The Friday letters page doesn’t think parents pay enough attention to age ratings for games, as one reader wishes John Carpenter hadn’t made Toxic Commando.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Simultaneous release
So Project Helix is a codename, but what do we think Microsoft is really going to call the new console? For a start, they need to get rid of all that Series X/Series S nonsense, because that was terrible. Just call it Xbox something. Xbox Infinite always seemed a good one to me, but I’m fine with calling it Xbox 6, because at this point who’s counting?

I don’t want to get into a PlayStation vs. Xbox thing because I think if Project Helix is different enough it can exist alongside the PlayStation 6. But releasing them both at the same time seems like a really bad idea.

If Helix is more expensive and PlayStation 6 has actual proper exclusives I don’t think anyone is going to pick Xbox unless they’re hardcore fans. And I don’t even know if there’s many of them left.

Microsoft was probably aiming to get Helix out before PlayStation 6, but I wonder if Sony fast-tracked their console when they found out. That doesn’t bode too well for either the hardware or the launch games.
Focus

Force themselves
Strange how quickly Battlefield 6 has fallen out of favour. Beating Call Of Duty one minute and then going free to play the next. I guess for all its faults Call Of Duty probably knows how to keep people playing better and as much as fans hate all the wacky skins at least that gives you something eye-catching to promote the game with.

EA said they’re going to keep everything in Battlefield 6 realistic but if that’s the case how many camouflage outfits do you really want to pay for? I was going to buy the game when it was cheap, so I guess I’ll try it out for free and then by the time that’s over it’ll probably be discounted enough for me.

I feel this improves the chances of Star Wars: Battlefront 3 though. EA’s likely to see it as a quick and obvious way to reuse the same tech in a new game. One where you can do as many wacky skins as you like and no one’s going to complain. Not saying they’ll definitely do it but it does seem more likely to me now.
Taylor Moon

Price block
I don’t like to be negative about something we haven’t see yet but I have to agree with other readers that I’m already sick of hearing Microsoft talk about Project Helix. The arrogance and complete lack of humility hasn’t changed at all since the exit of Phil Spencer, proving it was always just the company standard.

I think the real cynicism is coming from the price though. I just don’t see how you get past the fact that Helix is going to be more expensive than any other format, including Steam Machine. People would be taking a risk on Helix, and when you’re doing that you don’t generally want to be spending more money than you would have otherwise. I don’t care what the marketing campaign is like, there’s not getting over that.
Heston

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Free money
Of all the games that John Carpenter could’ve put his name to it ended up being a Left 4 Dead clone? I don’t believe for one minute that Toxic Commando was his idea. If you know the man, he often talks about how he enjoys putting out his hand and getting free money for doing nothing, every time a company wants to remake one of his films. It happens so often he just treats it like a joke.

I think he must’ve been the same with this game. Someone phoned him up and asked him if he could do a soundtrack and sketch out some hokey story. That’s money for old rope as far as he’s concerned. The only downside is he has to put his name to the game, when it might not be that great, but they didn’t make him do any press for it, that I’ve seen, so it’s pretty low risk/low effort.

It’s a shame because I don’t think he’s got it in him to make a new movie, but a game could’ve been something else. A slower paced survival horror would’ve been absolutely perfect for him, but I don’t think it’s ever going to happen. He is attached to the Halloween online game, but I think that’s just going to be another free handout.
Saltie

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Artificial temptation
The worst thing about Microsoft not mentioning AI, when talking about Project Helix, is that we all know it’s going to be there, but they know it’s not popular, so they’re trying to pretend otherwise. I’ve got a genius level idea: maybe if people don’t like something you shouldn’t do it? Especially if you’re trying to hawk your ultra expensive PC in a box.

We all know that Project Helix is going to be a failure, but I predict it will be over AI. It’s going to be too expensive already, but you know Microsoft can’t stop themselves from pushing games made by AI and they’re all going to be horrible. The Microsoft boss is a nut for AI, there’s no way he won’t force them to do it.
Goose

Wrong number
Interesting to see the change in age ratings for games like EA Sports FC. Although I would be absolutely shocked if more than 10% of adults paid even the slightest bit of attention to a game’s age rating, and I’m probably greatly overestimating that amount.

I used to work at a games shop when I was a student and not only did parents not care they would get violently angry if you pointed out that a game was above the age of their kid. This happened so many times with GTA that my boss told me not to bother, even though it was supposed to be policy that we did.

