PENDLE could see an increase in fly-tipping if proposals to charge for some waste and recycling services are introduced, according to Lib Dem councillors.

They said that proposals to bring in charges for garden waste collection, bulky household waste collections, and replacement wheelie bins could end up causing more problems than they solve.

Coun Tony Greaves said the group understood the need to cut costs, but feared these changes were the wrong way to go about it.

“The report itself says quite clearly that most of the collections would stop,” he said, “so where is all this rubbish going to go? The effects will certainly be a lot more rubbish just left out in people’s back yards, or dumped on spare land and verges, in empty back yards or out in the countryside.

“The cost to the council in clearing up all this extra fly-tipping could be considerable.” Coun Greaves also said that charging £25 a year for garden waste collections could result in it being dumped in the countryside or set on fire, while charging for a new wheelie bin if it had been damaged or stolen would cause resentment and anger.

Coun Greaves said: “We are obviously not against trying to reduce the cost to the council, and enthusiastically support the savings by having more efficient rounds.

“But before rushing in with what would inevitably be a worsening of the services provided, we urge everyone on the council to think carefully and hard about the consequences.”

The proposals will be discussed at this week’s executive meeting.

Coun Joe Cooney, leader of Pendle Council, said: “As a council, we face significant challenges in moving forward to balance our budget and achieve efficiency targets, as well as meeting the demands of increasing spending pressures.

“Following a rigorous review of our domestic and commercial waste collections, we’ve identified how we can use council resources better to bring about efficiency savings.”