Council HQ 'may hit bin runs'

Binmen could struggle to collect Kidderminster's rubbish when wagons are based at a new council depot in one of the busiest areas of the town, according to campaigners.

Councillors have predicted traffic chaos as a result of the new depot in Stoney Lane, Horsefair, and fear refuse collectors will be delayed as they try to get on to the ring road.

The new depot is part of multi-million pound plans to create a single working site for Wyre Forest District Council which aims to reduce travelling for staff between different offices to save money and cut costs and pollution.

A main HQ building will be built at Crossley Retail Park with the new council depot based at Stoney Lane.

But some councillors fear refuse collection centred at the site will lead to even greater traffic congestion.

Liberal leader councillor MIke Oborski said: "We are far from convinced that the Stoney Lane area is an appropriate site for a new council depot."

But Councillor Marcus Hart, deputy leader of the council, said critics were being premature in their comments.

"We are at present having full traffic surveys carried out by experts who will be exploring traffic flows to ensure that we have the proper infrastucture."