Lib Dems Attack Labour over Fortnightly Collections

2.34.43pm GMT Thu 29th Nov 2007

With Labour now pressing for fortnightly rubbish collections on Bedford Borough Council the Liberal Democrats continue to campaign to Keep Our Weekly Collections

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have attacked the Labour Group on the council after they pressed for fortnightly rubbish collections to be included in waste management proposals for the borough. Labour Group Leader Dave Lewis called for the Council's Executive to be asked to consider introducing fortnightly collections under the recommendations of the Environment Committee's review of waste management at a committee meeting on Tuesday.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Group Environment Spokesman Cllr Paul Whitehead said:

"The Labour group had hinted at their favourable view of fortnightly rubbish collections when they refused to support a Lib Dem motion ruling them out recently. They have now revealed their hand by suddenly arguing in favour of them and trying to sneak them into the recommendations of this report at the last minute.'

"At least now Labour's position on fortnightly collections is out in the open, and we can have an honest debate on the issue. I will be firmly on the side of keeping our weekly collections in that debate. We must not antagonise and alienate local residents by forcing unpopular and counterproductive fortnightly collections onto them. Instead we should be working with residents to improve recycling levels and reduce waste overall, for example by making it easier for people to recycle through improved facilities at blocks of flats and the inclusion of a greater range of materials in the recycling scheme.'

"The Tory-run County Council's ongoing attempts to impose fortnightly collections on Bedford Borough and the Labour Group's efforts in arguing the case for them on the Borough Council only serve to strengthen the Liberal Democrats' resolve in the fight to keep our weekly collections."