SUBSCRIPTIONS to Teignbridge Council’s controversial garden waste collection has been ‘slightly ahead of expectations’, officers say.

So far, 11,500 people have paid for the service at the first phase of the roll-out of the scheme to properties in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Shaldon.

Councillors were told that as the Conservative-controlled authority nears the end of the first phase, of 28,000 households, the take up has been about 40 per cent.

In answer to a question by Cllr Mike Haines, officers said: ‘The service is proving to be popular and take up is slightly ahead of expectations.’

However, the Lib Dem opposition claim there are ‘errors’ in the scheme.

Speaking at a meeting of the full council, Cllr Gordon Hook said: ‘We have strong, unequivocal support for recycling but it is not unconditional support.

‘In our opinion, there are certain fundamental errors.’

A notice of motion submitted by Cllr Hook pointed out that there is no proportionate reduction for residents who may wish to join the scheme at some stage during the year nor an equivalent refund for anyone leaving the scheme during the course of the year.

The notice calls on Teignbridge Council to carry out an ‘immediate’ review of the details of the scheme, enable residents who have paid up front for a year, to receive a proportionate refund if they move out of the district during the year and for residents to buy into the scheme.

Officers reported that in general, the roll-out was going well.

They said: ‘There have inevitably been some teething problems as would be expected with a new collection regime, new rounds and a new fleet.

‘Participation levels are high.

‘Public feedback to our crews on the ground has been very positive.’

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers pointed out that not every area in the district has had the roll-out yet.

He said: ‘It seems premature to review something people haven’t been through yet.

‘I am sure it will be reviewed in future.’

The service costs £35 a year per bin and runs for the subscription period from September 1, 2015 to August 31, 2016.