Local News · Chippenham
Council investigates claims of staff misconduct at Stanton St Quintin recycling centre
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council is reviewing a complaint after a resident alleged a recycling centre worker used her visit details to contact her on social media.
Wiltshire Council has confirmed that it is looking into a complaint involving a member of staff at the Stanton St Quintin Household Recycling Centre, following allegations that visitor information was used to initiate unwanted online contact. A local resident reported that after visiting the site to dispose of furniture, she was contacted by an employee on multiple social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram.
The woman’s father, speaking on her behalf, described the ongoing contact as a period of harassment that lasted for nine days. He expressed significant concern regarding how the personal details provided by residents at the facility are managed and protected, noting that the incident has left his daughter feeling uncomfortable and unwilling to return to the site.
In response to the allegations, Wiltshire Council stated that the matter had been managed through the internal procedures of FCC Environment, the site’s operator. The findings were assessed by the company’s management via standard human resources processes. While the council did not provide specific details regarding the outcome of the investigation, it maintained that all complaints of this nature are treated with seriousness.
Addressing concerns over data security, the council clarified that staff members at recycling centres possess access only to the information strictly necessary to determine service eligibility. This includes the vehicle registration number, the resident’s name, and their home address. The local authority emphasised that ID checks for proof of residency were established long before the recent implementation of the new booking system and that they remain committed to the secure handling of personal data.
Cllr Paul Sample, the cabinet member for waste, acknowledged the distress such incidents can cause. He stated that the council understands why residents may feel concerned, but added that they are satisfied the matter has been addressed in line with the operator's established protocols. The council confirmed it has not received any previous reports of staff members accessing resident information for personal use or contacting individuals outside of their professional duties.
Source: Gazette & Herald — Chippenham · View original