MORE than 600 properties in Topsham are to have their refuse timetable changed from weekly collections. Mike Trim, head of Exeter City Council s cleansing services, said there were 1,180 properties in the town currently on weekly collections and, of those

MORE than 600 properties in Topsham are to have their refuse timetable changed from weekly collections.

Mike Trim, head of Exeter City Council's cleansing services, said there were 1,180 properties in the town currently on weekly collections and, of those, 658 would be changing to biweekly.

The changes are likely to be introduced this September. The local authority feels the reorganisation will make refuse collectors' jobs more efficient, shorten journey times and save on fuel.

Mr Trim said: "Each household will be informed of the changes and will receive a calendar of the new collection days."

Kevin Mitchell, lead councillor for environment and leisure, said such a move would save the council thousand of pounds and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

As part of the changes, the authority was planning to run its collections over a four-day week, saving on disruption caused by Bank Holiday catch-ups.

Mr Mitchell said: "We would still prefer to move to a four-day collection week, which would cut down on the confusion caused by changes to collection dates following a public holiday, but realise that it is best to do this with the support of the workforce."

A public consultation was held in Matthews Hall last November where homeowners could view the local authority's proposals to move from weekly collections to biweekly.

Additional proposals include moving collections from back alleys to the front of properties.

This idea, however, was shelved after strong opposition to the idea following public consultations.