Cllr Mick McCarthy and group manager Tony Ralph with some of the new vehicles

The council has invested in a new fleet of refuse lorries that are more fuel efficient and robust.

The 12 vehicles have more fuel efficient engines, saving on fuel costs and making them cheaper and greener to run.

Because the vehicles are more robust, they are able to go out on two shifts per day instead of one.

They replace the older fleet, which was nine years old and due for replacement. Maintenance costs will also be considerably lower than on the older fleet, according to the council.

Ten new Schmidt street sweeping machines have also been taken on to replace the previous, slower models.

Cllr Mick McCarthy, cabinet member for environment, said: “By investing in these new vehicles we will save money in the long run because they are more efficient and can do a better job. Most important of all the fleet will allow us to continue to provide a good service to residents.”