It was obvious why they were angry too. They knew what they were doing was wrong, but they didn’t care because games are too good a babysitter to give up just on the off chance that it turns their kid into a badly adjusted person.

I also can’t say how many times I heard parents try to argue that the number was the difficulty of the game, as if I wouldn’t be the one to know that it definitely wasn’t that.

To anyone out there reading this, that’s a good parent and careful about what their kids play I salute you, because I can tell you that you are the minority.

Of course, nowadays you have Roblox instead, which is a thousand times worse and doesn’t have any age ratings, but thankfully that’s not my problem.
Coolsbane

Strange selection
Has Bafta ever commented on why they always try and ignore Japanese games as much as possible? It’s so blatant I really don’t know how they justify it. Although the real insult is not doing it and yet also nominating something as milquetoast as Ghost Of Yōtei as game of the year.

That’s just rubbing your face in it, especially when they didn’t even nominate Hollow Knight: Silksong or Hades 2, which I think most people would say were easily a lot better.
Hibby

Day of the plumber
Nintendo has finally recognised the day GameCentral and their viewers have been celebrating for years! It’s MAR10 Day (earlier in the week)! I usually get newsletters from Nintendo quite regularly, but it’s the first, if I remember correctly, that I have seen this from Nintendo as a form of advertising.

There is definitely cause for celebration with Pokémon Pokopia and their 2.2 million sales of the game, which appears to be a considerable success story if ever I saw one. It’s a very cutesy game to look at, with the charm and not too over complicated gameplay mechanics to enjoy and experiment with. The setting up of one’s home looks a wee bit convoluted and a wee bit messy, but apparently completing the story mode gives you a useful skill to help craft and build your home better.

It appears also, that Resident Evil Requiem has been a big success, and we’re only in March, but two very different games have hit their mark in only a short space of time. Very well deserved too and I can’t wait to be getting back to this amazing franchise soon, after my little backlog has been lightened.

With the Super Mario Galaxy movie coming out soon, it’s the latest adaptation to follow Fallout, Borderlands, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Resident Evil films, along with the excellent Castlevania and Tomb Raider animations.

I saw an awesome movie based on a game the other day, called Iron Lung, by YouTuber Markiplier and despite it having its critics, it basically follows the Iron Lung story and gameplay perfectly, including the environment it’s set in. Will be definitely getting the Blu Ray when it’s released.

So hopefully everyone had a fantastic MAR10 day and wow, what an amazing start to the year for games, and movies inspired by games, setting up 2026 to be one heck of a year!
Alucard

GC: Nintendo has been using Mario Day to promote things since 2016.

Inbox also-rans
I think Marathon is going to be hit. I’ve completely enjoyed everything I’ve played of it so far and I’m very much looking forward to the big update. I don’t think it’s as good as Destiny 2 but it is good.
Carpetnator

Does anyone else wish Capcom would remake Resident Evil 3 again before moving on to other stuff? That one was so bad and it was almost nothing like the original, which is weird because all the other remakes have been good.
Icchi boo

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New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

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MORE: Games Inbox: Is buying physical video games becoming more popular?

MORE: Games Inbox: Should Capcom remake Resident Evil 6?

MORE: Games Inbox: When will the next big Super Mario game be announced?

As the weather promises to get warmer, experts have compiled a list of the top beaches in the UK

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As the weather looks set to improve, thoughts turn to seaside excursions. There’s nothing quite like hearing the sound of crashing waves and feeling sand between your toes – but with so many wonderful locations across Wales and the UK, how do you decide where to visit?

For the ideal spring beach outing, you’ll want as much sunshine as possible, with mild weather and minimal rain – and that’s where the specialists at Go Outdoors can assist. They have put together a list of the finest beaches in the UK based on average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours and Google reviews to identify the very best and two on their list are in Wales.

Each beach on this list was given a score out of 10 based on its weather, rainfall and reviews.

Taking first place is Cuckmere Haven with a score of 9.60. This breathtaking beach is situated in East Sussex and boasts a remarkable 7.8 hours of daily spring sunshine with just 52mm of rainfall per month.

Those visiting the beach can first take in a spectacular view of the Seven Sisters – England’s iconic white cliffs that overlook the channel – and then enjoy a picturesque walk along the Cuckmere River which winds towards the sea. Hear the cry of gulls above, and savour the fresh sea air on your face, reports the Express.

In second place is Southwold Beach with a score of 8.68 out of 10. This expanse of sand extends from the mouth of the River Blyth, past the Southwold Pier, which offers plenty to discover.

