A controversial new bin collection service has started in rural parts of Fife.
Many householders will now have to walk significant distances to get their bins emptied after Fife Council said it would stop despatching bin lorries up farm tracks.
It means householders will now have to move their bins to road ends a distance of hundreds of metres in some instances.
The move is designed to allow crews to cover more ground during their shifts but has been condemned by many residents and some local politicians.
Last month, East Neuk councillor Donald Macgregor claimed almost 500 people had appealed against the new system.
He told The Courier many of these had been successful after council officers conducted site visits affected householders, adding “It seems as though officers have taken a more pragmatic approach (but) we will have to keep an eye on things.”
Councillor Pat Callaghan, executive member for transportation and environment said: “For the last six weeks, we have consulted with the rural communities in Fife on the changes to their bin collection service.
“There have been some concerns amongst residents and we have worked hard to resolve any issues they have had.
“This new rural collection system will bring a recycling service to householders living in the countryside, bringing them into line with the rest of Fife.”
The changes follow a review of the waste collection service to rural properties.