Cheshire East Council has confirmed that there are no plans to bring waste into Middlewich from other boroughs as part of its proposed Joint Venture Partnership.

The response comes following concerns from Middlewich residents and councillors that the recently announced agreement will have a negative impact on the town.

The new agreement would see the council’s arm’s-length company, Ansa, carry out waste collections, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and fleet management for Staffordshire Moorlands and High Peak councils.

This ongoing proposal would not affect the current contract between Ansa and CEC, meaning that environmental services will continue as normal.

The CEC company is based at a currently unopened site in Cledford Lane, which will bring waste to Middlewich from across east Cheshire.

Town council member, Cllr David Latham called on Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey to categorically confirm the effects of the agreement.

Cllr Latham said: “I believe waste is going to come to Middlewich one way or another.”

“The people of the community were promised that this wouldn’t happen and we want to make sure she is going to keep her word.”

Cllr Bailey declined to respond to Cllr Latham’s comments, but did provide a statement on the agreement.

She said: “Ansa will share its high standard of best practice, expertise and service delivery and we proud that High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands have agreed to enter into this partnership.”

A further statement from a Cheshire East Council spokesperson clarified the relationship with the neighbouring councils which would see them collectively save up to £1 million.

It outlined that this would be a standalone agreement which would see all three parties establish a new trading company and that there is no plan to bring waste from these two boroughs into east Cheshire.

Following approval, Ansa and both councils will bring about changes in the management of services through a phased approach over 18 months.

Final details of the discussions are still ongoing.