Bin collections were missed ‘across the borough’ after a major shake-up of the refuse service, according to opposition councillors.

Barnet Council rolled out changes to bin collection routes on November 4 in a bid to make the service more efficient and save £600,000 over three years.

The changes cut out the need for garden waste collections on Saturdays, meaning almost all collection rounds now take place on weekdays.

But during the week of the roll-out, Labour councillors claimed to have received reports of missed collections in Station Road, Finchley; West Heath Road in Childs Hill ward; and Church Lane, Squires Lane, Clare Close and Helen Close in East Finchley.

Opposition councillors said some residents reported they were not informed about the changes to bin collection days, did not receive the council’s leaflet explaining the shake-up or were sent the wrong leaflet.

Barnet Labour’s environment spokesperson Cllr Alan Schneiderman said: “The Tories fought the local elections on a pledge to maintain bin collections.

“Since then, they’ve stopped the separate food waste collection, adopted a policy to stop collecting green waste for up to 12 weeks a year, and now even more refuse and recycling collections are being missed.

“I hope the current problem with missed collections can be sorted out and a quick review of the changes carried out.”

Cllr Schneiderman is calling for an update and early review of the new rounds at the next environment committee on November 28 to address the issues.

The council admitted the changes – which represent the biggest shake-up of the service in 15 years – could take “a little while to bed in”.

It sent out two notifications via post, including a calendar leaflet, and has issued information about the changes on social media channels and posters displayed across the borough.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “The majority of the 350,000 collections were completed last week – despite some initial teething problems that would be expected with such a large operational exercise.

“We are working hard to ensure that these changes go as smoothly as possible for our residents.

“We are grateful for their patience and understanding, as these substantial changes are implemented.

“The majority of outstanding collections have now been completed. We are doing our utmost to ensure any remaining collections are made as soon as possible.

“We apologise to those residents who have experienced any inconvenience.”