Residents are split down the middle on plans to introduce wheelie bins in the New Forest.

The district council's decision to axe the existing refuse collection system between next summer and the spring of 2026 has divided public opinion.

Some householders say they regard wheelie bins as an eyesore that will spoil their homes and the natural beauty of the Forest.

But others claim they will boost recycling as well as preventing animals and birds from raiding refuse sacks for food.

Frank Howard, 71, of Totton, says the plastic sacks used at the moment are often ripped up by animalsFrank Howard, 71, of Totton, says the plastic sacks used at the moment are often ripped up by animals (Image: Newsquest)

Retired electrical engineer Frank Howard, 71, of Totton, said: "I think they're a good idea. Cats are forever ripping open the black sacks when I put them out."

READ MORE: New Forest District Council confirms that wheelie bins will be deployed from next summer onwards

Company director Mark Clark, 67, of Hythe, also supports the introduction of wheelie bins.

He said: "How people feel about them depends on their personal circumstances. People living in flats are dead worried because they've often got very little space outside.

"I'm a supporter and always have been. They've been described as unsightly but they're cleaner and more efficient."

Agnes Bell, 82, of Holbury, says wheelie bins are an eyesoreAgnes Bell, 82, of Holbury, says wheelie bins are an eyesore (Image: Newsquest)

But retired British American Tobacco  (BAT) worker Agnes Bell, 82, of Holbury, is dreading their introduction.

She said: "They're an eyesore - and they'll have to sit outside the front of our home. There is a way round to the back but it includes some big steps."

READ MORE: 'Divisive' wheelie bin plan in the New Forest pushed back to 2025

Household waste is currently collected every week, with residents putting it out in black or transparent sacks, depending on the type of rubbish.

The new system will involve different wheelie bins for general rubbish and recyclables, which will be collected on alternate weeks, plus a food waste collection service.

Residents who have their garden waste collected by the council have already been issued with a wheelie bin.

Mark Clark, 67, of Hythe, is among those who support the introduction of wheelie binsMark Clark, 67, of Hythe, is among those who support the introduction of wheelie bins (Image: Supplied)

Totton councillor David Harrison said: "The feedback I've received has been strongly divided between those who welcome the introduction of wheelie bins and those who are strongly opposed.

"I think this is largely due to people’s perception of how suited wheelie bins will be to their own domestic situation.

"When people are given a choice, as with the brown bins they're now using for green waste, the bins are very popular.

"A lot of work has been undertaken by council officers to assess suitability of individual homes for wheelie bins and I hope nobody will be compelled to accept them."

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis is among those opposed to wheelie bins.

He said: "I regard them as unsightly, difficult to manoeuvre when full, and an unacceptable excuse to replace weekly collections with fortnightly ones."

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne added: "Speaking entirely as a resident and not as a representative it will work for me in Burley. I already use one for garden waste and it will prevent crows, seagulls, badgers, and foxes distributing the contents of the blag bags.

"Were I a resident in a terrace house or a flat,  I would have concerns.

"There are streets in Southampton and elsewhere which are an eyesore given the unsightly number of bins permanently in view."