Council's new trucks to collect food waste

AUTHORITY PREPARES FOR SERVICE CHAGES

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

REDCAR and Cleveland Council has ordered new food waste trucks in preparation for weekly household collections that are due to be rolled out under Government plans from April next year.

The local authority said it had bought seven, 12 tonne vehicles as part of a procurement process.

Meanwhile, a spokesman also told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it would be taking on new staff as part of the changes.

A report covering the portfolio of cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Adam Brook said planning was "well under way" and the tendering exercise also involved other Teesside councils.

Delivery of the food waste containers that will be required by residents was also expected by the end of the year with these also due to be purchased.

The report said: "A key element of the roll out of this new service will be the communications and the Tees Valley councils are working closely on this to share resources and ideas to ensure the message is clear.