WINCHESTER civic chiefs are hailing the success of the controversial bi-weekly rubbish collections.

They say alternating between recyclables and ordinary rubbish in part of the district had led to a huge increase in recycling.

The second phase of the alternate bin collection scheme is due to start in July.

Concerns have been raised about threats to health from flies and maggots in a two week collection.

In the ABC scheme recyclables and green waste are collected one week, and refuse the next. Recycling rates in the Phase 1 area (which includes the north of the district and the city) have gone up from 18 to 40 per cent.

Alan Weeks, spokesman for the Winchester Residents' Association, said: "We are concerned about this, having foodstuffs rotting away for up to a fortnight."

Mr Weeks who lives in Stanmore Lane, Stanmore, said the scheme had just about worked for a single person household. "I don't know how households with children or pets will cope."

Council leader George Beckett said: "It's true that some people, especially those who have yet to experience the scheme, still have concerns about how it will work for them.

"We are using the most up-to-date research to inform our decisions about the new service.

Mr Beckett said a full review of the impact of the new service will take place once the whole district is using ABC.

He denied the scheme is about cost-cutting: "I want people to understand that we are committed to meeting people's needs while safeguarding our environment for the future."