Despite the appalling situation which resulted in a massive 8,000 calls on the matter in December alone the Conservative Administration decided not to allow a debate on the matter.

The decision has angered Liberal Democrat councillors who recognise the importance of the issue and the need to get the new contract back on track.

Commenting on the Tories decision Leader of the Liberal Democrats Cllr Derek Osbourne said

downgraded the problems by refusing to give a statement on the matter. As Councillors we have a responsibility to our residents over such issues and by refusing the debate they have ignored that. This would have been the first and best opportunity for the council to discuss the issue."

In response the Liberal Democrat Environment Overview Chair Cllr Tricia Bamford has submitted an emergency question. She said

"Thanks to the Administration this was the only avenue left open to us. We are not satisfied by the assurances given by David Cunningham in response to the question. He failed to give any information as to why the changeover of the contract was not planned more carefully in advance and a speedy resolution looks uncertain. The residents deserve answers and the Administration must address this matter not bury their heads in the sand."