A CUMBRIAN MP has launched a survey into waste collection within the county - despite the council having conducted its own 'extensive' engagement exercise via a waste review.

Mark Jenkinson MP has created his own rival waste collection survey, claiming that the Cumberland Council consultation was 'flawed'.

The Workington MP claimed he previously highlighted what he described as 'fundamental flaws' in the format of the council's questions, but alleges the local authority decided not to make any changes to the survey.

Mr Jenkinson says he is concerned that the outcome of the consultation was 'predetermined' – and that he fears the council ultimately plans to introduce fortnightly rubbish collections, as well as charge for taking away garden waste.

The Conservative MP said: “The consultation launched by Cumberland was a sham. I suspect that this is the thin end of the wedge – and the local authority plans to level down public services despite record levels of Government funding.

"There is a real risk that Allerdale will lose weekly black bin collections, services which were protected the former Conservative-led Allerdale Borough Council.

"Not only that, but previous proposals to charge for garden waste bins are likely to rear their head again. I've fought these proposals before, and I'll fight them for you again.

“Cumberland has already hiked up council tax and voted themselves a pay rise despite a woeful record on potholes, and months of disrupted bin services. My hardworking constituents should not be paying more for less."

He said he'd launched his own survey with 'clearer' questions.

“Bin collections is something that affects everyone," he added. "It is important that consultation exercises are accessible and easy to understand, but the Waste Collection Public Engagement Survey was anything but."

Mr Jenkinson's survey can be found on his website.

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "Cumberland Council has finalised the public engagement phase of the waste review, collecting nearly 2,000 responses. We conducted extensive engagement over the course of a month, including waste roadshows across the Cumberland area, to gather as much feedback as possible.

“We are integrating this feedback into shaping future waste services.

“Any additional feedback received will be taken into consideration, although we cannot guarantee addressing all areas, as this phase of our review is now complete.

“We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone who participated in our waste engagement and to those who attended our drop-in sessions; we found them all to be very informative."