Firm is set to run bin collection

Bin collection and recycling in the area in and around Lowestoft are being put in the hands of a county council-backed company.

Waveney District Council has signed a contract with Norfolk County Services Limited, to form a 15-year partnership to provide a range of services.

These include refuse collection and recycling, grounds and property maintenance, cemeteries and parking.

The council and firm are forming the joint venture company Waveney Norse.

Waveney Norse will start providing the services from 1 July 2008.

Stephen Ardley, portfolio holder for health at the council, said: "This joint venture company will operate some of the most the prominent, public-facing services we provide.

"It was our aim to ensure continuous improvement and sustainability of services and find a partner that shared our objectives of providing a first class service that offered increased customer satisfaction.

"It was therefore essential that we retained our influence and the Council will be represented on the board."

Norfolk County Services Ltd is a commercial enterprise that developed from the Norfolk County Council Direct Service Organisations.