PROBLEMS have emerged with the introduction of a system of waste collection in the Hambleton district.

The local authority is switching to a method of alternate weekly collections using wheelie bins.

The first phase of the scheme began this week, with the whole district due to be covered by 2005.

But early teething troubles are resulting in some households still waiting to have wheelie bins delivered and changed collection days have led to problems for some residents.

Now residents are being urged to be patient while the new system beds in. "These problems will be ironed out," said operational services manager Mike Kneebone.

"We have had problems throughout the district with both the distribution of bins and with changed collection days and we want to thank residents for their understanding and co-operation during this period.

"We are working very hard to ensure that everyone gets both a black and a green bin. But until that time any resident who has not had their bin delivered should continue to put out their black sacks."

The system has been designed to allow the council to meet the demanding recycling targets set by Central Government and divert more waste away from already overfill landfill sites.

Anyone needing more information, or wanting to report a problem, is asked to contact the council's operational services helpline on (01609) 767288.