Residents of a small residential area off Bishop’s Lane in Cranbrook, Kent, are now manually transporting their wheelie bins half a mile uphill to a communal dumpster, after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council decided that the private road is too hazardous for waste collection trucks. The council cited concerns about the road’s condition, including deep potholes, unstable ground, and damage caused by weather. While a single communal bin has been placed at the top of the street, residents say the task is physically demanding, especially for the elderly or those with mobility issues. The decision followed a risk assessment conducted by the council in July, which concluded that the private access track posed an unacceptable risk to both waste collection workers and vehicles. However, some residents argue that other services, such as the postman, ambulances, and Amazon delivery drivers, have no difficulty using the road. Chris Dodson, a 67-year-old resident who has lived in the area for 32 years, said the road had never been an issue until a letter arrived about five to six weeks ago informing them of the new rules. Dodson, who has been battling cancer and suffers from a chronic muscle pain condition called polymyalgia rheumatica, said the council is not considering the needs of residents with health challenges. Michal Peevor, 31, who lives in Station Cottages, said the road’s poor condition had been raised with the council a couple of years ago. For a time, the council used a smaller waste collection vehicle, but they reverted to a larger truck about a year ago without explanation. Now, with only one communal bin at the top of the lane, residents are struggling to manage their waste, as the bin fills up quickly. Peevor added that the situation has made it difficult to sell his home. Rex Goldfinch, 19, who lives with his parents in the lane, described the new arrangement as a “real pain,” requiring them to carry their rubbish to the top of the hill in their car, one bag at a time. He noted that delivery drivers have no trouble using the road and suggested the council is using the road’s condition as an excuse to avoid collecting waste. The council has not responded to requests for comment.