RESIDENTS are to be offered the chance to comment on waste disposal plans at the first in a series of community events.

People living in Byker, Newcastle, are invited to an event at Byker East End Pool, tomorrow, to look at a report produced by Ban Waste suggesting how the city can improve its rubbish disposal.

The group suggests introducing better recycling facilities and more environmentally friendly ways of handling waste, and wants to know if local people agree.

Its report was funded by a £13.94m social, economic and environmental development programme, and was produced in partnership with the New Opportunities Fund.

As well as commenting on the report, residents will be able to make musical instruments and sculptures from scrap helped by local artists, and win prizes for the best scrap hat, at Saturday's event.

Youngsters can take part in recycling races and have their faces painted.

Further events are planned at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Gosforth, on February 10, Trewitt Road Community Centre, Heaton, on February 23, Elswick Pool, on March 2, Blakelaw Library, on March 7 and Westerhope Methodist Church Hall, on March 23.

There will also be an event in Sandyford, with the date and time to be confirmed.

For more details, ring Ban Waste on 0191-232 3357 or visit www.banwaste.org.uk