A BATTLE plan drawn up by a university student to get more people in the Ribble Valley recycling has been adopted by the local council.

Members of the borough's community committee agreed to act on the recommendations in the report, compiled by University of Central Lancashire student Gavin Perry, who is studying at the waste management centre there.

Included in the plan is the publication of a directory which will give details to every household in the borough on how to recycle.

It will include public recycling information as well as companies which offer green services, such as shops which refill ink cartridges.

The council will also take part in publicity to encourage other ways of thinking green, such as getting people to stop using disposable nappies.

Plans will also be drawn up for council services to recycle wherever possible.

And the authority's website will give details on recycling and waste management.

Gavin told members of the community committee: "In 1996, just 1.5 per cent of waste was recycled in Ribble Valley, which made it one of the worst in the country.

"In 2003, 15.82 per cent was recycled, making it 110 out of 408 which is a massive improvement.

"But the Government target is for 25 per cent by 2005 and 30 per cent by 2010 so a lot has to be done to get more waste recycled."

Councillors backed the plan and thanked Gavin for his work.