A NEW bin collection system is to be rolled out across Craven following a pilot project in four areas – Cowling, Hellifield, Farnhill and Ingleton.

The trial-run involved 607 households on inaccessible roads taking their rubbish bins to central collection points, from where they were emptied by refuse collectors.

Now Craven District Council is preparing to implement the scheme district-wide between October 2015 and March next year.

It follows a Heath and Safety Executive report, which flagged up problems where refuse collectors were increasing their risk of injury by collecting bins from considerable distances.

The new policy mainly affects those living in terraced properties.

A timetable to introduce the new system to all the remaining parishes has been drawn up, and includes a consultation period with residents.

Those living in Skipton, Sutton, Settle, Ribblebank and Penyghent will see the system introduced between October and December, while residents in the Barden Fell, Long Preston and Clapham and Aire Valley and Lothersdale wards will be involved from January.

Bentham, Embsay with Eastby, Gargrave and Malhamdale and Upper Wharfedale will join the scheme in February and people living in Upper Wharfedale, Glusburn, Grassington and West Craven will be included from March.

Cllr Alan Sutcliffe (Cons) told the the council's policy committee provision had been included for people to seek assistance if they had physical problems moving their own bins.

The additional cost to the authority will be £15,000 to employ a technical officer to undertake the roll-out of the system.