A ROAD in Bungay could become one of just seven in Suffolk to be the focus for the county's Zero Waste Disposal initiative.The county wants to build on its good recycling record by increasing its targets - and Hillside Road East in Bungay has been suggested as Waveney's representative for the scheme.

A ROAD in Bungay could become one of just seven in Suffolk to be the focus for the county's Zero Waste Disposal initiative.

The county wants to build on its good recycling record by increasing its targets - and Hillside Road East in Bungay has been suggested as Waveney's representative for the scheme.

Each of the seven district councils in Suffolk is being asked to identify one street or road to spearhead the Seven Suffolk Streets scheme.

The town council heard on Monday evening that it had been suggested because it ticks all the boxes as far as criteria for the scheme is concerned - it includes a school, large food store, businesses, bus stops and many homes.

Martin Evans told the town council: “They (Waveney's waste disposal department) are suggesting Hillside Road East is put forward to represent Waveney. They like Bungay's attitude to waste proposals, they are saying it would be a good example, and meets all the criteria.”

There was no suggestion that the road had a poor recycling record so far, he emphasised.

Suffolk County council said the aim of the Zero Waste proposal would be to challenge the street inhabitants to reduce their waste by 50pc over one collection period, with a view to continued changed behaviour on waste after that.

The county's strategy is to continue to strive towards a 60pc recycling and composting target for its waste, and now wants to focus resources on minimising waste growth and the diversion of waste from landfill through behavioural change. Suffolk residents are now recycling 48.4 per cent of their waste - one of the best performances in the country.

The Seven Suffolk Streets proposal will include a waste audit before and after to help evaluate its benefits and the future of the programme at local and regional level. It will stimulate coordinated action between local authorities and local communities, and encourage households, schools and businesses to become involved in taking up the challenge or reducing waste.

Under the scheme each household will receive an introductory pack, and each business will receive a visit from a waste control officer to give advice and resources. The county's recycling bus will visit each street in the scheme to promote the event and provide information, and an element of competition may be introduced, with awards for the best performers.

Initiatives such as give and take days, or garage sales, will also be used, as part of the objective for Hillside Road East to get as

Waveney can apply for match funding for the scheme, and a final decision on its street will be made in November.