WASTE services staff are to be consulted on proposals which would see a revamp in bin collections across the Kingdom.

The idea of switching from a twin-shift pattern to a single shift has been suggested by Fife Council who now plan to speak to trade unions and workers.

Councillors agreed an alternative scheme of work could be looked at which, it is hoped, will help stem current problems which has seen services regularly disrupted.

Through a single pattern, hours would not be lost during shift changes and, it is believed, less chance of people not putting their bin out on time as collections would be during normal working hours and not from 6am.

The council's John Rodigan explained: “In the last few years, domestic waste service has struggled to maintain a consistently good service in Fife. It is time to look at what we can change to make it more reliable.

"We believe the introduction of a single shift pattern is that change. The consultation will hopefully result in a favoured result being agreed which we can analyse.

"So we are confident the time is right for this change. We cannot carry on letting residents down.

“We have the opportunity to modernise and future-proof services and bring back good performances integral to the people of Fife.”

Dunfermline South councillor James Calder “cautiously welcomed” the proposals.

“Hopefully this will produce a more resilient service,” he added.