TWO neighbouring authorities have moved closer together after the first steps were taken for a joint waste service.

The new partnership will see the joint running of refuse collection in Richmondshire and Hambleton districts.

Eric Kendall – formerly Hambleton’s head of waste services – is now responsible for the management of a new partnership.

And the joint management - and from 2012 combined refuse collection and recycling rounds - are expected bring cash savings for both authorities.

It is part of a programme instigated by the two councils to share services where possible to produce better and more efficient services and reduce costs.

A joint ICT and legal team is already serving both councils and environmental health and HR are set to follow.

Other opportunities to share in communications and revenues and benefits are being explored.

Hambleton’s cabinet member for the environment, Bob Baker, said: "This is an exciting time for the two authorities as we join together one of the main frontline services. We will seek to do it with the minimum disruption to residents as possible."

Contact with the waste services at both councils continues through the main switchboard numbers: 0845 1211 555 for Hambleton and 01748 829100 for Richmondshire; or through the websites, hambleton.gov.uk and richmondshire.gov.uk