A BOLTON Councillor has come under fire after it was claimed he still owns a large 240 litre bin as well as a new slimline version at his home address.

Labour Cllr Darren Whitehead - who sits on the council’s Environmental Scrutiny Committee - lives in Heaton and neighbours claim to have spotted the large and slim bins regularly placed outside his house.

However, the Hulton Councillor said that his family have requested that the large bin is removed from the property and has put it out regularly but waste management staff are yet to take it away.

Cllr Whitehead, who was elected to the council this year, said: “In accordance with the council’s advice, I have requested removal of the bin and consistently left the 240 litre grey bin out for removal on collection days.

“As a keen recycler and supporter of the council’s successful slim bin policy, I want it removing, which is precisely why both bins have been left out at the same time.”

Cllr Whitehead said he does not use the large bin and has not ‘sought any advantage’ over other residents.

He added: “Because we diligently recycle, the 240 litre bin is actually an inconvenience to our household, I have at no time sought to deliberately retain in and there have been no communications between myself and the environment department in respect of retaining the 240 litre bin.”

The complaint was initially made by a neighbour of Cllr Whitehead, who wanted to remain anonymous and suggested the councillor is deliberately flouting the rules.

He said: “I have seen him putting both bins out and people in the area have been talking about it - he is a councillor so should be leading by example and he is also on the environmental committee

“I think he knows what he is doing and he obviously hasn’t volunteered to give the back, I don’t think it is fair.”

But Cllr Whitehead insisted he is not using the large bin, adding: “It would be entirely wrong were I to use my position, who, like me, have correctly left the 240 litre bin out for anticipated removal.

“However all councillors are duty bound to lead by example,the lesson is - I must do better.

“I apologosie to any of my neighbours and all residents who may be tempted to think I have lapsed in my role.”

The slim bin rollout began in the summer and was intended to be completed by November.

The vast majority of Bolton residents have had their 240 litre grey bins taken away and replaced with slimline 140 litre versions in a bid to reduce the council’s landfill tax bill and improve the borough’s recycling rate.

Council chiefs said that the policy has already led to savings of more than £750,000 since the rollout began in the summer.