MACHYNLLETH residents will have to travel to Newtown or pay at least £25 to have bulky items removed after the final council collection takes place this Saturday.

Powys County Council’s controversial decision to withdraw the weekend bulk waste collection service, which operated from the Maengwyn Street car park, came after the service was introduced to minimise the effect of the closure of Potters Yard in January 2015.

Now, the council has told residents of Machynlleth and the Dyfi Valley who use the service that they will either have to transport the waste themselves to Newtown, a round-trip of almost 60 miles, or pay £25 for the collection of up to three items.

Cllr John Powell, Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “With the ever-reducing budgets available to us, difficult decisions need to be made. Unfortunately we could no longer continue this service due to its high running costs.

“Once this service is withdrawn, it is important that householders fully utilise their kerbside collection service which will allow them to recycle a wide range of materials including plastics, cans, paper, cardboard, glass and food waste.

See this week's Machynlleth & Llanidloes edition for the full story, in shops and online now