BURY is languishing near the bottom of the national recycling league, despite doing better than most of its closest neighbours.

New figures show that, in 2003/04, the borough's rate of recycling and composting was nine per cent, three per cent better than the previous year and one per cent above the Governments target for Bury. It is the fourth best rate of the ten Greater Manchester councils.

However, Bury is only 38th out of 47 north west councils and waste disposal authorities. Nationally, it lies 365th out of 394.

The Best Value performance indicators show that, for the first time, England as a whole is poised to meet the Government's national target of 17 per cent, which will rise to 25 per cent for the year 2005/06.

Bury is pressing ahead with plans to increase its recycling rates, such as giving more households extra bins in which to put their garden waste, bottles, cans and other recyclables.

Margaret Beckett, environment secretary, praised householders for their efforts.

"While there is still a lot of work to do, this is a strong indication that the nation is adjusting to more sustainable waste practices," she said.

"This has been brought about through the commitment of the majority of local councils, a fantastic response from the public, and careful targeted Government support."

However, she added that some poor performing councils will face action, as single figure recycling rates are "no longer acceptable". Councils will be fined if they do not meet targets.