A SOCIAL media row erupted between the current and the former leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM).

On Twitter, ex-leader of the council Simon Dudley scolded the current Conservative administration for proposing to switch weekly black bin collections to fortnightly in next year’s draft budget.

He tweeted: “Councillors are good at spending your money on things the majority of local residents don’t care about when this saving of £175,000 pa [per annum] is derisory given the loss of service to residents.”

Mr Dudley also shared a link to a petition put forward by ex-Tory councillor Ed Wilson demanding the council keep weekly black bin collections.

Councillor Andrew Johnson (Conservative: Hurley and Walthams), current leader of RBWM, was taken aback from Mr Dudley’s comments and criticised him for leaving the council in a “parlous financial position” when the ex-leader resigned last year.

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Cllr Johnson replied: “A truly remarkable statement, frankly. Perhaps we wouldn’t have to consider such drastic service reductions if you hadn’t left the council in such a parlous financial position blighted by years of overspending, virtually no reserves and numerous unfunded promises.”

Other councillors were also highly critical of Mr Dudley’s comments.

Councillor Stuart Carroll (Conservative: Boyn Hill), lead member for adult social care, children’s services, health, and mental health, said: “Most money goes on protecting vulnerable people and children, who’ve hugely increased due to crippling global pandemic, death and illness plus a devastated economy.

“Said remarks aren’t only crass but devoid reality. To say residents don’t care about these services is lamentable.”

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead residents can have say on 2021/22 draft budget

“Good grief, Simon,” wrote councillor Phil Haseler (Conservative: Cox Green), “I’m surprised you’re brazen enough to stick your head above the parapet given it was you that screwed up the borough’s finances and jumped ship without warning.”

“I’m not sure you’re best placed to comment about financial matters!”

The lead member for climate change, sustainability, parks, and countryside, councillor Donna Stimson (Conservative: St Mary’s) replied: “Cabinet has deliberated long and hard about which services to keep. We are consulting with residents, so please fill in the consultation when prompted.”

Other proposals such as reducing library opening times and cutting community wardens are also in the 2021/22 draft budget in order to fill the £8 million black hole in RBWM’s finances caused by Covid-19 and past financial mismanagement.

Residents can have their say via a budget consultation by clicking here: https://rbwmtogether.uk.engagementhq.com/royal-borough-of-windsor-and-maidenhead-2021-22-budget-consultation/widgets/20011/documents