CIVIC chiefs have been accused of pushing ahead with plans to introduce wheelie bins in the New Forest without holding a “previously promised” referendum.

District councillor David Harrison said an informal briefing given to members of the authority included details of how a wheelie bin system would be brought in.

Cllr Harrison, a member of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, said: “There is no doubt we are going to be using wheelie bins instead of the plastic sack system.

“The decision day will be in July. It is expected it will be introduced, in phases, in 2024.

“They are planning to make special provision for people who cannot manage bins, including those who live in flats. However, it is clear they are planning on going ahead, whether people like it or not.

“There was no mention of the previously promised referendum on the topic. I think they are probably hoping people will forget the Conservative election leaflet pledges.”

But the council leader, Cllr Edward Heron, denied that any such promise had been made.

Referring to the last local elections in the Forest in 2019, and the by-elections held since, he said no Conservative candidate had pledged that the authority would hold a referendum on the issue.

Proposals to introduce wheelie bins in the district were unveiled by the Tory-controlled council in 2020.

A draft refuse collection strategy was drawn up by the authority, which said action was needed to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.

The council said more than 90% of homes in the district could see plastic refuse sacks replaced by wheelie bins if the scheme went ahead.

But the possible introduction of wheelie bins has been criticised by town and parish councils, with Fordingbridge councillors describing them as an eyesore.

Asked to comment on the statements made by Cllr Harrison a council spokesperson said: "We have been working on a new waste strategy which will aim to reduce waste, increase recycling, reduce carbon emissions and comply with upcoming government legislation.

"A Draft Waste Strategy was approved in November 2020, featuring a 'preferred option' for the collection of waste and recycling, and this included the use of wheeled bins.

"Stakeholders, including the public, were asked for their views on this draft strategy, and nearly 4,000 responses were received. All responses and feedback have been considered and informed the Waste Strategy as it has been developed.

"An update report will be taken to the council’s Environment and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel on 10th March, and the final strategy will be presented to councillors for approval later this year.

"We will provide further updates to residents as the strategy develops. More information can be found at http://newforest.gov.uk/wastestrategy."

A previous plan to revamp the refuse collection system in the Forest was examined by the district council in 2006.

Speaking at the time the then leader, Cllr Mel Kendal, said: "We'd like to hold some form of referendum and ask council tax payers for their preferred method and cost."