Man upset over wheelbarrow 'Asbo'

Mr Wheeler is angry after being told to drive to the site

A Leicestershire parish council chairman is furious after being banned from using his wheelbarrow to take recycling to his local disposal site.

Andre Wheeler, from Barwell, has taken rubbish to the site for the eight years, but the county council said it is too dangerous.

A council spokesperson said the site is "busy with vehicles arriving and leaving frequently".

Mr Wheeler said it is like having an Asbo slapped on his wheelbarrow.

The council said the rule is necessary to ensure the site is safe.

I have never had a problem in the eight years I have been using the site

Andre Wheeler, DIY enthusiast

"We have reviewed the health and safety arrangements at the (county) sites to protect the staff and residents using them - the guidance given to Mr Wheeler reflects this."

"The access road is used by 32-tonne lorries servicing the site who are forced into the line of on-coming traffic if they need to pass a pedestrian."

Mr Wheeler, a DIY enthusiast and Barwell parish council chairman, said: "I'm upset because it seems so ridiculous that you've got to use a car using petrol when you're trying to save the planet.

"It is so easy to go with my wheelbarrow across the footpath as it takes 20 minutes but it is a 40-minute drive in the car.

"There is a 5mph speed limit and if you keep to one side there is no problem. I have never had a problem in the eight years I have been using the site.

"It is like having an Asbo slapped on my wheelbarrow."

Mr Wheeler said he will ask the council to put a footpath on the site to provide better access for wheelbarrows and pedestrians.