There are arcade games and numerous cafes and restaurants to pop into for a bite or a beverage. Securing third place, and boasting the highest Google review score amongst all the beaches, is Druridge Bay Beach.

The secluded Barafundle Bay Beach in Pembrokeshire and Rhossili Bay Beach with its three-mile stretch of golden sands in Gower also made the list, with only minor differences in the scores.

Google reviews rate this coastal spot at 4.9 out of five, while the Go Outdoors study awarded it an overall score of 8.53 out of 10.

The beach extends for seven miles, and the surrounding woodlands are teeming with wildlife including roe deer and red squirrels.

The UK’s best beaches to visit this spring:

Rank

Beach

Location

Country

Avg. spring temper-ature (°C)

Avg. monthly spring rainfall (mm)

Avg. daily spring sunshine hours

Google review score /5

Overall score /10

1

Cuckmere Haven

East Sussex

England

9.5

52

7.8

4.8

9.60

2

Southwold Beach

Suffolk

England

8.9

48

8.0

4.7

8.68

3

Druridge Bay Beach

Northumberland

England

7.9

57

7.3

4.9

8.53

3

Pentle Bay

Tresco

England

10.3

59

7.2

4.8

8.53

5

Thornwick Bay

Flamborough Head

England

8.2

52

7.7

4.8

8.48

6

Kimmeridge Bay

Dorset

England

9.7

56

7.7

4.6

8.33

7

Rhossili Bay Beach

Gower

Wales

9.3

84

7.4

4.9

8.23

8

Barafundle Bay Beach

Pembrokeshire

Wales

9.4

69

7.0

4.9

8.22

9

Camber Sands

East Sussex

England

9.8

50

7.1

4.6

8.18

10

Porthcurno Beach

Cornwall

England

10.0

65

7.3

4.8

8.17

In a war increasingly determined by the flow and price of oil, one country is already emerging as a winner – and it’s not even a combatant.

As US-Israeli strikes on Iran have sent the oil price soaring and raised questions about the American appetite for a prolonged price shock, Russia is already reaping the benefits of higher oil revenues.

The transformation in Russian fortunes, literal and metaphoric, has been dramatic. Just a fortnight ago, Vladimir Putin was under increasing pressure as sanctions tightened.

Iran war latest – follow live

Today, with plentiful supplies of crude oil unconstrained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Russia is cashing in.

Not only has the price of Urals crude soared, but the discount Russia was forced to offer as a consequence of sanctions has been erased, delivering a windfall to the Kremlin and its campaign against Ukraine.

Russian oil revenues fell 18% last year, according to the Centre for Research & Clean Air (CREA), and appeared to be declining further in January, placing genuine pressure on the Russian economy.

At a stroke, the attacks on Iran have eased the pressure, with revenues increasing 17% in the last two weeks and exports from northern Russian ports up 24%.

The change in fortune can be illustrated by the passage of a single vessel in the Russian shadow fleet.

In February, Sky News intercepted the Kousai, a Sierra Leone-flagged tanker, as it passed through the Strait of Dover.

With a capacity of around 750,000 barrels, its cargo was worth around $40m when it was loaded with crude at Ust-Luga in the Baltic on 2 February.

By the time it passed Dover, eight days later, it was potentially worth $42m, as Urals crude traded at $56 a barrel, $13 below Brent crude.

Nine days into the Iranian war, Urals reached a peak of more than $100 a barrel, so as the Kousai passed Sri Lanka en route to India on 9 March, its cargo was worth $75m. On Thursday morning, as it approached Paradip, it was back to $65m, reflecting a barrel price of $87.

Events of the last fortnight have alleviated pressure that has been building since the invasion of Ukraine to curb Russian oil revenue.

Sanctions from the UK, EU, Australia, Canada and the US have targeted thousands of Russian individuals and companies, and hundreds of tankers in the so-called “shadow fleet” it relies on to move crude around the world.

A lift from sanctions

With Western nations closed for business, India and China became the biggest customers for Russian crude, but US sanctions against New Delhi introduced in February appeared to have delivered a serious blow.

Last week, however, the US offered India a 30-day waiver to those restrictions, a tacit acknowledgement that, with 20% of global supply choked off by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Indian demand could further push up prices.

Russia is also benefiting from the interruption of supply to China, which sources close to half of its oil imports from Gulf states, currently unable to send tankers through the Gulf.

