A DROITWICH Spa resident feels that Wychavon District Council should be branching out rather than cutting back on green waste collection.

The council stopped garden waste collection only a few months ago, but it is now that people are starting to notice the problem faced with regular garden maintenance over the summer months.

Carol James, from Willets Road, said: "I have recently had the problem of trying to dispose of the rubbish from my garden.

"The council used to collect green waste, which was a big help, but then stopped.

"During the summer months people have to cut the grass more, prune trees more, and do other such jobs. There is no way of getting rid of the waste except for taking it to the tip yourself."

She is concerned that if she has had a problem then there must be people in an even worse predicament.

"How about elderly people who cannot clear the built up waste? Or people who can't drive or don't have relatives to help.

"What are those people supposed to do?" Carol added.

After cutting the green collection service Wychavon District Council is trying to get more residents to buy and use compost bins in their garden.

Carol said: "I think residents should at least be given the choice on how they want to dispose of their rubbish.

"Even people who have bought compost bins have other garden waste.

"I hope they start the collection service again."

Mark Edwards, waste management officer for Wychavon District Council, said: "There is no statutory duty on us to collect green waste.

"We did provide the service but removed it earlier this year as part of our efforts to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

"Compost bins are available from £5 and we operate a free shredding service to help encourage everyone to do their bit.

"It is up to people to choose to recycle - but if they choose not to do this and, for example, ask us to collect their green waste - then the alternatives are chargeable."