SERVICE centre staff braced themselves for an influx of calls after major changes to recycling and refuse services.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's refuse and recycling workforce began a four-day collection week on Tuesday.

Every home in the area has received a brochure on the changes, the biggest being the introduction of four zones. Green waste bins on wheels have been delivered to about 48,000 homes.

The council's director of area management, Simon Dale, said: "We were geared up for a higher than usual number of inquiries and we've got the staff in place, plus back-up support, to deal with that. It's all hands to the pumps - with no distinction between a refuse collector and me.

"We need to be fully aware of the impact of the changes and do all we can to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible."

Coun Bob Stanway said: "We've certainly got some interesting times ahead - the start of probably the biggest changes to services the council has made for a number of years."