RESIDENTS in parts of Newtown, feel that the problems with recycling and bin collections could be a cunning plan by Powys County Council to help get them fitter.

In recent week residents in the Maesyrhandir and Trehafren areas have been becoming increasingly frustrated to be putting out their recycling and bins out for collection, only to find them still waiting for collection.

Newtown County Councillors Joy Jones and David Selby have been dealing with residents’ complaints.

Cllr Jones, who represents Newtown East, said: “It’s been an issue for some time now.

“I have been told that council officers have had a meeting to look into the entire problem, not just in my ward but all over Newtown as a matter of urgency.

“It’s a huge problem, it’s happening every week and people are getting fed up with it.

“I did have one man come up and tell me he thought that it was a secret plan by PCC to get us all fit, by carrying and putting the rubbish and recycling out several days a week in the hope it gets collected.”

Frank More said on facebook: “Pine Court a disgraceful mess again today (Friday).”

“Recycling Bins are overflowing due to a missed collection this week despite being assured by PCC that it would be collected yesterday, their system doesn’t even hold the correct collection days!”

Problems with collections have been happening all over Powys in recent months, with people getting used to changes in collection schedules.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: “Earlier this year, we changed our recycling and waste collection rounds to maximise the use of our crews and fleet and make long term savings for the Council.

“With over 66,000 households to collect from, and over 200 rounds that cover a quarter of the land mass of Wales, it was a mammoth task altering the collection rounds across the county.

“Unfortunately, there have been a few operational issues with the new collection rounds that were introduced which has resulted in missed recycling collections.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused and I want to reassure Newtown households that everything is being done to ensure that their recycling is collected on a weekly basis.”