RESIDENTS are being led like to sheep to the slaughter over the introduction of alternative week bin collections, says a town councillor. Members of Royston Town Council s Finance committee were annoyed on Monday evening that plans for a change in the b

RESIDENTS are being led "like to sheep to the slaughter" over the introduction of alternative week bin collections, says a town councillor.

Members of Royston Town Council's Finance committee were annoyed on Monday evening that plans for a change in the bin collections had not been outlined in a presentation from North Herts Distrct Council.

They are urging the district council to send an environment officer to discuss the plans - due to be introduced in October - and the impact of the scheme.

Town councillors, however, were invited to a briefing from the district council last week when the plans for changes in bin collections and new recycling schemes were outlined.

Cllr Bill Prime told committee members: "There a lot of people who believe in recycling, but that doesn't mean they support fortnightly collections."

He said they were being led "like sheep to the slaughter" over the policy because there had been no public debate on the issue.

Cllr Paul Grimes said: "I wish that once in a while the district council spoke to us before making such decisions. This is going to effect everyone, and it's going to be difficult."

And Cllr Lindsay Davidson said alternative week collections was "a contenous issue".

She said the town council should have a view on the matter.

Members were concerned, too, about the placing of bins for plastic recycling around the area.

Cllr Robert Inwood said: "The district council has not said where these bins will be placed. Until we have all the facts and I do not think the town council should support this move."

In a statement yesterday (Wednesday) Cllr Lynda Needham, the district council's portfolio holder for waste and recycling, said: "It is a mistake to think of the new arrangements as a cut-back.

"The new service will save Council Tax payers from facing significantly increased costs if we do not meet the ever more demanding targets set by central Government," she said

Cllr Needham added that the district council intended to maintain weekly bin collections from blocks of flats and sheltered accommodation.