Proposals to reduce costs of refuse collections in the Maldon district by introducing a four-day week collection service have been rejected by councillors.

At a meeting of the district council's planning committee, members agreed to maintain the current five-day -week system of collections made by the company, Onyx.

The proposal by Cllr Brian Beale suggested that a four day week would eliminate domestic refuse collections on Mondays.

This would eliminate disruptions to collections following bank holiday weekends, and would therefore reduce the cost of operating catch up days which are paid as overtime.

A report by the director of planning services, states: "An additional vehicle would be required to increase round capacity.

"It is anticipated that due to the additional waste collected, vehicles would need to tip their load twice per day. This would increase driving times and fuel bills.

"To change to a four day week collection would increase the contract price by approximately £50,000 per annum.

"Though disruption caused by collections after bank holiday weekend periods would be minimised, it is the opinion of officers that the additional revenue costs significantly outweigh any advantage gained."

Cllr Beale said: "I think there are contradictions in this report. Why do you need extra staff to work fewer days?"

Cllr Richard Dewick said: "Any single refuse vehicle can only carry so much waste. A number of them are doing two drops a day anyway, and landfill sites close at 3pm."

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