THE controversial issue of Poole’s bin collections over the Christmas and New Year period could be coming up for debate.

Branksome West councillor Marion Le Poidevin says she wants the matter raised at a meeting of the council’s environment committee.

As in previous years, neither the weekly black bin collections of normal household waste nor the fortnightly blue bin collections of recycling took place in Poole during Christmas week.

That meant many areas of the town had to wait a month for their blue bins to be emptied.

One householder, who asked not to be named, said: “There was total confusion where I live. Our bins were emptied on December 14 and everyone put them out again on January 4.

“They weren’t emptied until the following Friday, so there were boxes and bags stacked up on the pavements. It was a mess. We no longer receive recycling calendars, stickers on the bins or extra bags. The council should remember that not everyone sees its Poole News or has access to a computer.”

Cllr Le Poidevin said she saw a large number of bins left out on Friday January 4 by people expecting a collection that wasn’t due.

“I think the best solution I know of is to leave it three weeks for everyone. It must be very clear and easily understood by people.

“It must minimise disruption and be fair for everyone,” she added.

“Some people have had a four-week gap between collections. Half the town isn’t affected, the other half has a four-week gap.”

A Borough of Poole spokeswoman confirmed that there had been a number of complaints, but calls were down on previous years.

“We have had the advantage that the weather hasn’t been so against us.

“Two and three years ago it was snowing and last year it was windy,” she said.