A TORFAEN community leader has warned that plans to cut rubbish collections to once a month could increase fly-tipping.

Torfaen council chiefs are preparing to launch a consultation on the controversial issue this week.

But Pontypool Community Council chair Gaynor James spoke out after households expressed dismay at the proposals, which seek to boost recycling and avoid government fines of up to £600,000 in 2015-16.

The plans could see the current fortnightly collections either maintained, restricted to just two refuse bags per household, or cut to once a month.

Ms James, 58, said: “It’s tough enough for people every two weeks. If they go even further then there’s going to be smells in the street, especially in the summer.

“Everyone is recycling a bit more. But bins are going to burst at the seams. What you will get is more fly-tipping.”

Carole Jacob, Torfaen Friends of the Earth co-ordinator, echoed Ms James’ views: “It is a very personal issue and it depends on the number of people in your household.

“It may be that for some people it will encourage them to fly-tip. It’s a matter of educating people.”

Cllr John Cunningham, executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “If we fail to meet the 2015-16 recycling targets the council will be facing fines of up to £600,000 per year.

“We have to make reductions in the amount of waste we are sending to landfill.”