A war of words over how a decision will be made on controversial waste proposals escalated at a virtual council meeting which was nearly abandoned due to technical problems.

Frayed tempers and IT issues were recurring themes of the informal full Council meeting of Cheshire West and Chester last night.

Members had been due to discuss waste reforms, but following representations from eight Conservative councillors that the decision should be made at an in-person meeting rather than a virtual one, the agenda item was pulled – with a special in-person full council meeting being pencilled in at Chester Racecourse  on July 27 specifically to discuss the waste plan.

But at last night's virtual meeting a late motion was proposed by Council leader Louise Gittins – which members were given a five minute adjournment to read – calling on the eight Conservative councillors to essentially reconsider their call for an in person meeting.

The motion also called for a members briefing to be produced highlighting the risks of holding an in person meeting, and for any press statements to include the cost of holding one.

Addressing the virtual meeting, Cllr Karen Shore (Labour) highlighted rising Covid cases in the borough.

She said: "I believe the government's strategy is to let people get sick and die.

"To me it is unconscionable, it is the first duty of the government to protect its citizens from harm, they have failed to legislate to allow local council meetings up and down the country to meet virtually, a tool they have afforded for themselves.

"Once again, one rule for them and one for us. As local leaders we must act responsibly and lead by example."

Cllr Mike Baynham (Conservative), said: "If I'd listened to Karen Shore, I'm sorry but some of the most sickening and disgusting things I've ever heard a councillor say on camera tonight, the interpretation is we should do nothing. We have to represent and stand up for our residents.

"I have never had as many residents supporting me and telling me this is the right thing to do where we can go and speak in a special meeting.

"This is about Labour not wanting scrutiny – you know you are in the wrong."

Cllr Graham Heatley (Conservative), said: "I can't believe what I'm hearing tonight, I find this quite disgraceful. A lot of my residents are concerned about this green bin tax. And here we are again, with the Labour administration running from scrutiny."

Cllr Carol Gahan (Labour), said: "To call for an unnecessary in person meeting while Covid rates are increasing can only be viewed as heartless, inconsiderate, reckless. I don't know why someone would wish to put anyone at risk if you had that choice."

When it became time to vote on the motion, an adjournment had to be held after six members were unable to vote or be heard on screen, with some councillors experiencing simultaneous Windows updates to their computers. At this point, the meeting was on the verge of being postponed completely.

Chairman, Cllr Bob Rudd, said: "We've had these meetings for the past 16 months and this is the first serious glitch."

Eventually the meeting resumed and the vote was carried with 38 voting for, 30 against, one unable to vote and one absent.