AN elderly couple say it is unreasonable to expect them to get up early enough to put their bins out for the new 6.30am collection time.

Peter and Lillian Astles, from Swallow Close, in Birchwood said they don't want to put their bins out at night because of the fear of vandals.

"I'm nearly 80 and my wife is 70," said Peter, "they can't expect us to get up that early.

"If you put it out at night you get the drunks coming along the road and upturning them. That happened once before when we put it out. And they are a hazard for people walking on the pavement."

Clr Brian Axcell, the borough council's board member for environment services, said: "We appreciate the concern about anti-social behaviour.

"We urge the public to report any incidents to the council on 443000.

"The new time is part of an improved service. It means refuse collectors work longer hours over a four-day week and begin their rounds earlier.

"After a few weeks, residents will notice their bin is emptied at a regular time each week as we identify the best routes for refuse wagons and they may no longer need to put it out by 6.30am."