CLACKS COUNCIL will temporarily continue to collect blue boxes in the county, following opposition from residents.

The local authority intended to cease kerbside collection of the box next month, after the decision was taken to cut the service in the budget.

But recent "public feedback" has resulted in a rethink of the proposed date that the service would cease.

Nevertheless, the service will still be axed at an unspecified date, with the "short delay" put in place to allow people more time to prepare for the change.

A council spokesperson said: "The council decided to end the kerbside collection of the blue box when setting its budget last year, as part of changes required to protect essential services and improve financial sustainability.

"We had planned to implement the change in May, however, having listened to public feedback, we are going to postpone the implementation.

"This short delay will allow the majority of residents more time to plan for the change. It will also allow the council more time to consider arrangements for the delivery of the changes.

"Full details of the changes will be provided to residents ahead of the implementation."

Blue boxes are used to recycle a number of items, including glass bottles and jars, textiles, small electrical items and batteries.

There are no planned changes to the blue bin service.