RESIDENTS have welcomed Richmondshire council plans to employ a "man in a van" in a bid to improve refuse collection in rural areas, after hundreds of complaints were received about the authority's new AWC or alternative weekly collection scheme.

Richmondshire District Council has faced criticism over the new system, which was rolled out across the district in June, after it emerged some residents were having to transport their wheelie bins down long country lanes before they could be collected.

At a meeting of the council's strategy board on Tuesday, members voted to spend £48,000 "to procure and maintain an additional operative, vehicle and refuse sacks", coming into effect within the next few weeks.

Coun John Blackie, who represents the Upper Dales, described the move as a "sticking plaster" but said it represented a victory for residents.

Speaking at a public meeting in Reeth on Wednesday, attended by about 70 residents, Coun Blackie said: "This council's refuse collection system was previously held in high esteem, and bin men were community heroes, but the authority has since brought the service into disrepute.

"It is only because of residents, councillors and the local press keeping up the pressure that this new move has come about, and I want to thank and congratulate everyone involved."

Under the old system, household waste was collected once a week.

Under AWC, general waste is collected every fortnight and recyclable waste the week in between, in specially-equipped new vehicles.

The expansion of "lane end" collections means more residents have to take their own rubbish to the main highway for collection, causing problems in some remote areas.

Barbara Pearson, of Shaw Farm in Arkengarthdale, said: "I have not had a collection in four months.

"The council refuse to collect from my doorstep, but I can't put the bins at the end of the lane because that land is owned by a third party.

"It's completely ridiculous."

Some residents said the move did not go far enough, calling for a return to the old system of weekly doorstop collections, with general and household waste collected on alternate weeks.

Another described the attitude of council staff as "bullying", raising the issue of liability for any accidents caused by wheelie bins on the public highway.

But one resident, Sue Alderson, said many residents were happy with the new service, and that those present at the meeting represented a minority.

Tony Clark, executive director of Richmondshire District Council, said the new system should be given time to settle down: "I'm very disappointed to hear that some staff have not been helpful," he said. "That's not acceptable and we will certainly be looking into it.

"Clearly, we've got to improve our customer relations, and I would urge anyone with problems to get in touch and we will do all we can to help."

He added that any liability for accidents would depend upon individual circumstances, but that the issue would be investigated.

Officers are due to present a report to councillors in January, when the service will be reviewed.