EARLYBIRD bin men have been rubbished again for clearing the streets before 6am. Refuse collection firm Haringey Accord came under fire from residents in Muswell Hill last month after staff started their rounds before dawn. But despite being warned that t

EARLYBIRD bin men have been rubbished again for clearing the streets before 6am.

Refuse collection firm Haringey Accord came under fire from residents in Muswell Hill last month after staff started their rounds before dawn.

But despite being warned that they faced a fine for starting too early, the eager workers gave Shepherd's Hill residents a rude awakening last week when they began emptying bins at 5.15am.

Cllr Sheila Rainger, who lives in Shepherd's Hill, said: "Whatever promises had been made clearly hadn't been implemented and it's pretty disap-pointing.

"It's time Haringey Accord started delivering on the assurances it gives.

"I don't think anyone should be out there that early - everyone has the right to a peaceful night's sleep. It's really important for health and happiness."

Strict rules prevent rubbish men leaving the depot before 6am but Haringey Accord has been caught breaking them on several occasions.

Hornsey resident Brian Bowles complained to Haringey Council after it happened last summer.

He said: "I'm not remotely surprised it has happened again - every time they say it won't, it does."

Haringey Council's environment chief Cllr Brian Haley said: "I give my sincere apologies to residents in Shepherds Hill.

"Following the earlier complaint we made it clear to our contractors Accord that it was unacceptable to begin household waste collections until 6am at the earliest.

"We have told Accord managers that we are unhappy with the controls they have in place and they have assured us they will be implementing tighter procedures to stop this happening again.

"In addition, we will be carrying out spot checks to ensure that the collection vehicles are leaving the Ashley Road depot at appropriate times.