OVER 2,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to plans to introduce monthly bin collections in Flintshire.

Flintshire Council recently outlined proposals to only pick up general waste (black bins) from households once every four weeks.

The local authority is currently facing the threat of fines of more than £1m after missing the Welsh Government target of recycling 64 per cent of the rubbish it collects for the last four financial years.

The plans for monthly collections have been met with anger and frustration from residents.

Members of the council's environment and economy scrutiny committee also sent a clear message at a meeting held on Tuesday (July 16) that they would not support the proposals.

Now, a petition set up in opposition to the plans has also passed the 2,000 signature mark.

Andy Walters, from Mostyn, says he created the petition amid 'deep concerns' from residents.

He added that the new plans could put an 'undue burden' on people and their homes across the county.

The petition has so far collected 2,158 signatures (correct at time of writing) from residents who share Andy's point of view.

Andy said: "We are deeply concerned about Flintshire County Council's plan to alter the current waste collection from once every two weeks to once every four weeks.

"This new initiative could lead to an increase in waste accumulation, potential health hazards, and wildlife disturbances. While we understand the Council's mission to encourage recycling and composting, this new schedule may put an undue burden on households, particularly large families and those unable to manage waste efficiently within this extended timeframe.

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"Flintshire County Council says it is proud to have increased its recycling rates in the past years, ranking third best across Wales in 2019/20. An admirable achievement, undoubtedly, that reflects our shared commitment to environmental consciousness. However, the new proposed change may lead to more negative consequences than positive outcomes.

"As constituents, we plead with Flintshire County Council to reconsider this plan and explore other methods to promote responsible waste management, recycling and composting that would not potentially jeopardize the health and cleanliness of our community. Sign the petition and let our voices be heard."

At Tuesday's meeting, Councillors unanimously opposed the reduction in the frequency of collections at the end of the debate.

The proposals will be presented to members of the council's ruling Labour cabinet for a final decision in the near future.