Lib Dem councillor accused of 'party politics' after slamming Luton bin changes amid coronavirus crisis

Liberal Democrat group leader and Barnfield councillor David Franks voiced his fears that stopping food and garden waste collections, as well as glass bottles and jars would encourage fly-tipping.

The borough council is taking contingency measures across its statutory duties, as self-isolation by staff impacts on services.

Councillor Franks sent an email to council leader Hazel Simmons asking “what provision has been made for the significant extra landfill tax the council will have to pay” if garden waste, food and bottles are put in residents’ black bins.

And he asked for confirmation that the local authority has “provided for the increase in fly-tipping which will also result”.

Labour Lewsey councillor Simmons said in a statement: “Our focus has been to maintain the residual waste collection service for public health reasons.

“Our food waste can be put into residual waste. This is currently done in most wards in the town, while garden waste will be taken to our household recycling centre.

“We will continue to encourage composting. Glass can go into our neighbourhood centres, and we will consider whether extra capacity is required.

“There is no change to the fly-tipping crews at all.

“It is a shame that David Franks has decided to see this as an opportunity to politic, especially when the whole country should be pulling together.

“He should be ashamed of himself when I would have expected him to be supporting our hard working staff at this very difficult time.”

A council spokesman said: “At this time of unprecedented national emergency, the local authority is working hard to maintain vital services to all citizens, especially the vulnerable.

“As people’s life patterns are evolving to cope with the current crisis, we’re working hard to continue all our usual waste and recycling collection services.

“If the situation changes significantly we will inform residents of any changes.

“And we ask them to support our staff as they go about their essential work to ensure our neighbourhoods maintain the highest possible hygiene standards.

“Respect for neighbours and the town extends to the way people deal with waste and the council will continue to prosecute anyone engaging in anti-social fly-tipping.

“We continue to liaise closely with central government and would like to reassure the people of Luton that we are working flat out on their behalf.”

Labour Challney councillor Tom Shaw accused councillor Franks of “playing politics” and described his requests as “completely out of order”.

“This time he has got it completely wrong,” said councillor Shaw, who’s the executive member for housing and the environment.

“The black and green bin collection will carry on as normal. For most of the town there will be little change.

“Any extra crew members we have will be put on to daily visits to neighbourhood recycling centres.

“We may need to alter that if we lose more staff.

“I believe councillor Franks should be thanking the workforce, instead of playing childish political games.”