Southend residents could soon be asked to get used to a new rubbish collection system.

That’s because council bosses are working on plans to introduce wheelie bins and fortnightly collections.

The idea has got the backing of 59 per cent of Echo readers, who took part in our online poll earlier this week.

Council bosses insist the proposals are in the early stages and have given little indication of when they may be introduced.

So here is what we know so far about the plans:

How would it work?

Currently, black bin bags are used for general waste and pink sacks are used for recycling with both collected weekly.

However, new plans could see wheelie bins introduced for both forms of rubbish.

Recycling and general waste would then be collected fortnightly and on alternate weeks.

Where space is limited, as it is in many densely populated areas of Southend, sacks would still be provided.

Weekly collections of food waste are likely to be mandated in Southend following the implementation of the Environment Bill.

Why is this being proposed?

The idea has come about after it was revealed Southend Council has fallen short of its 50 per cent target for recycling in the last two years.

The idea of wheelie bins would essentially be mimicking schemes brought in to other Essex areas such as Rochford and Tendring.

Council’s running those areas have reported less street cleaning is needed as no excess rubbish is permitted to be left around the bins.

A campaign to raise public awareness about recycling in Southend is also on the cards via awareness days, posters, adverts, leaflets and competitions.

What have bosses said?

Councillors working on the plans insist they are at the early stages and will present the idea during a meeting next week.

Alex Bright, Conservative councillor for Southchurch ward, said: “Myself and other members of the working party are now considering the first draft of our report, which will go to the place scrutiny committee on Monday.

“At that meeting, the committee will have the opportunity to review the initial contents of the report and amendments will no doubt be made.

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“No final recommendations have been made as yet and the report is still only at the initial draft stages.”

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for planning and the environment, added: “In the borough we have areas of close knit housing, tight streets and lots of parking. I’ve spent a lot of time answering complaints about bags not put out properly and foxes have been at them.

“The one thing that won’t be two-weekly will be food. That’s not an option for two-weekly at all.

“It’s the first report and it’s coming up with ideas.”

What do readers think?

Despite some scepticism, it seems many residents are already behind the plans and are hopeful it will improve hygiene and cleanliness.

Southend resident Darren Dordoy said: “All borough councils should supply us with wheelie bins. We pay enough council tax every year as I’m always having to clean up the mess cats and foxes make after they rummage for food waste in the bin bags.

“I do understand that some homes can’t have them, i.e. flats and terraced housing, or gardens too small to store more than one bin.”

Julie Fountain Smith said: “It’s primitive that we don’t.

“Black sacks are unhygienic, unsightly, and leave mess.

“In Suffolk we had a recyclable and general wheelie bins, got emptied on alternative weeks and worked well.

“They had free garden waste bins as well.”

Jo James said: “Every single bin day there is at least two rubbish bags that have been torn open by animals.

“Rubbish everywhere, Veolia do an amazing job of cleaning it up. However, not all of it can be or gets blown away, ends up under cars and in hedges.

“It would make sense to have wheelie bins. If you have the space.”