PLANS by a borough to collect household rubbish bins once every three weeks have been condemned by MPs.

Bury Council’s proposal to change the cycle, affecting Ramsbottom and Summerseat, has been criticised by local government minister Brandon Lewis.

The Labour authority has come under fire from East Lancashire MPs Graham Jones, Gordon Birtwistle, Andrew Stephenson, Nigel Evans and Jake Berry.

They said they did not want the system in their constituencies.

On Wednesday, Bury’s cabinet will consider the proposal to become the first authority in England to move to three weekly collection of general household rubbish bins in October.

Labour councillors believe the switch from fortnightly collections will increase recycling rates and save money.

Neighbouring Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle, Chorley, and Hyndburn councils operate a fortnightly cycle alternating general rubbish and recyclable bin collections.

Blackburn with Darwen and Ribble Valley collect general waste weekly and reyclables fortnightly.

Mr Lewis said: “It will harm the environment by fuelling fly-tipping, and rips off taxpayers by cutting the services they pay for in council tax. This strengthens the case for changing the law to protect local services."

Ramsbottom Tory councillor Ian Bevan said: “I personally feel that every three weeks for a grey general waste bin collection is one step too far.”

Rossendale and Darwen Tory MP Mr Berry said: “I think people want weekly bin collections as they get in Blackburn with Darwen. I hope this idea does not come into East Lancashire.”

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: “I don’t think three weekly general waste collections are viable or acceptable.”

Burnley Liberal Democrat Mr Birtwistle said: “fortnightly collections work perfectly. Lets hope this idea stays in Greater Manchester.”

Pendle Tory Mr Stephenson said: “It will encourage rats and flytipping. We don’t want it in our area.”

Ribble Valley MP Mr Evans: “My constituents would be up in arms if our council tried to impose this.”

Bury environment boss Tony Isherwood said: “Most households will continue to have a collection of at least one type of waste every week.”