FORTNIGHTLY bin collections could be on the way to Chester.

But deputy council leader John Price (Lab, Blacon Hall) has insisted people should be able to have their say on a possible £12m 'gold standard' option which could see weekly collections retained and increased recycling.

With more than 100 councils, including the top 10 recyclers in England, already collecting once a fortnight, the Town Hall is seeking views on its new waste collection contract, due in 2008.

Three options, all involving the controversial fortnightly collection of food waste in wheelie bins, have already been drawn up for consultation.

'Residents will not be happy in moving to a fortnightly collection,' warned Cllr Price at a cabinet meeting.

He said a report offering options for further consultation 'does not deal with the question of maintaining the weekly collection'.

He argued a weekly collection of food waste should be included in the consultations although he suggested the price to be paid could be as high as £12m.

'This would mean a huge increase in council tax but it is people's right to know what that is,' he said.

'We have got to get this right,' said Boughton City Cllr Bob Rudd (Lab). 'A lot of the people I represent have small terraced houses with small yards. It is already difficult in warm weather to store black sacks.'

He pointed out that occupiers in tower blocks have similar problems.

Environment portfolio holder Cllr Rob Jordan (Lib Dem) said 85% of properties in Chester district had space for bins.

The question of changing the arrangements is not just a cost issue, it is also about promoting recycling, he said.

Cabinet leader Cllr Paul Roberts (Lib Dem, Farndon) believed feedback should be sought from residents in Vale Royal, where the change to fortnightly collections has already been made. nCouncillors heard that although historically the city council has been in the top performing authorities for recycling, it has now slipped to 82nd in England.

In 2005/06 it is likely the 3 Cheers scheme will not have met its 30% target.

Councils such as Ellesmere Port and Neston, Vale Royal and Macclesfield are doing better.

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