AFTER an avalanche of complaints about maggots infesting household rubbish during the hot summer there is a move to try and change the two-week collections to one week in Mid Beds. The Liberal Democrat group on Mid Beds District Council is arranging the n

AFTER an avalanche of complaints about maggots infesting household rubbish during the hot summer there is a move to try and change the two-week collections to one week in Mid Beds.

The Liberal Democrat group on Mid Beds District Council is arranging the next full meeting of the council because members are worried about the complaints about rubbish collection are rising.

They will ask for a weekly collection of rubbish in the hot summer months of June, July and August.

Residents have complained of the foul smell made and the problem of flies and maggots.

The Liberal Democrat Group wants to see the level of recycling maintained and improved and is campaigning for cardboard to be included. Members would also like to see kerb-side collection of glass as in many other areas.

The motion for the council meeting reads: "In view of the considerable concern that has been expressed with regards to the prevalence of maggots and flies, this council, whilst fully committed to recycling and a reduction of waste going to landfill, in the interests of public health and welfare, instructs the executive to reconsider a weekly collection of waste during the summer months of June, July and August when rotting rubbish creates the greatest public nuisance."

Lib Dem member for Shefford Cllr Mark Chapman said: "There has been a consistent level of complaints this summer about maggots in refuse bins and the time has come to try and prevent this plague happening again next year.

"Owing to the heat the problem has become great this summer and people just don't want to have the maggots and smells again next year if we have another hot summer.

"Something positive has got to be done now to tackle the problem but we also want to strike a balance between eradicating the problem and being able to continue with recycling at its current levels."

There are concerns that the level of recycling will go down if there is a weekly collection.

So if it is reintroduced the public will have to be told how vital it is to continue using the green bins or orange sacks.

Recycling saves money in that less rubbish goes to landfill sites for which the council is heavily charged.