Read more:
UK weighs options to defend shipping in Strait of Hormuz
US Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz
What we know about the deadly Iran school strike

“The spike in energy prices triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is boosting the Kremlin’s oil and gas revenues, helping fund its war chest. In effect, geopolitical turmoil and policy loopholes are handing Russia a windfall just as sanctions were beginning to bite,” said Isaac Levy of CREA.

“The US waiver allowing India to keep buying Russian oil from sanctioned companies will blunt the impact of sanctions. Discounts on Russian crude have almost vanished, and tankers that were idling are now preparing to unload at Indian ports again.”

The longer the Iran conflict goes on, the more Russia is likely to profit.

Having spent a lifetime squeezing and holding drive and motion bars while mowing, Bosch’s cordless Rotak was a revelation: it’s operated via push-button controls built into the height-adjustable handle, making it much less tiring to manoeuvre.

Its seven cutting heights are easily interchangeable, but what wins it our top spot is that it stripes your lawn as it goes, courtesy of a plastic roller mounted just behind the cutting deck. It’s effective – even if the straightness of your stripes depends on your powers of concentration.

The brushless motor means you’ll never have to replace carbon brushes and they’re also more efficient so the battery charge lasts longer. If you already have a 36-Volt Bosch appliance like a grass trimmer or leaf blower, you can use the battery from that. Otherwise, the sets range from about £125 to £220, depending on the duration.

The only quirk I encountered was that the collapsible grass boxes couldn’t hold the full 50 litres advertised. When the “grass full” indicator showed red, there was always lots of empty space left, which meant I had to empty it more often that I would have liked.

It’s remarkably quiet and the grass combs in front of the cutter let you mow close to the lawn’s edge with consistent quality. The 44cm cutting deck is a terrific compromise between large-scale lawn-munching ability and nimbleness. My narrow, grassed banks, which were too tricky for the bulkier Stihl to navigate, proved easy meat for the Bosch.

A cheaper version of this mower without a rear roller might have wider appeal, but if striping is a must-have, this model’s combination of performance, lightness and clean cuts makes it one of the best choices out there.

Also in this range:

Bosch’s Rotak rotary mowers come in corded and cordless model. The range-topping model tested is designed for 750 square metre gardens, whereas the entry-level EasyMower 18V-32-150 (£198, Wickes) is designed for 150 sq metre gardens. We tried that last year and gave it a score of 8/10. Only the most recent Bosch models are called Advanced, which refers to the brushless motor and the ProSilence engineering which reduces noise by a third.

Bosch mowers can use batteries from any of their other power tools as long as they’re the same voltage (18V or 36V). It’s a neat trick which has seen Bosch pop up in our guides to the best cordless drills and best pressure washers.

Key specifications

• Weight: 16.5kg
• Cutting width: 44cm
• Cutting height: 25-80mm
• Grass collector: 50 litres
• Power source: Cordless electric
• Warranty: Three years

Which features should you look out for in a home security camera?

First, look for high resolution. “1080p Full HD is the most common camera resolution,” advises Anna Forbes, Smart Home buyer at Currys. “It’s easily high enough for seeing a parcel at the door or watching the pets at home. But if you want to capture more detail of faces or number plates, then 2K, 3K or 4K cameras [offering two, three or four times the resolution of Full HD] are a better bet.”

Second, you’ll want a decent field of view. “If a user has a specific area they want to monitor, they will need a security camera whose field of view matches the area’s size,” advises Stephanie Fort.

Third, consider storage: some cameras have in-built memory but these aren’t always the best choice. “As long as you have a solid internet connection, cloud storage is generally safer than using local storage,” says Anna Forbes. “There’s always a risk of theft or physical events – like fire or flood – wiping out video stored on the latter.”

Finally, think about whether your camera can integrate with other home tech. “If your outdoor camera detects motion, a smart home can then switch lights on to give the appearance you are at home. Some systems can even recognise family members and then switch the entrance light on in response.”

What video resolution do I really need (1080p, 2K, 4K)?

For indoor security, 1080p is usually a sufficient resolution. It will deliver clear images for general monitoring and it is cost-effective with lower storage and bandwidth needs. If you want to make sure you can capture fine details for identification, such as facial features, then a 2K or 4K camera is a better choice.

Do I have to pay a monthly subscription for home security cameras?

It depends on which security camera you buy as to whether you will need to pay a monthly subscription. Most require you to if you want to store your video history, but some options have local storage with a microSD that doesn’t require a subscription.

Is it better to have wired or wireless security cameras?

