SENIOR Thurrock councillors have declined the opportunity to endorse controversial major changes to the borough's bin collections.

The council's cabinet were expected to approve changes including charges for some waste collection and moving some collections to a fortnightly basis but instead have put a decision back 'for more research'.

There has been significant criticism of the council's course of action, including a scathing condemnation by some councillors.

Tonight (Wednesday, 14 October) the Conservative ruling cabinet were due to make a decision but instead have released the following statement: "The Waste Strategy item on this evening's Cabinet agenda has been deferred to allow councillors more time to research and gain a greater understanding of the highly complex information which has led to the recommendations."

Cllr Aaron Watkins, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "I would like to thank the members of the Waste Management Working Group. They have done an excellent job over the last year and produced a highly detailed report about an extremely complex subject which impacts every household in the borough.

"This matter will be deferred until November, when I will bring this very important and significant item back to Cabinet for a decision."

Leader of Thurrock Council, Cllr Rob Gledhill, said "It is only right that Cabinet colleagues have more time to examine and question the detailed report the Waste Management Working Group have created in order to make an informed decision."