A council CEO has faced criticism over delaying a public consultation on a controversial bin policy until after local authority elections in May.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) chief, David Burns told members that he was currently "engaging with concerned groups" over the new multi-mullion pound kerbside collection system.
The local authority has faced opposition from concerned charity groups such as Friends of the Earth and AgeNI on its agreed policy on increased recycling bin size and the decrease in its household waste capacity.
Read more: Lisburn & Castlereagh 'change of heart' on controversial bin policy down to 'people power'
Mr Burns told the chamber: "We are currently engaging with the groups who have previously contacted the council and we will then set up a timetable after that for consultation.
"We can't start a consultation of 12 weeks as we are about to go into an election period, the consultation would have to be after the elections.
"We also need to speak to groups so that all elements are before the council ahead of a consultation format being prepared."
Lisburn South DUP Alderman Paul Porter who has campaigned against some of the bin policy changes has called for the CEO's decision to be scrutinised at the next environment committee.
He said: "I have spoken with residents and they welcome the fact that there will be a consultation on the new kerbside collection policy and they want to have their say, but when will it start?
"Surely we can separate the consultation from the election.
"I know there are people on opposite sides of the debate.
"It is only right and proper that a consultation is started the sooner the better, I don't understand why a consultation would have to be after the election.
"Could we bring forward these matters to the next environmental committee so that a fuller discussion can be had?
"The public will only be left wondering why it is taking so long and ask questions why we are waiting.
"People could be putting their views in already, if we have something on our website that says, 'this is our plan, what are your thoughts?'"
The proposal by Alderman Porter was greeted with a degree of support in the chamber.
Chairperson of the environmental services committee, Alliance Cllr Martin Gregg said: "Myself and Alderman Porter are on the very small part of the same page on this.
"If you (CEO)are engaging with the groups, why can you not begin the consultation? This position could create further delays.
"I appreciate that the CEO is saying a consultation after the elections, but I don't accept the reasons.
"I would like to know more about the reasons behind that decision, I am very keen to have a public consultation.
"The wait until after the election will effectively put another six months delay since the January decision, which will ultimately have a cost concern on us the council and the ratepayers."
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