bins.

“A meeting was held last week with the remaining businesses and their individual compliance problems discussed.

“FTC is actively working with them to find a solution suitable for all.”

Boots own the land and so also issued a notice to lease-holders, asking them to remove their bins from the alleyway.

A council spokesperson said: “Following the CPN warning notices issued by the council to six businesses, only two businesses are still storing their bins in the alleyway.

“The number of bins has also gone down from seven to three.

“Last week WBC met with representatives from a number of the businesses, the Farnham Community Enhancement Group and FTC to discuss the next steps.

“Due to two of the businesses being unable to find alternative storage, the remaining three bins will be exchanged for slimmer, smaller containers, to allow better access for pedestrians.

“This is a temporary resolution until the council can find a permanent solution.”