A NEW initiative to reverse the spiralling problem of abandoned cars across the Chiltern district is under consideration.

Councillors at Tuesday's executive meeting heard that a scheme in which unwanted cars were collected from owners for free was being pioneered by neighbouring South Bucks District Council.

The number of abandoned vehicles reported in Chiltern has rocketed from 32 in 1998/99 to 195 in 2000/01.

Cllr John Warder (Con, Chalfont St Peter Central) said the problem was extremely serious and said: "This is getting worse and is likely to get a damn site more expensive so it's something we have got to get hold of."

Officers at Chiltern District Council are currently considering the free collection scheme being run by South Bucks District Council. The two councils are also planning a possible collaboration to deal with the issue in the future.

At the moment Chiltern District Council works closely with Thames Valley Police when responding to a report of an abandoned car.

If the police cannot find a current owner for a dumped vehicle the council slaps a seven day notice on it before removing and passing it to Buckinghamshire County Council to be scrapped.

Plans to abolish the need for a seven day notice for burnt out and unrecognisable vehicles are also being considered.