COUNCIL leaders across south Cumbria have pledged to maintain fortnightly bin collections despite falling funding from central government.

There are no plans that could see residents in Barrow and Furness, South Lakeland and Copeland lose their alternate weekly general waste and recycling collections, the Evening Mail has learned.

The promise comes as other local authorities across the country move to controversial monthly waste pick-ups in a bid to cut costs - leading to an increase in fly-tipping and reports of some residents burning their own rubbish on garden bonfires.

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But Barrow Borough Council leader Councillor Dave Pidduck said the area's waste collection service would not be downgraded - though there will be a charge for green bin collections from April 1.

"We know this service is highly valued by residents so we have committed to keeping weekly waste collections with the new contract.

"Local councils are being forced to look over their shoulders constantly because of central government funding, so I can see why some have had to look at fewer collections.

"But that's not something we will be doing in Barrow," he added.

In Copeland, fortnightly bin rounds will continue following a cost-saving internal council restructure last year, which resulted in job losses.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said: "I'm aware some councils are having to move to monthly collections, but it's the opposite with us.

"We are putting significant investment into improving our waste service next year with an additional recycling vehicle on the road despite the financial pressure we have been under.

"We re-engineered the business last year, streamlining internal structures to ensure frontline services are protected, because that's what makes us a responsible council."

For South Lakeland District Council, which provides waste and recycling collections for Ulverston, a reduction in the frequency of the service is 'not on the cards'.

Cllr Giles Archibald, SLDC leader, said: "We have increased the amount of kerbside recycling we do across the district which we are particularly proud of.

"Yes, the financial climate is tough, but we are definitely not going to cut this service."

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