A KEEN gardener has hit out at waste bosses over plans to bring in extra staff to enforce “draconian” rules.

Alan Fretten claims he was told by staff at Lawford recycling centre, in Greensmill, security staff will be in place to police the new rules.

Essex County Council plans to prevent vans and multi-axle vehicles from entering 12 recycling centres from October 31.

The plans are intended to stop the dumping of trade waste at recycling centres but residents have claimed the rules are preventing them from getting rid of their own DIY or construction waste.

Mr Fretton, from Lawford, said: “I take my grass cutting down there and don’t want to use my brand new car.

“I’m retired but I have got a van for social and domestic use. I have now been told that they will refuse me entry.

“I would understand if it was for big vans or commercial vehicles, but this is a Vauxhall Combi van – it’s basically a Corsa and is smaller than the SUV’s that go down there.

“I’m a resident and have quite a big garden – I just want to take my grass cuttings down there.

“I asked how they would stop people leaving things outside and I was told security staff are going to be there.

“What concerns me is that as taxpayers we will be paying for this security at a time when money needs to be spent on others things.”

But the council’s waste boss Simon Walsh defended the move and said it would not cost the taxpayer.

He said: “We have taken the sensible decision to ensure we have extra staff on hand when the changes are introduced to help customers and make sure that sites run smoothly after the changes are implemented.

“They will help customers with any questions and ensure businesses do not use our sites illegally.

“This will not cost taxpayers a penny more, because the cost will be more than covered by the money we save through business waste being correctly dealt with.

“Residents will still be able to dispose of their household waste at any of our centres."