HUNDREDS of residents were left scratching their heads after receiving pink recycling sacks – branded by Southend-on-Sea Council.

The sacks were delivered by Burnley-based Pendle Skips, along with a leaflet asking people to fill them with unwanted clothes, shoes, toys and jewellery for collection.

On finding the sacks on their doorsteps, hundreds of confused residents in Reedley and Barrowford called Pendle Council’s contact centre to ask if the local authority was involved.

Southend’s waste and environmental care manager said the sacks were rejected by its waste contractor because information printed on them was wrong.

Bosses at Pendle Skips said they bought the sacks from the firm which makes them for a knockdown price.

Town hall chiefs in both Southend and Pendle are now investigating.

Carole Taylor, Pendle recycling co-ordinator, said: “Many residents have been confused by this, and understandably so.

“It is even more confusing in that the pink sacks ask for plastics, cans, paper and card, which is contrary to the leaflet provided by Pendle Skips.

“We have made enquiries and established that Pendle Skips is a legitimate company with a licence to carry waste.”

Pendle environmental services chief Philip Mousdale said: “It’s for our residents to decide if they wish to use the pink sacks from Pendle Skips, but we would remind them that the council already provides a door-step collection service for unwanted clothes and shoes, as well as a range of other recyclables.”

Southend Council group manager Steve Crowther said: “The council is aware that its waste contractor Cory Environmental rejected a batch of recycling sacks which are now being used in Pendle.

“Cory's legal team is currently investigating the matter.”