RUBBISH collections in the borough could be carried out at night during the Olympics, it has emerged.

Waltham Forest Council has said it is considering changing the times of residential waste and recycling collections during the event following concerns over traffic gridlock during daylight hours.

Several sources have told the Guardian that most staff at the council's refuse contractors Kier have been warned they may have to work between 8pm and 4am during the two weeks of the event.

However some crews working in the Chingford area will reportedly only work from 12 noon until 8pm.

The council will not say what type of alterations to normal service it is considering and says no decisions have been made.

Kevin Parslow, of the Waltham Forest branch of Unite, said there had long been talk among staff about such measures but he had not yet heard anything definite from the council.

He said: "I would hope that if Kier and the council do want to go ahead with night-time collections they have a proper consultation with staff first to discuss it.

"There is not just the issue of working anti-social hours but there's also considerable risks in night work."

One of those who contacted the Guardian anonymously said: "Collection crews were promised financial bonuses for working nights but concerns remain about safety.

"Will they provide a head torch for every loader to actually see where is he going?"

Another said: "There will be thousands of complaints if this goes ahead".

A council spokesman said: "Given the amount of extra traffic we’re anticipating it’s only natural that the council is looking at all of the services it provides and how they may or not be affected during the 2012 Games.

"No firm decision has been made regarding the collection of rubbish and recycling during the summer, though we will, of course, let our residents know as soon as a decision has been reached."

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