The launch of the pilot garden waste scheme has left many South Holland residents confused and angry.
The scheme launched on February 15 with people being urged to sign up as soon as possible as only 2,500 households would be able to subscribe on a first come first served basis.
However on the day of the launch the Voice was contacted by several people, all angry after visiting South Holland District Council’s website and being unable to sign up.
One Spalding resident said: “I think it’s disgusting. Why advertise it if when people go to sign up they find out they are not in the catchment area?
“I live in Regent’s Street and can’t sign up, yet a friend in Cherry Tree Grove has been accepted.
“The council should have put out information about exactly where is covered.”
The service has been approved for a two-year trial period with the first collections in April. Areas covered in year one of the trial are parts of Spalding, Holbeach, Crowland, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge and Donington.
It was originally publicised that Gosberton would be included in the trial but that was changed at the last minute.
A spokesman for the district council said: “Residents who are not included in the pilot areas can still register their interest in the scheme as the areas covered may be extended in future.
“Those unable to sign up can also still continue to purchase the old plastic sacks from us.
“We don’t have a list of the exact areas covered online, but the best thing for people to do is go on the sign page: http://www.sholland.gov.uk/gardenwaste and click on the apply now button.
“They will then be asked to enter their postcode and this will tell them whether they are in the area or not, which should only take a few seconds.
“We are keen to stress to people currently not covered, that they can still register for the scheme if it is extended in future.
“We did originally advertise that Gosberton was part of the scheme, but we’re not now covering that area. We apologise for any inconvenience over this.”
