TAKING a £5million grant from a waste firm will make Basildon Council responsible for running Pitsea tip, it is feared.

The authority is being urged to apply for funding from the Veolia Pitsea Marshes Maintenance Trust - which sparked a political row at a policy and resources committee meeting on Thursday night.

David Dadds, Tory councillor for Billericay East, raised concerns that by accepting the money the authority will be entering into an agreement to take over responsibility for Pitsea landfill - which was given permission two years ago to stay operational until 2025.

It was initially expected to close this year.

Veolia, which currently runs the site, off Pitsea Hall Lane, has asked the council to agree to a string of conditions in its funding application. It includes restoring the land once the tip is filled in and cutting down on pollution.

Mr Dadds called for more details to be released. He said: “We are being courted by the trust.

“We have been tempted by treats. As soon as you take these treats you are hooked in to take on the liability and all the risks for the landfill site for decades.”

Restoration of the site is scheduled to be completed by 2027, with the possibility of a public park being unveiled by 2032.

Mr Dadds accused the administration of not carrying out proper research - with no clear understanding of what is underneath the foundations of the site.

He added: “I asked about pollution, land contamination, gases, occupiers’ liability and risks to the local community.

“But the coalition is saying there’s assurance given by the environmental agency but we haven’t seen those details.

“It’s a huge risk to the council going forward. I want to know full details. Why should the council get involved in taking on other people’s liability and risks?”

The row comes after Labour, Ukip and independent councillors joined forces to scrap the previous cabinet system in favour of a committee system - ousting the Tories from power.

The Veolia fund is being championed by Gavin Callaghan. He is chairman of the policy and resources committee - giving him the same powers as a council leader.

Vice chairman Linda Allport-Hodges said the £5millon will act as an alternative funding stream to support council projects.

She said: “The maintenance fund is for community capital projects to meet the objectives of the trust. The funding is for recreational projects.”

She insists the council would only begin working alongside Veolia to maintain the landfill site from 2032.

She added: “We would be responsible for the upkeep of the site. We will only be responsible for what is above the land. For example, footpaths and maintaining the grass turf.”

The Echo contacted the trust for comment but did not receive a response before going to print.