WEST Devon's waste and recycling service is about to change — and the borough council needs residents'views on how it can be improved.

The council's waste and recycling contract comes to an end next year, and a new contract has to be in place by April 1. Over the summer residents have the opportunity to influence some positive changes to the way the service is carried out.

The council is holding a series of road shows across the borough over the next few weeks.

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of the borough's environment and community committee, said: 'This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say before changes are made. Our aim is to provide an excellent service for the public which minimizes waste going to landfill, maximizes recycling and continues to successfully build on our overall environmental performance.'

At each road show, staff will be on hand to assist residents to complete a short questionnaire about the service. They will also be able to supply information about the existing service.

The road shows are being held at:

l Okehampton Show, August 13 from 9am to 4pm

l Whiddons Tea Rooms, Chagford, August 14 from 9.30am to noon

l Hatherleigh Market, August 18 from 9.30am to noon

l The Arundell Arms, Lifton, August 19 from 9.30am to noon

l Chagford Flea Market, August 21 from 10am to 1pm

l Hope Cottage Café, Bere Alston, August 25 from 10am to noon

l North Tawton Town Hall, August 27 from 6pm to 8pm

l Morrison's in Tavistock, August 28 from 10am to 1pm

l Waitrose in Okehampton, August 29 from 10am to 1pm

l Somerfield in Tavistock on September 3 from 10am to 1pm

l The Burrow Café, Exbourne on September 4 from 10am to noon

l Bedford Square, Tavistock on September 5, all day

l Somerfield in Okehampton on September 9 from 10am to 1pm

l Belstone Village Hall on September 10 from 10am to noon.

For further information about the road shows, call West Devon's customer services team on 01822 813600 or visit http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk to complete a questionnaire online.

The consultation ends on September 20.