Workers at a refuse depot were overwhelmed by more than 7,000 calls in the first week of a controversial new rubbish collection service.

That is one in seven of Worthing's population who were either angry or confused by changes to the system where residents were required to move household waste from the back to the front of their homes.

A fortnight later, calls had receded to 4,000 a week, with more queries than complaints.

But the executive of Worthing Borough Council heard last night that despite significant teething problems, the amount of rubbish now going for recycling had far exceeded expectations.

Paul Kempsall, the council's contracts manager, said: "The collection service has caused a good deal of comment, some controversy and some measure of complaint as well.

"In the first week of the service we received more than 7,000 calls to the depot. Fielding the calls was a full-time job. We were overwhelmed by the response.

"We found it difficult and sometimes impossible to actually do what we promised - collecting everything on the same day - because of the amounts that were involved.

"In the second and third weeks we have managed to keep our promise. Certainly in the past week we have had a reduction of calls to about 4,000."

The council had received requests for 2,660 more grey recycling boxes in addition to the 500 already handed out.

A total of 1,071 people had asked to be exempt from the new rules, allowing them to leave rubbish at the back of their homes.

Of these cases, 312 had been looked at and 241 granted but it was proving a slow process getting to see everybody, forcing collectors to use their own judgement while on rounds.

Councillors were pleased recycling rates had improved but 70 per cent of the population was still not conforming and to meet future Government targets there would have to be further education of the public.

Coun Peter Welch feared the council could be sued if people tripped over bin bags on the pavements but he was assured the chances of an upsurge in claims were minimal.

He was also concerned about bags being split open by animals, spreading the contents around roads, but collectors had been advised to clear up any incidents or call for support if there was a major spillage.

Councillors had ruled out providing wheelie bins for householders as the cost was estimated at between £700,000 and £800,000.