HOMEOWNERS are being asked to help a local authority improve an environmental project being piloted in the Thirsk area.

Hambleton District Council has delivered wheeled bins to all households and the first collection will take place next week.

Organisers said the scheme had been a success, although a small number of residents had expressed concerns about how they would cope with the bins.

In the village of Sandhutton, residents have objected to greens being used as collection points.

Deputy leader of the council and its environment spokesman, Councillor Arthur Barker, said: "Some of the concerns, particularly from the elderly, infirm and disabled residents, are well understood and we can give special consideration in these cases.

"Any such resident who feels they need help in moving the bin will be assessed for an assisted service. This pilot is very important in helping the district meet its recycling targets and the separation of waste in this manner is a necessary step.

"We would ask for everyone's help in supporting the trial and let us know of problems."

Parish councillors and residentsof Sandhutton met Coun Barker, and the council's operational services manager, Mike Kneebone, to voice their objections.

All said they did not want the village greens turning into a rubbish tip by the allocation of collection points for the bins.

The village has no footpaths or drives to homes alongside the village greens. Homes are approached by gravel paths.

Because of that it had been suggested that several bin collection points be set up on the greens, with residents having to wheel them across grass and pathways.

Resident, Alan Helmsley said: "The last thing we want is to see the village greens, of which we are very proud, vandalised by wheelie bins."

Coun Barker said: "It is important that we listen to residents concerns and we will try to address them."

For details on assisted services, telephone (01609) 776743.