BIN men are being subjected to a “disgusting” level of abuse by the public, new figures reveal.

Among the incidents suffered recently by Copeland Council’s waste service crews including being spat at, torrents of verbal abuse and, on one occasion, a member of the public trying to physically drag a lorry driver from his cab because he couldn’t get past the vehicle on a narrow lane.

Between January 2015 and January 2016, there were 14 reports of abusive and threatening behaviour towards council staff - including bin men, enforcement teams and housing officers - added to 15 such incidents in the previous 12 months.

Copeland’s mayor Mike Starkie, who spent a shift with a waste crew in the Egremont area last week, said the abuse situation had been raised to him at an internal staff meeting.

He said: “These members of staff are doing a great job, in all weathers, and the level of abuse being directed to them by some is disgusting. It is totally unacceptable.

“On the morning I spent with the lads, I was incredibly impressed with the work they do. I was struck by how considerate they are - they go out of their way to help people – and nobody deserves to be mistreated in their workplace.”

Mr Starkie added that the council has “robust” internal measures to protect its employees.

A council spokeswoman said: “A reporting and recording procedure is in place and employees are required to report all incidents of threats and abuse which are then investigated and where appropriate, measures taken to protect employees.

“Copeland takes all reports of abuse and threats very seriously, aggression and violence against employees will not be tolerated. All reports of abuse are investigated thoroughly and the appropriate action taken to prevent re-occurrence.

“There are several options available to the council as employers including prosecution of those responsible for the abuse which have been implemented.”