BOSSES at Basingstoke council and refuse firm chiefs have made a public apology over the problems surrounding the introduction of the new bin recycling scheme.

The local authority and its refuse contractor Onyx have taken out advertisements apologising to residents for "any inconvenience" during the introduction of the new green bins.

More than a month after the start of the scheme, an estimated 4,000 residents who should have received bins still did not have them.

Whole roads missed out on the green bin deliveries and residents in some roads who got their bins have seen the recycling lorries drive past because their streets were not on any collection list.

Some people who have rung a special "hotline" have been promised bins and then found these haven't turned up.

Angry Alec Curtis is one such resident. He told The Gazette: "All I want, all I really, really want is for a recycling bin to be supplied to my home at Newfound, as promised by several council personnel.

"After seven phone calls over several weeks, I was beginning to believe the bin scheme was a rumour. As far as I'm aware, no-one else in Newfound has received a bin either.

"It's not hard for someone to call and say 'we don't have them yet' or 'it will be six weeks'. Any response would make me feel my rates are going to a good cause."

The joint apology from the council and its refuse contractor Onyx states: "The task of meeting the demand for the green bins and the enthusiasm of residents for the new recycling scheme was underestimated.

"This has caused delays with the delivery of bins and subsequent collections.

"However, the good news is that recycling amounts under the new scheme have already doubled."

Referring to Mr Curtis' complaint, a council spokesman said: "A recycling bin has been delivered to Mr Curtis and instructions were also issued to our contractor to ensure that the other properties in Newfound received a bin."

Anyone who has not received a green bin should call 01256 359719 and Onyx has pledged to deliver it within three working days of the call. The line will be open from 8.30am to 5pm until November 30.