“If you have a lower budget, or want something a bit more affordable and flexible, then a wireless camera is better,” advises AOs Stephanie Foat. “If you rent your current home, for example and want to take your security system with you when you leave, then wireless cameras are the best way to go.

“If you’re after something with higher quality footage and more permanently installed in your home, or have patchy Wi-Fi, then wired cameras are recommended. Having cameras hardwired into your home also ensures strong video and audio signals that won’t degrade over time.”

What’s the difference between CCTV and wireless home security cameras?

“Wired CCTV cameras work as a direct camera-to-monitor system, but can be trickier to install as they rely on physical extension cables and connectors,” cautions Stephanie Foat.

“Wireless cameras, on the other hand, transmit images to your phone, tablet or computer using digital technology. So long as you have a solid internet connection, they’re generally the better option as it’s far more convenient for households to receive video footage direct to their phones.”

“I very vividly remember those images of Michael Forsyth, who was then a leading Conservative politician, walking with George Robertson, a leading Labour politician who himself lived in Dunblane, showing the depth of unity across Scotland that not only must this never happen again, but that we needed to support the families in their campaign for action.”

“I am heartbroken that 15 years of hard work and dedication to BBC Scotland is being reduced to this.”

Broadcaster Kaye Adams has said she is “heartbroken” to hear the “malicious stories” about her following her departure from the BBC and denied allegations of misconduct.

The Scottish radio host, 63, was taken off air from her BBC Radio Scotland morning programme last year reportedly due to allegations about her behaviour. Adams addressed a number of the accusations in a statement shared on Instagram on Thursday where she denied that she berated an intern or used a misogynistic slur.

She said: “I’m aware of malicious stories circulating about the reasons for my departure from BBC Scotland. I’ve tried to keep a dignified silence but these attacks on my character are now so persistent, they can no longer go unchallenged.

“I categorically deny using a misogynistic slur 14 years ago and I’m horrified at its invention more than a decade later. It is absolutely not a word I would have used.

“As for ‘berating an intern’, this is simply untrue. Regarding the allegation that I threw a pencil while alone in an empty studio, words fail me.

“I am heartbroken that 15 years of hard work and dedication to BBC Scotland is being reduced to this. There’s really nothing more I can say apart from offer my heart-felt thanks to friends and colleagues – junior and senior – across the corporation who have sent their good wishes and support.”

The BBC has not commented on the reason for Adams’ departure but the broadcaster confirmed earlier this month that Adams would not be returning to the role. In October, Adams said her name had been “dragged through the mud” after she was taken off her programme.

Adams joined BBC Scotland in 2010 and is also a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. In 2022, she appeared on BBC One dancing programme Strictly Come Dancing and was a contestant on the third series of Celebrity MasterChef.

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

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Kearsley residents and councillors gathered at Unity Brook memorial to remember those who lost their lives in the Unity Brook Colliery Disaster.

The disaster took place on March 12 1878, when a pit explosion claimed the lives of 43 men and boys.

The service was well-attended, with residents, councillors, and local schoolchildren coming out to honour those who lost their lives.

Full view of the memorial with children from Spindle’s Point and St Stephen’s school reading out the names of the dead (Image: Stacey Wilkinson)

Kearsley Councillor Tracey Wilkinson said: “This is one of the most poignant events in Kearsley’s calendar.

“Each year, hearing the children from Spindle Point and St Stephen’s read the names of the 43 men and boys who lost their lives reminds us that this was not just a tragedy of the past, but a loss felt by family generations and by our whole community.

“It is a real honour to attend and to ensure that their memory is never forgotten.”

The Unity Brook memorial now stands on the spot where the colliery once stood on Manchester Road, Kearsley.

The disaster took place 148 years ago, caused by an explosion at the colliery.

It occurred in one of the lower ‘cannel’ mines.

Replica minecart with coal at the memorial (Image: Stacey Wilkinson)

Cannel is a type of dark coal used in the 19th Century for gas lamps and fireplaces.

Everyone in the Unity Brook Colliery cannel mine that day died.

According to the Northern Mine Research Society, the explosion may have been caused when the tunnel filled with gas from a hole in ceiling.

This gas could then have been ignited by the naked flames of miners’ lamps and candles.

The explosion took place at 1:07pm – the same time at which the memorial service includes a minute’s silence.

Hearing a noise, workers from nearby mines flocked to Unity Brook Colliery to help survivors.

