A Northern Ireland council has given in to "people power" as it launches a public consultation on its controversial new household bin policy following concerns raised about vulnerable residents.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) had signed off its new household and recycling waste strategy behind closed doors during a confidential meeting in January.
However, the local authority has since "abandoned" its tender for a bin contract, making the announcement on the government website 'Gov.UK'. The move came in the wake of criticism of new bins sizes by charity groups such as Friends of the Earth and AgeNI.
Read more: Lisburn Castlereagh withdraws tender for new household bin policy.
Lisburn South DUP Alderman Paul Porter has campaigned against some of the bin policy changes with his own recent amendment proposal failing in to gain support chambers.
He said: "People Power has prevailed, when I launched this campaign a few weeks ago with the support of the public and my party, I was told that nothing could be done.
"The changes had been supported by the other political parties on the council and residents would only be informed of the new policy at the end of May and after the council elections.
"I welcome the new change of direction by the council to undertake a 12 week public consultation on the new bin policy and I know that this will also be welcomed by the wide public.
"From the outset, this wasn't about what I thought of the new policy or what other cllrs thought of the new bin policy, it was about making sure the public, who we work for, was able to shape any policy, that will impact on individuals and families living and working in our city.
"There are many things to welcome in the new bin policy and some parts that I believe will be challenging for some of our residents."
He added: "I would urge everyone to use this late change of heart by the council and put forward their views.
"Do you support a 25% reduction in household bins for everyone, not just smaller families and should this be mandatory?
"Do you support the change in the colour of the bins and what impact this might have?
"Do you welcome the increase in the recycling bin and do you foresee any issues this much bigger recycling bin will cause?"
"These are just some of the questions that I would love to get the views from our residents on.
"I would plea to all Lisburn and Castlereagh residents to make sure your voices are heard and to make sure the 12 week consultation delivers a new bin policy, that will have the support all our residents."
LCCC has confirmed the new consultation process to widen engagement with stakeholders.
The local authority has also confirmed all details of the bin changes publicly for the first time.
A spokesperson said: "The new arrangements are designed to create a standard approach to the collection of waste across the council area, making it easier for residents to understand and engage in recycling and helping to meet ambitious recycling targets.
"Under new arrangements, all LCCC households will have their overall waste capacity increased using three bins; blue for recycling including glass (360l), brown for organic waste (240l) and black for other mixed waste (180l).
"This will also see an end to the recycling wheelie boxes for those households using them.
"Following representation from a small number of stakeholders, council has decided to conduct a 12 week consultation and equality impact assessment in advance of any implementation.
"Council is committed to listening to all issues raised by stakeholders and residents. Promotion of positive recycling behaviour will continue with information and education programmes encouraging people to recycle.
"As always, the council has the best interests of residents in mind and will continue to give careful consideration to the views of others.
"Environmental sustainability is a key priority and the council encourages everyone to engage in the upcoming consultation opportunities. Details will be confirmed in due course."
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