A COUNCIL risks being fined by the Government for failing to hit targets on recycling.

By 2006, Richmondshire District Council should be recycling 18 per cent of household waste.

But council chiefs admit that just over ten per cent is now being collected.

Councillor Jane Parlour, ward member for Croft-on-Tees, told a meeting of the authority's environment and planning committee on Tuesday that the figures were very disappointing.

"I think politicians across the country have to realise the biggest issue both nationally and locally is the environment," said Coun Parlour.

"If we compare Richmondshire to other rural councils, then we are one of the poorest performers.

"Without some really radical changes in policy and spending, we will be fighting a losing battle."

The council has recently launched a rural recycling scheme in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, on top of its kerbside collections.

But council officers still fear the authority will not hit a self-imposed target of 14 per cent for 2004/05.

If the council fails to hit the 18 per cent Government target by 2006, it risks being fined by the Government, officers told the meeting.