Judith Tonner

all support meeting recycling targets – the issues have arisen due to the absence of a public consultation.

“We’d then have known how many bins people needed and had enough time to get bins and food bags to everyone.

“They’re entitled to know why this was rushed through.

“The result has been stress for council workers and upset for residents and we support the work done by cleansing employees in this difficult time.”

Group leader David Stocks said: “We don’t disagree with recycling. Had the consultation been granted, we wouldn’t have been talking problems with the service, bins, green bags, calendars, or the call centre.

“I’m glad Jim Logue apologised to the public; it should have been done by every Labour and Tory member.

“They rushed in headlong and created a month-long shambles for residents.

“They must answer for the shortfall of 7000 bins and 40,000 over-zealous bin taggings. There was a 700 per cent increase in complaint calls to the council, with 10,000 on day one.”

The infrastructure report notes that the 23,000 new bins requested are expected to be in place in the next two weeks; while there were 984 requests for nappy bins.

It also notes 2485 missed bin complaints and 1317 missed pull-outs in the first three weeks of the service.

The Conservative amendment agreed by councillors praised the efforts of waste solutions staff and “recognised there have been operational difficulties which are currently being addressed” and that support be provided to the service.

Business manager Sandy Watson said: “Several points on the motion are already covered and a report in 14 days is unrealistic – six months gives more time for reflection.”