A THRIFTY council is out to prove that where there's muck, there's brass - by selling off one of their old bin wagons.

But East Lancashire folks who are looking to avoid having to visit the local tip, for the forseeable future, shouldn't waste the seller's time.

Because the former Ribble Valley refuse vehicle, which has been declared surplus to requirements by their environmental services department, is likely to go for more than £20,000.

The Mercedes Econic 2633 vehicle, which has nearly 80,000 miles on the clock, only has an MOT until the end of November, so any potential purchaser might need an understanding garage.

A council spokesman said: "Sealed bids are invited from anyone who is interested in buying the refuse wagon.

"The refuse wagon will be sold as seen to the highest bidder.

"However, the council reserve the right to not accept any of the submitted bids."

Council officials say the 26,000 kilo vehicle is fitted with triple bin lifts and can be inspected at their Salthill depot, in Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, before any bids are lodged.

The authority has already obtained a replacement vehicle, it is understood, to support their collection regime, which still sees waste and recycling picked up from households on alternative weeks.

Sealed bids, which must be inclusive of VAT, can be left with the council's internal audit team, based at their Church Walk, offices, before noon on Tuesday, November 13, with full contact details included.

Town halls in East Lancashire have been known to regularly sell off spare land, disused public buildings and even old public toilets, in a bid to balance the books.