RESIDENTS attended a presentation held at Matthews Hall about proposed changes to refuse collections – a meeting which evoked mixed reactions from homeowners. Staff from Exeter City Council delivered a talk to people from Topsham about the plans last Th

RESIDENTS attended a presentation held at Matthews Hall about proposed changes to refuse collections - a meeting which evoked mixed reactions from homeowners.

Staff from Exeter City Council delivered a talk to people from Topsham about the plans last Thursday, October 22.

The proposals include moving from weekly collections in the town to biweekly and moving collections from back alleys to the front of properties.

The council spokesperson told the audience households on weekly residual collections produced 22 per cent more waste than those on biweekly.

Speaking about moving collections from back alleys to the front of properties, she added: "We spend between �10,000 and �15,000 cleaning alleys.

"By moving pick-ups exclusively to the front makes the crews' work much more efficient."

One concerned resident said: "I am worried about a whole range of problems associated with biweekly collections.

"I do not feel that I was being given a lot of choice in the proposals offered.

"Indeed, I detected from some comments in the hall that people felt maybe there was already a preference for a particular model."

City councillor Mark Starling, who attended the meeting, added: "I am broadly in favour of saving money and helping the environment.

"I do have some concerns about some of the side roads in Topsham.

"I've had local residents who have spoken to me and said that if they go over to biweekly collections then they envisage problems with vermin - something they've already experienced.

"I think it's an issue which needs to be thought about very carefully and we need to strike a balance.

"One lady here tonight said there are a limited number of proposals being put forward and there are other options which could be considered.