A ROW erupted today over charges for emptying dustbins in Kirklees.

But a flurry of accusations and counter-attacks is set to leave voters scratching their heads.

Labour and the Tories teamed up to accuse the ruling Liberal Democrats of wanting householders to pay for domestic waste collection.

But the Lib Dems immediately hit back, saying they had no such plans.

And, in a further move, they accused their opponents of being the ones who wanted to make charges.

The Lib Dems said they were launching a campaign in favour of keeping a free system.

Clr Kath Pinnock, the council's leader, said: "The Labour Government is suggesting that councils should charge for emptying household refuse bins.

"Kirklees Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to ensure that Kirklees residents will continue to have a free weekly domestic waste collection."

The "who supports what" row is scheduled to rumble on at the next full council meeting at the end of October.

Labour group leader Clr Mehboob Khan said he was right about the Lib Dems wanting to make charges - despite the denials.

He added: "I am appalled the Liberal Democrat Cabinet intends to extend waste charges to collecting domestic refuse and the use of council tips."

Tory leader Clr Robert Light said: "Labour and Conservative councillors intend to call upon the Lib Dems to abandon plans to charge for domestic grey or black bin collections and use of council tips."

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