The leader of the Liberal Democrats on Brentwood Council has called on the ruling Conservative group to spell out plans for any new link-up with Basildon before next week’s local elections.

Cllr David Kendall believes that the council is considering going into partnership with Basildon and Castle Point on waste collection but that “the full details are shrouded in mystery”.

He said: “The Liberal Democrat group which I lead are strongly opposed to any link with Basildon and will fight to maintain Brentwood’s independence. I think they are deliberately trying to keep quiet on the issue until after the election.”

But council leader Cllr Louise McKinlay said the plans, which are subject to future drafting by officers and approval by the council, would give the council �1.56m extra to spend over four years.

By linking up with both Basildon and Castle Point, the council plans to sell its waste to recycling companies who can benefit from it, rather than pay companies to take it away.

She said: “I can only assume at best Cllr Kendall doesn’t understand and at worst he’s scaremongering residents, which would be the lowest of the low.”