ROSSENDALE Council is preparing to roll out its recycling scheme to two more areas in the borough.

In a report to residents attending one of the three area forum meetings being held this month the council states that its recycling figure is up from 3 per cent to 15 per cent after introducing the scheme in only two of the planned five collection areas.

The borough's recycling rate is better than than those being achieved in the two neighbouring authorities.

According to the report Rochdale is recycling 5.9 per cent of waste, up from 2.9 per cent, and Bury's rate has gone down from 8 per cent to 7 per cent.

Rossendale Council has to achieve a target of 23 per cent by the end of the financial year.

To achieve this it is preparing to roll out its blue bag collections to two further areas.

It will be leafleting all households involved two weeks before the start date.

For more information contact the council's customer helpline between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, on 01706 879017 or 01706 878660.

Details of the council's recycling scheme are also available on the council website at www.rossendale. gov.uk/recycling.