A RUBBISH recycling scheme for residents in deprived wards of Pendle was due to get under way today as part of a £96,000 government-funded scheme.

More than 8,000 properties in Bradley, Walverden, Whitefield and Brierfield wards will be targeted in an effort to encourage greater recycling of waste such as cans and plastic bottles.

It is hoped that by asking residents to think more carefully about their waste, less will go to the landfill sites.

Homes have been given blue bags for plastic bottles and pink for cans. The council will make a free weekly collection of both.

The scheme will kick off in Bradley before being taken on in Walverden and Whitefield on Monday, November 4, and Brierfield from Monday, November 18.

Denise Bell, the council's recycling officer, said: "Our recent Best Value review highlighted that the council needed to do more to encourage recycling in the four deprived wards of the borough. This is the first of a number of steps it is taking to respond to this issue."

A leaflet explaining the scheme is currently being delivered to each property in the four wards.