THE row over Vale Royal Borough Council's decision to collect household waste every fortnight has rumbled on - with the council's Labour group again suffering defeat.

In a stormy debate held during a full council meeting on Thursday, Labour was defeated by 31 votes to 19 with one Independent voting with Labour in a bid to overturn the fortnightly waste plan

Once a strategy has been put in place, council rules state it cannot be discussed again unless 19 councillors put their names forward to oppose the scheme.

Labour went to the meeting armed with some 2,000 signatures from residents and businesses in Vale Royal and had the necessary 19 names needed to debate the issue again.

The waste strategy will see fortnightly collections of non-recyclable items instead of weekly collections.

It is part of Vale Royal's drive to improve its recycling provision and comply with Government targets.

But the Labour group has expressed concerns about flies and maggots being attracted to rubbish left for so long during the summer months.

Proponents of the waste strategy say research proves that what they propose is the right thing for Vale Royal residents now and just as importantly in the future.

Brian Lloyd, Labour leader, said: "We will continue the campaign by other methods.

"We are not against recycling, we absolutely support recycling."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk