THOUSANDS of residents in the Winchester area are preparing for fortnightly rubbish collections.

The scheme - which has caused controversy in other areas of the county - will see a massive change in the way that refuse is collected in parts of the city.

Bosses at Winchester City Council say the change from weekly to fortnightly collections is all about encouraging people to recycle their waste and protect the environment.

But when a similar scheme was introduced in Southampton last year there was a storm of protest as residents believed it would lead to an increase in foul smells, rat infestations and flies.

This time the proposal, which will be rolled out in parts of the city, has been met with a mixed reaction, with some people expressing concern at waste being left for two weeks while others praising the authority's stance.

The trial, which is expected to last between 12 and 18-months, will see recyclables and garden waste collected one week and refuse the next.

Initially the scheme will take in Micheldever, Sutton Scotney, Wonston, South Wonston, Littleton, Abbotts Barton, parts of Harestock and Kings Worthy, Crawley, Sparsholt, Hursley and the Southdown area of Shawford and Otterbourne, although if successful it could be rolled out across the district.

One of those affected by the changes will be 48-year-old Frances Clarke, a part-time teacher from Down's Road in South Wonston.

She said: "I think it's important to recycle, but I am worried about what kind of stench two-week-old rubbish is going to cause. I'm prepared to give the scheme a go, but I'll reserve judgement until I see if it actually works."

Another resident, Ana Pollard, 32, a mum from Down's Road, added: "If we are being offered bigger bins to cope with the extra waste, then I don't really have a problem with it.

"It's the poor bin men who have to pick the stuff up I'm more concerned about."

Other residents, including the labour group leader CouncillorPatrick Davies, said they would also wait to see if the scheme works before passing judgement.

Cllr Davies said: "It's the right thing to do a trial.

"If it encourages recycling then splendid, but the devil will be in the detail and we will have to wait to see if it actually works."

Environmental bosses at the council are warning people to be prepared for the scheme and to apply for larger bins if needed.

Current users of small 140litre recycling bins can have them exchanged for a 240litre.

In addition, each home with a garden will be given a green garden waste sack that will be collected fortnightly along with the recycling. Greenery will be turned into organic soil compost rather than dumped.

The authority is promising a series of roadshows before the scheme begins, and will be visiting ten local villages between September 13 and 29 to deal with enquiries.

Councillor Jim Wagner, Cabinet member for environmental health, said: "Residents in the trial area can still obtain these bigger bins in time for the start of the trial by sending their order forms straight away, or by calling the Wake up To Waste hotline on 01962 848412."