Controversial plans to change bin collections in two Fife towns have been revised following public outcry.
Following a campaign by residents and local councillors, householders living in the waterfront streets of Kinghorn and Burntisland will not have to walk hundreds of yards if they want their bins emptied by Fife Council.
The local authority had claimed refuse lorries were struggling to access streets such as St James Place in Kinghorn and Lammerslaw Road in Burntisland, manoeuvres which were proving time consuming and holding up collections elsewhere.
However, local councillor George Kay was concerned the changes, which would significantly inconvenience householders, were merely a cost-cutting measure.
Delighted at the U-turn, he said: “I really do think this is a victory for common sense.
“There was absolutely no consultation on this and people who are simply not physically capable any more of doing this work were being asked to do what would have been for them a Herculean task.
“An officer from environmental services was invited to our last ward meeting and was left in no doubt about how unacceptable these proposals were.
“I also organised two public meetings, one in each town and it was obvious from my consultation that this was just not acceptable to the residents.
“May I thank The Courier for their part in highlighting the situation and helping with the resolution.”
Collections for the Barton Buildings in Kinghorn and the North View and Galahill in Burntisland will remain as they are.
St James Place in Kinghorn and South View in Burntisland will be serviced once a week by a landfill service.
A single paper recycling point will now be put in place.
Pat Callaghan, executive spokesperson for environment and transportation at Fife Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
“We’re always happy to listen to community feedback and ensure they’re getting a service they are happy with.”