THE Labour Party is waging an orchestrated campaign' over the bin dispute, the man in charge has said.

Clr Brian Axcell, the borough council's environment chief, spoke out following demands for his resignation from the Labour leader of Birchwood Town Council, Chris Fitzsimmons.

"This is an orchestrated campaign and it's against Labour's own policy. That is the strange thing," said Clr Axcell.

"What they seem to have forgotten is that when wheelie bins were introduced by the Labour party it was a policy that the lids should be closed. It's not a new policy.

"It's something that was introduced by a Labour-run council. The remarks from Chris Fitzsimmons are quite ludicrous."

The closed lid' policy was also heavily criticised by Labour MP Helen Jones, and the leader of Labour's councillors, Terry O'Neill.

Clr Axcell said: "Over the years refuse collectors have become used to collecting open bins but this is putting them at risk. No responsible council could allow that to happen.

"It's thoroughly irresponsible for the Labour Party to suggest binmen should empty overloaded bins if there's a risk."

He added; "The latest figures are less than one per cent have not been collected."

Clr Fiona Bruce also responded after her resignation was demanded from her value for money' post because the bin dispute had allegedly cost the council in clean-ups.

She is reviewing the council's land and buildings and the efficiency of its contracts.

Clr Bruce said: "If Chris Fitzsimmons had taken the trouble to ask about the important value-for-money role before making such statements, he would not have made these inappropriate remarks.

"The reference to the value for money post as ridiculous was wholly misconceived. So too was his call for my resignation in connection with the waste collection a matter which is not even currently part of my work schedule."