Refuse contractor Sita UK is demanding over £1,500 from the community recyclers for a day-long event held last summer but defiant Kerbside director Chris Haddock said: "We'll see them in court if they insist on payment."

Sita offered an induction day to Kerbside workers last June when it became clear that it was to take over the Calderdale refuse collection contract.

"We didn't want to stand in the way of our employees and gave staff interested in transferring to Sita a day off to attend the induction session," said Kerbside boss Paul Brannigan.

"Sita agreed to compesate us for the loss of working hours, which they have failed to do."

Instead the company is charging Kerbside £1,553 for its five training officers as well as £75 expenses for advice on health and safety, driving and loading.

"This is further confirmation that Sita has only ever treated us with contempt," said Mr Brannigan.

A Sita spokeswoman said: "We are looking into this and will resp-ond as soon as possible."

Calderdale Council has agreed to hold an inquiry into the way the refuse collection contract was awarded and said it was an issue between Kerbside and Sita.

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