BOLTON'S binmen are set to be tested to make sure they are offering council taxpayers the "best value" service available.

The refuse collection and street cleaning service looks likely to be the first contract in Bolton assessed under the Labour Government's answer to private competition.

Already bin bosses have started examining the most frequent complaints made by the public in a bid to see if they can offer a better service.

Common grumbles include having to pay for wheelie bins for new properties, the length of time it can take to remove illegally dumped rubbish and the state of cleanliness in some streets.

Now these grouses and suggested improvements are to be examined in detail to see if it is worth changing the terms of the six-year contract won by the town hall's own binmen.

"We are asking some very searching questions to identify what people want from us and find out if it is practical," said Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, chairman of the contract services committee.

Town hall officials are also suggesting refuse collection is used as a Bolton pilot for the Government's Best Value scheme which is set to replace compulsory competitive tendering.

Cllr Kilcoyne insisted the "Best Value" scheme would be an improvement because it would look at a whole range of issues and not just finance.

He explained: "For example, we know some people would like us to take plastic bags at the side of wheelie bins but it is not just a matter of the extra cost.

"We need to reduce the amount of waste people throw away and picking up extra bags could send out the wrong message to the public.

"It could also mean a return to the old days when dogs split the bin bags and the rubbish spilled out onto the streets.

"Best value means we have got to consult with the public to find out what they want. The answer might still be no but we will have to explain why."

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