Costly error over Wyre Forest bin leaflets

Thousands of homes have been sent wrong information about new refuse collections for Wyre Forest - meaning "costly" new leaflets are needed to correct the mistake.

Council leaders say a "technical error" is to blame for the mistake in leaflets sent out to 15,000 homes in the district.

Under the changes, recycling and refuse collections will take place on the same day but on alternating weeks from July 5.

But it meant fortnightly collection times for normal household refuse in parts of the area had to be changed.

Leaflets sent out to some homes affected by changes gave the correct day but the wrong week for when household waste would be collected.

Wyre Forest District Council has admitted the blunder and said the correct information was now being sent out to all homes affected. But they refused to reveal how much it had cost to print and distribute the new leaflets.

Some councillors blasted the error as a waste of money which the council could ill afford in the current climate.

Liberal Councillor Fran Oborski said: "At a time when finances have to be looked at closely it is vital any information sent out by the district council is accurate the first time."

Independent Community and Health Concern leader Councillor Nigel Thomas said: "Mistakes do happen, of course, but the council has now had to spend extra money to put this right."

Cabinet member for resources on the council Councillor Nathan Desmond said the council apologised to residents for the error.