The row over the introduction of wheelie bins should be aired once again at a public meeting, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth has urged.

Coun Hawkesworth (Con, Ilkley) believes the parish council's open consultation meeting next week is the ideal opportunity for residents to have their say on the matter.

Ilkley's steep hills and high percentage of elderly residents mean it is not suitable for the wheelie bin scheme, claims Coun Hawkesworth.

"I am still being contacted by Ilkley residents about this issue and I would be very interested to hear what other residents have to say," she said.

Bradford Council has strongly defended the introduction of the scheme, on environmental and financial grounds.

The Labour-controlled council backed the introduction of the scheme last year, believing it would mean a substantial reduction in the amount of loose litter throughout the authority; a more environmentally-friendly service by eliminating the disposal of waste volumes of plastic sacks into landfill; and significant reductions in accidents, injuries and claims against the authority. Plastic sack collection offers no protection against injuries from needles and lacerations.

While the Council believes wheelie bins offer more opportunity for recycling, conservative opponents beg to differ.

Coun Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley) claims figures show wheelie bins create more rubbish, rather than reduce it. He also believes Ilkley is not an appropriate area for the bins and is opposed to any attempt to plaster the bins with advertising.

The open consultation meeting takes place in the Jack Lofthouse annexe of the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, on Wednesday, February 17, at 7.30pm.

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