A national newspaper report that Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is considering switching to fortnightly rubbish collections has been denied.

But the council admits it could be forced to reconsider its position in the future and make the controversial decision to dump weekly refuse collections.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council leader, Councillor Joan Spiers said: "There has been no decision, nor is there an impending one to change this arrangement (weekly collections) by the borough council. That does not rule out the possibility of a review, however far away. The council has to take into account the changes in European and our own Government legislation that might force a review on us."

A national campaign to retain weekly collections has seen more councils switch to a fortnightly service. Mole Valley changed despite residents complaining about maggot infestations.