COUNCIL bosses are apologising to residents in Blackrod after problems with the introduction of the alternate week refuse collection service left many homes without a recycling collection.

All householders in Blackrod are now being issued with a clear bag for excess recyclable waste, and will receive a letter explaining how the problems occurred.

The alternate week waste collection was introduced in western parts of the Bolton borough earlier last week. It means that the regular grey bins will be collected on a fortnightly basis with collections being put on for recycling containers in alternate weeks.

A council spokesman said: "We are currently dealing with some operational difficulties with the recycling collections in the Blackrod area. We apologise to anyone who has been affected and assure them that they will receive a recycling collection next week.

"We appreciate everyone's recycling efforts and will help anyone with concerns about their collections."

For more information call 01204 336633.