WEEKLY food waste collections have been binned at 7,000 homes across Pendle.

Binmen have been collecting waste left in five-litre kitchen ‘caddies’ at 7,000 terrace homes as part of a pilot scheme since April 2010.

But Pendle Council has decided to suspend the collections, partly because of the costs involved.

Councillors on the borough’s executive committee this month approved a proposal to suspend the collections.

The last collections will be during the week commencing October 24 on the usual day.

Residents will be able to keep the food waste caddies for their own use.

Carole Taylor, recycling co-ordinator, said: “We want to thank all those Pendle residents who have taken part in the food waste recycling trial.

"I’m sure it will have highlighted to them how much food they previously threw away.

“As a result, many people may have changed their buying habits to buy far less food than before.

"That’s a positive outcome.”