THE battle to win the hearts and minds of recycling cynics in Oxford has been won, according to the woman in charge of the city's waste "revolution".

And for Jean Fooks, the struggle has been worth it - having been told the scheme would never work.

Ms Fooks, 67, said: "I think that a year on we have won the hearts and minds of people, but it's been a battle and I have to keep saying it is not just about recycling but producing less waste altogether.

"Last year we were told it would never work - and I think we have proved them wrong.

"There are still problems with multi-occupation houses and that is something we need to work on.

"However, I think we have managed to win over most people.

"It has been quite tough at times and there were occasions when it got me down," she admitted.

The scheme has not been trouble-free.

Residents have complained about the fortnightly build-up of household rubbish, prompting the foundation of pressure group Crow (Collect Refuse in Oxford Weekly).

And Dr Frances Kennett, who blamed the scheme for an infestation of rats at her Jericho home, withheld council tax in protest.

Ms Fooks added: "There is absolutely no way we are reverting back to weekly collections.

"Some people thought we would be saving money by going fortnightly, but actually it has cost us extra.

"There are problems that need to be solved, but that doesn't mean we are reverting.

"It has been a triumph for the council and we have put ourselves into a very good position. There is no way we have fudged the figures.

"This is not my personal policy, the whole council voted for it unanimously - and some people have easily forgotten that."