Controversial plans to deal with Essex's growing problem of waste will be scrutinised by a new group.

A cross-party group of Essex councillors has been formed to deal with the solution of the future of waste.

At yesterday's full council meeting, council leader Lord Hanningfield invited members of the opposition parties to sit on the group.

Lord Hanningfield said the future of waste in Essex was one of the most pressing issues faced by the council.

"Increases in landfill tax and environmental concerns means that we can no longer bury the issue of waste disposal," he said.

"People are not interested in petty party politics. What they're interested in is finding a long-term, environmentally-friendly way of dealing with the household waste we produce here in Essex."

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