HOUSEHOLDERS in Worcester are to be issued with black bags - partly to protect refuse collectors' from backache.

The city council claims the way it collects rubbish at the moment is "dangerous and outdated".

The authority is worried that its employees are liable to strain their backs by lugging heavy dustbins along drives and alleys.

It claims each week one of its workers suffers an injury either due to back strain or from sharp objects being included in the waste.

In future, bags of rubbish will be collected from the perimeter of people's property.

Leaflets explaining the changes are to be distributed next month and will also be despatched to homes in July and August.

Every house in Worcester will be supplied with two black refuse sacks each week from the start of October.

The council is also due to review each collection route and is warning residents their collection day may change.

It said it was giving plenty of warning because it wanted to answer any queries people might have.

Householders

"The new system will bring many benefits to both householders and collection teams," said Mike Harrison, the council's operations director.

"It will lead to a safer method of collection throughout the city for all those involved. Please look out over the next few months for the leaflet that will be delivered to your house."