THE next phase of a waste collection service will be rolled out in October, council chiefs have announced.

Households in Longridge, Chipping, Hurst Green, Dutton, Chaigley, Mellor, Mellor Brook, Ribchester, Osbaldeston, Balderstone and Ramsgreave will receive two or three wheeled bins for the collection of recyclable, non-recyclable and green waste.

Over 24,000 Ribble Valley households have recently received letters stating whether their property is to be included in the scheme or, if they already have wheeled bins, if their collection date is going to change.

Instead of black and green sacks, householders will now receive either two or three small wheeled bins: one blue for the fortnightly collection of recyclable waste and one burgundy for the weekly collection of non-recyclables.

Gardened properties will also receive a green bin for the collection of garden waste. Comprehensive information packs will be delivered with the bins.

Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Council's community committee, said: "The days of dumping rubbish in landfill are over and increased recycling is essential if we are to preserve the environment for future generations.

"We hope residents will enthusiastically embrace this scheme when it goes live next month and do their bit to keep our valley clean and green.

"We have received some inquiries in response to the letters, which will be responded to in due course."

Ribble Valley Council's three-stream waste collection scheme went live in other areas of the borough, including Whalley, Read and Simonstone, last year. It proved a success, with 97 per cent of respondents in a survey giving it the thumbs-up.

The scheme, which has been set up in order to meet tough new Government recycling targets and protect the environment, will be extended furing the week beginning Monday, October 29.

It will then be extended across the borough's remaining properties in May 2008.