THE row surrounding the introduction of wheelie bins in Ilkley has taken a new twist.

It should actually be the row over wheelie bins 'brought to you in association with...'

Advertisements could soon be seen on the bins in a year-long trial, providing extra funds for Bradford Council to improve its cleansing service.

A feasibility study has been carried out involving interviews with 500 firms, including fast food outlets, taxis, supermarkets and travel agents.

City cleansing officer Alan Baff will recommend tomorrow's waste management sub committee meeting approve a scheme in partnership with an advertising agency.

Adverts on the council's new green wheelie bins carrying the gold Bradford coat of arms might go on the sides or under the lid.

Sub committee chairman councillor Keith Thomson stressed the project was in the early stages but said they believed it had great potential.

He said serious consideration would also go the types of adverts.

The prospect has horrified Coun Martin Smith (Con, Ilkley). He said: "I think this idea is totally unacceptable. I certainly won't stand for a bin covered in advertising on my property, I can tell you that now," he said.

He said any future advert-bin scheme raised serious questions about forcing advertising onto people's property.

Coun Jeanette Sunderland, leader of Bradford Council's Liberal Democrat group and a sub committee member, said: "As a wheelie bin owner, I object very strongly to the council using it for advertising. If I want to advertise on my property, I will do and I'll take the money."

Another councillor unhappy at the prospect of advert covered bins is Coun Anne Hawkesworth (Con, Ilkley).

"I think the council has a bit of a nerve to be perfectly honest," she said. Coun Hawkesworth is not convinced wheelie bins are suitable for Ilkley.

"It is essential people with concerns should get letters written," she said.

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