SOUTHEND Tories have been accused of stoking “anger and anxiety” over claims that fortnightly bin collections could be introduced in the borough.

Fears have been raised residents will lose out on weekly collections as part of a cost-saving exercise after potential service changes were suggested in an officers’ report last year.

However, Independent councillor Martin Terry claims the borough’s Conservative group, and the Tory Parliamentary candidate for Southend West Anna Firth, are contributing to an atmosphere of anger by spreading an “untrue rumour”.

Councillor Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative group disagrees, and has challenged the Labour-led council to rule out any changes.

Mr Terry said: “Currently there is a rumour going around, being spread by one political group, that Southend Council has decided to go to a fortnightly rubbish collection service and that has caused people a great deal of anxiety.

"We have seen heightened tension in politics and we all have a responsibility, including politicians, to be mindful of what the effects of what you say that might be.”

Speaking following reports incidents of abuse against bin crews had risen, Mr Terry added: “Nothing has been decided, so to treat it as a fact is completely untrue, and I do wonder if that is part of the reason people are getting angry at the Veolia staff.”

Councillor Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative group, said: “When the administration has been challenged, they still have not ruled it out. As far as I’m concerned, it must very much be on the cards, because otherwise, if it wasn’t, be they would have said

“Not one of the administration members has flatly refuted that it will be the case, so how can it be a rumour. No decision has been taken yet, sure, but that is simply because it will be taken on Monday."

Anna Firth, the Tory candidate for the late Sir David Amess’ seat, has also made the issue central to her campaign.

She added: “It’s really important to me that weekly bin collections are protected not only to keep our streets looking clean and tidy but also so people across Southend West get value for money from the council tax they pay."