RESIDENTS are being urged not to get down in the dumps over a build-up of bulk rubbish.

A dispute with staff over working arrangements and a complete restructuring of bin rounds have contributed to a backlog of 4,000 requests to a council to shift heavy items from homes across east Cleveland.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Junk Job service deals with 30,000 requests a year to pick up residents' rubbish, ranging from black bags full of garden rubbish to three-piece suites, carpets, fridges, freezers and the occasional kitchen sink.

Councillor Sylvia Szintai, the council's executive member for environment and infrastructure, said: "We know people have become frustrated over the time they have had to wait for a Junk Job collection and, of course, we apologise.

"There's even been rumours we are stopping the service. But nothing could be further from the truth. A big part of the problem has been the scheme's success. It's one of our most popular and best used services, and when it works well it's a real asset to us.''

Once the backlog is cleared, the council will slot requests into 14-day cycles. There are also plans to introduce an appointments system.