Staff at Slough tip have reported being verbally abused and assaulted by members of the public.

On Tuesday, April 11, a member of staff was verbally abused and then punched in the stomach by a resident who got 'irate' when attempting to dump laminate flooring and was told there was a charge for the disposal of DIY and building waste.

The resident fled in their vehicle after the assault.

Slough Borough Council has reported an increase of levels of abuse and even assaults at the household waste and recycling centre and is now calling on residents to be respectful of council staff.

Executive director for place and communities, Richard West, said: “We will not tolerate assaults on our staff.  

“Like all public sector staff – including NHS staff, emergency services and staff across the council – the staff at the waste site are doing their jobs, trying to earn a living, in difficult circumstances and they do not deserve to be abused, verbally or physically.

“We understand people may be upset by charges for DIY waste but abusing and then assaulting a member of staff who is trying to help is unacceptable in any circumstances.

“Luckily it is a minority of residents who verbally abuse our staff and even fewer ever take the step of a physical assault, but one is one too many.”

The member of staff suffered minor injuries during the assault and the matter has been reported to the police.

Staff members on duty at the site will also be issued body cams to help protect them and identify anyone who abuses or assaults staff which will run alongside the comprehensive CCTV already in place.