Councillors have rejected proposals to switch to a fortnightly bins collection in the borough.

The proposal to cut the weekly bin collections – which would also have seen 12 jobs axed - had already been discussed at the council’s last Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Plans to charge residents for recycling collections are still on the table, but last night councillors from all parties rejected the idea of moving to fortnightly collections.

The motion to maintain a weekly bins service “in perpetuity” was put forward by Cllr Tim Aker at last night’s council meeting.

Tim Aker MEP said: “I am delighted that my motion to maintain weekly bin collections in Thurrock was voted for and passed through."

“These kind of services are what local people want and expect. Though budgets are going through hard times, UKIP will fight to maintain essential services for residents.”