WHITCHURCH Town Council have successfully lobbied for changes in the town’s refuse collection scheme.

Residents and the town council had complained to Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council that the previous route caused congestion on the town’s main roads.

As a result, Veolia, the company that operate the service, have agreed to start collections at 6am so they finish their round before the start of the school rush.

The council has asked for this to be for a trial period of three months.

Councillor Mike Kean said: “We will be monitoring the situation and are happy to hear from residents about whether Veolia are managing to stick to their declared timetable.

“If the change does not produce the desired effect, we will continue to press Basingstoke and Deane to change the route so that it works for Whitchurch.”