CONCERNED councillors have demanded a rethink on the location of wheelie bins in their wards after early plans revealed changes.

Wheelie bins are set to be rolled out in some parts of the borough later this year as part of Colchester Council’s new waste and recycling strategy.

Recycling boss Dominic Graham (Lib Dem) had previously said councillors’ views would have a big impact on whether certain areas would receive them.

Research carried out by Shrub End councillors showed families on the ward’s Army estate would prefer to have the bins whereas the main estate were against the plans.

But when officers revealed the location to councillors at a council briefing, early blueprints suggest the exact opposite of the councillors’ and residents’ recommendations were set to be implemented with no wheelie bins at Army homes and bins put out elsewhere.

Both Lyn Barton (Lib Dem) and Pauline Hazell (Con) questioned Mr Graham about the issue at a full council meeting.

Ms Barton said: “We were told councillors’ viewpoints would be taken into account and the three Shrub End councillors have done the research.

“I am getting concerned we are not being listened to.”

Mrs Hazell added: “I would like to know why we were so grievously misled.

“You can only imagine my reaction when we were shown maps which said we would be getting the opposite of what we asked for.

“We were told councillors views would be listened to but now it seems we are being told it does not matter what we say or do.”

Mr Graham said plans for locations of the wheelie bins were yet to be finalised.

He said: “I am sorry if you have felt misled - this is an evolving process.

“I understand you were concerned about the proposals for Shrub End and your views will be taken into account.

“I don’t think anybody expected us to get it perfectly right first time.”