Controversial changes to the way refuse is collected from homes across the borough are to become permanent following a month long trial.

Residents are being warned that their bins will not be collected unless they take it to the edge of their properties from next Tuesday (6).

Council chiefs claim the new system, which has attracted criticism from some residents, will save £3,500 every day as it speeds up the collection process thus reduce costs.

However Al Forsyth, head of the Brondesbury Residents and Tenants Association, said the new policy is confusing.

He said: “How much closer does it [the bin] have to be? Some are already placed next to resident’s front gates.

“I hope they don’t expect us to put the bins onto the pavement itself. “Young children, people with push chairs and those with walking difficulties will be most affected by the obstruction.”

Cllr Roxanne Mashari, Brent Council’s lead member for environment and neighbourhoods, said residents with mobility and disability issues will not be penalised by the new policy as the council will provide an assisted collection service for those who are unable to move their bins out for collection.

She added: “In these tough times it is vital that money is saved in order to maintain and deliver the best possible front line services to local people. The simple change of moving bins to the edge of the property will drastically reduce the cost to taxpayers of rubbish collection whilst maintain the high service.

“In these early stages of implementation, the council will be keeping a careful eye on the contractors to make sure everything is done to make this change as easy as possible.

“Anyone who feels they need help with putting their bins out should contact the council so we can make sure the necessary steps are in place to help.”