A row has broken out between a town and district council over the management of bins at a popular park - throwing a cloud over the future management of the area.

Dereham Town Council claims Breckland has backed out of an agreement that would have seen the district council continue to manage the bins on the Neatherd Moor in the town, through its contractors, Serco.

The dispute means the planned transfer of the moor's management to the town council - which was agreed in January - has been put on hold. 

Breckland has offered to continue emptying existing dog and litter bins over the next 12 months, to allow the town council time to find a contractor to take on the work. 

Dereham Times: Dereham Town Council say that Breckland has backed out of a previous arrangement at final negotiations of that would see it continue to manage the bins on the Neatherd Moor Dereham Town Council say that Breckland has backed out of a previous arrangement at final negotiations of that would see it continue to manage the bins on the Neatherd Moor (Image: Archant)

A spokesman from the town council said: “Following the last committee meeting, we all thought that we could finally get this over the line, it is disappointing that this has now been delayed due to Breckland’s shift in position. 

“While Breckland Council has offered a transitional arrangement whereby they would continue to empty the bins for just one year, this is a meaningless gesture as Breckland need to give one year's notice to alter the Serco contract.

“The new council will need to decide whether, with these additional costs, it was still in the public interest to proceed."

Dereham Times: Breckland Council have offered to continue emptying existing dog and litter bins over the next 12 monthsBreckland Council have offered to continue emptying existing dog and litter bins over the next 12 months (Image: Archant)

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A Breckland spokesperson said: “Dereham Town Council approached us three years ago requesting a simpler approach to oversee common responsibilities.

"As part of the agreement, Breckland has agreed in principle to pay the town council £120,000 for taking on the moor's management. 

“This is a fair reflection of the maintenance costs in relation to the upkeep of the common.  

“Having initially made the offer in 2020 we remain committed to this proposal which we believe is beneficial for both Dereham Town Council and those who use the common.”