THERE has been a ‘definite increase’ in the amount of fly tipping as a result of the introduction of the new slim bins, a councillor has claimed.

The controversial new smaller bins were rolled out last year and in January, Bolton Council hailed them a great success, saying that they had saved them more than £1million and reduced the tonnage of fly tipping.

However, at tonight’s meeting of the Astley Bridge Area Forum, Cllr Paul Wild made the claim that fly-tipping had increased.

The Bolton Council Astley Bridge ward member also said that littering had increased.

He said: “We’ve all now got them (the bins) and contrary to what we are being told by our Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services there has definitely been an increase in fly tipping as a result of the new slim bins.

“There has been an increase in the littering problem in general. Littering is a real problem in all areas of Bolton.

“Fly-tipping and littering are a problem in all areas of Bolton, including Astley Bridge.”

He urged residents to report any incidents of fly tipping or littering to himself or fellow Astley Bridge councillors Hilary Fairclough and John Walsh and they will do what they can to sort it.

Back in January, fire chiefs also claimed that the slim bins policy had increased the amount of fly-tipping and also that it would lead to more arson attacks in the borough.

The fire service later said that there was 'do direct evidence' between the introduction of the new bins and fly-tipping.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "There is no evidence to suggest any link between the introduction of slim bins and fly-tipping.

"In fact, the amount of fly-tipping collected by the council since slim bins were introduced has fallen, with 94 tonnes less being collected between April 2016 and January 2017, then in the same period the previous year.

"The majority of fly-tipping is large items, such as sofas, tables and beds, which would not fit in a slim bin. This should be taken to the local recycling centre or residents can contact the council to ask for a bulky waste collection.”