Council forced to hire bin lorries because old vehicles cannot collect new wheelie bins

A council has been forced to hire bin lorries because its own vehicles cannot collect its new wheelie bins.

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council announced last month that new wheelie bins would be introduced for recycling collections, just weeks after a new bags scheme was launched.

The authority has ordered lorries that will be able to collect the new bins, but they will not be arriving until September.

When asked about the cost of hiring these lorries, a council spokesperson said the amount was "well within the budget for vehicles".

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council was reminded by Leicestershire County Council back in April that recycling credits - money that the county council gives to district and borough councils to support recycling - will be taken away this year. It means that the councils' current arrangements will become too expensive.

Councillor Michael Charlesworth, Liberal Democrat deputy leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has said that he thinks that by needing to hire the lorries, it shows that the bin scheme has been "a rushed decision and poorly thought out".

Leicestershire County Council said it works closely with the districts to ensure cost-effective recycling takes place.

Councillor Blake Pain, Conservative county council cabinet member for environment and transport said:

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council have confirmed that the council will continue to collect bags until resident's receive their bin.