THE troublesome side arm loaders, which have dogged the refuse collection service in Bromsgrove, are to be replaced.

Bromsgrove District Council is to phase in a scheme, initially with two vehicles, to replace them with more reliable rear loaders.

The scheme will be part funded by £130,000 compensation ‘in kind’ for losses of bins which have fallen off the arms and were compressed in the collection vehicles’ internal mechanism since the wheelie bin system was introduced.

The tendency for breakdowns has resulted in some of the six rounds in the district having to be delayed.

Two of the side loaders will, however be retained in the eventual fleet of ten, which will allow for a more reliable service in future.