A COUNCIL boss has defended plans to introduce fortnightly bin collections and said it is designed to increase recycling.


The comments from Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan come in the wake of a petition set up by Darwen and Rossendale MP Jake Berry and Darwen’s Conservative town councillors calling for the plans to end weekly bin collections to be axed.

But Cllr Khan said the plans are designed to save money and increase the area’s recycling rate above the current 36 per cent.

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Cllr Khan said: “Every local authority in Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cumbria except Ribble Valley operate this system, some councils only collect rubbish every three weeks.

“Our scheme is designed to make changes as easy as possible. We are listening to the things people tell us are worrying them and we will be making sure they have helpful information.

“If we can get our recycling rates up we have more chance of protecting frontline services. I really hope people will see the benefits of getting on board and doing their bit.”

The changes are set to take place from Monday, October 4. Before that, every household will receive detailed information and help for vulnerable people will remain in place.