Councillors representing Holgate ward are conducting their own consultation to ascertain public feeling on new refuse collection arrangements.

Many streets in both Holgate and Westfield wards have recently had a new, front of property, refuse collection arrangement imposed by the council, following a previous rear alley collection arrangement. Coun. Sonja Crisp said:

"The recent Holgate Ward Committee was dominated by the issue with a large contingent of residents voicing strong opposition to the move, having not been consulted by the council. People basically don't want to trail two week old black bags full of waste through their living rooms, which I think is perfectly understandable. We said we will support those residents in their stance on that issue and that has not changed.

"However, we are interested in getting the views of a further cross-section of residents on how they feel about the new arrangements. We have contacted over 1200 properties and look forward to hearing back from them.

"For those who are elderly or infirm and are struggling with the new arrangements, I would urge them to let us know and we will ask the council to make appropriate arrangements".

Coun. James Alexander, also representing Holgate ward, said:

"We have tried to get the council to deal with this issue in a sensible way, with compromise options put forward but Executive Member Steve Galloway has for the most-part turned these down and left residents to get on with the increased hassle imposed upon them.

"Local Labour for our part is flatly opposed to the new arrangements on the evidence and the strength of local opposition already expressed. We will await the outcome of the consultation and if the results are as we predict, we will challenge the council to revisit this policy and revert back to its previous arrangements. Residents, we believe, will expect no less".