Residents came to pay their respects (Image: Stacey Wilkinson)

In one of the most striking scenes of the disaster, a nearby pub was used as a makeshift chapel of rest as bodies were pulled out of the rubble.

The memorial itself was constructed in 2018, on the 140th anniversary of the tragedy.

An annual memorial service has been held since then on March 12.

A new guest chef series is being launched at The General Tarleton in Ferrensby, near Harrogate and Knaresborough, where leading figures will join head chef Aled Williams for a programme of one-off collaborative dinners.

Aled Williams, Matthew Lockwood, Sam Orbaum and Tommy Banks at The General Tarleton. Photo: Esme Mai

The restored 18th-century coaching inn reopened last year under Jeopardy Hospitality, the pub group founded by the award-winning chef and TV star Tommy Banks, along with his business partner Matthew Lockwood, brother James Banks and businessman, Neil Armstrong.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Northcote, will be the first to kick off the series when it starts on April 28.

Tommy Banks’ General Tarleton welcomes top guest chefs. Photo: Andrew Hayes-Watkins

She will be followed by Nokx Majozi on June 16, former head pie maker at Holborn Dining Room’s Pie Room and currently chef in residence at Fallow in St James’s.

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Roberta Hall-McCarron, the Edinburgh chef-patron behind The Little Chartroom and sister restaurants Eleanore and Ardfern, will join on November 3. Further guest chefs will be announced throughout the year, bringing a roster of leading culinary talent to the venue.

Reservations for Lisa Goodwin-Allen are now live and bookable via The General Tarleton’s website now.

The General Tarleton, which also offers overnight stays, prides itself on being a ‘proper Yorkshire pub made for exceptional food’, celebrating seasonal, local produce.

The menu features elevated pub classics, familiar favourites and signature dishes alongside a wine list, beers on tap and keg, fit for a relaxed afternoon in muddy boots or a special occasion. It has a score of 4.6 out of five possible stars, as rated by 78 reviewers on Tripadvisor, and has been widely reviewed including by The Press.

Tommy Banks also owns The Black Swan at Oldstead, Roots in Marygate in York, and The Abbey Inn, Byland.

People will soon be asked to prove they live in the region by showing identification, or with a council tax bill or other document.

The measure, approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority waste committee, is aimed at stopping people from outside the region from using household waste and recycling sites. 

Tips have seen increased numbers of visitors who live elsewhere, bosses say. That, in turn, drives up costs for councils to deliver services and adds traffic. 

Leaders believe the closure of sites in other areas has led to an influx of people outside Greater Manchester using the region’s tips.

In 2024, Cheshire East Council temporarily shut three waste sites. They were later permanently closed. Neighbouring Derbyshire and Lancashire are also considering closing facilities. 

GMCA bosses said it was now time to take steps to ‘try to eliminate cross-border use’ of tips. 

Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who sits on Manchester Council, said: “Shame on those authorities that have done this because it’s not the responsibility of my residents to pick up the bill for them, and they need to look at that. We pay for our waste through our council tax. I’m not willing to put that up.

“The plans that the officers have put together are really good, but obviously that’s another cost to us, taking the time to check these vehicles because others have decided to [close their sites]. It shouldn’t impact the nine authorities in this room. It’s just outrageous.”

Officers have proposed a two-stage approach. The first phase will be a ‘soft introduction’, with proof of address checks on entry. Driving licences and council tax bills would be acceptable, documents suggest. 

Later, random checks could be introduced at sites. ‘Stage two’ would formalise checks, bosses said. 

Cllr Igbon added: “I’m not for a softly, softly approach. This is a major problem, [and] I want people to know from the onset that if you turn up to the sites that we pay for, you’re not getting in. If your name’s not down, you’re not coming in, basically, and we need to get that message out.”

Cllr Ken Rustidge, from Oldham Council, said: “This is a decision by these adjoining authorities that’s going to hurt our people, and they should be held to account for these decisions, and they really should be shown up.”

Trafford councillor Stephen Adshead said it should be made clear to people in Greater Manchester that the changes were ‘not their fault’, adding: “I think it’s sad we’re doing it, but it’s come to a point where we’ve got to start considering [implementing new rules] and probably soon as well.”

Officers advised elected members that the first phase would not be introduced until after May’s local elections. That would then need a ‘good three months’ to see how they ‘bed in’ and to assess any data and feedback.

The details of the phase of the plan will be decided later.

“The last thing we want to do is to put in place barriers for people using those facilities freely, but we just want the people who are entitled to use those facilities to be able to use them,” officers said.