Harlow's Liberal Democrat councillors have condemned the decision of the Conservative council to sign up to a long-term waste agreement with Essex County Council.

The decision, taken by the council at a special meeting, will bind the council to a long-term agreement with Essex County Council lasting 25 years from when it is signed in 2011.

The agreement is based on the County Council's proposal to develop large, inflexible waste treatment plants in Essex. The County Council intends to bid to the Government for these to be built by the private sector as a PFI scheme.

Harlow Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Cllr Lorna Spenceley said:

"This scheme is fundamendally flawed. It sets very low expectations for recycling and waste reduction. It's a long-term plan which ties up the council for almost 30 years. And it's an expensive commitment to maintain oversized waste facilities in Essex.

PFI schemes up and down the country have been notorious for providing poor value for local taxpayers. And while Conservative councillors boast that this agreement will bring in money from Essex County Council, they should remember that Essex County Council's money also comes from the taxpayer through our council tax. Harlow residents could be lumbered with the cost of this scheme for a very, very long time."