Well, the wheelie bins ( to replace the plastic sack system of waste collection ) have finally arrived in my part of Totton.

I have spent many years talking about this subject, with officers, other Councillors and residents.

Some residents are very keen on them, others wildly opposed. It’s a good example of how impossible it is for politicians to please everybody!

A lot of Councillors have since stepped down since the plans were first announced. I remember one saying that she would only only accept the bins to be used “over her dead body”. Somebody wryly commented “That can be arranged”.

Despite a vigorous campaign against them it became increasingly clear that it was going to be imposed anyway. The attitude you have towards them is probably closely related to how they fit in with your own living circumstances.

There is also a characteristic that is particularly “New Forest”… a reluctance to change and a strong wish for us to remain special, not to be following other areas.

I do take my hat off to the staff who have been involved in this project… it is never easy progressing something that isn’t universally popular and the phased roll out threw up some unexpected challenges including donkeys that found they could kick open the food caddies.

Most of the workforce who collect our household waste seem to be in favour of the new system. I think it is certainly safer.

Losers will be the Gulls who gathered on local rooftops on the day bags were put out, swooping down to rip them open. Cats too, will have to stick to cat food.

Bins on streets is something of an unwelcome eyesore, but on the other hand waste scattered everywhere from split bags is even worse.