from The Telegraph
Bristol civic bosses accused of spending money on a political ideology rather than services
A waste company owned by a debt-ridden Green-run council has spent £1,500 decorating street sweeper vehicles and bin carts with the trans-inclusive Pride flag.
The Bristol Waste Company, which is owned by the city council, added the livery for the Pride festivities earlier this year, however critics said civic chiefs should be focusing on spending money that “prioritises local needs”.
Cllr Mark Weston, leader of the Bristol city council Conservative group, told The Telegraph: “This is not something the council should be prioritising. It is not a prudent use of financial resources.
“£1,500 is a drop in the ocean, but it adds up. I would rather see it spent on other things like libraries.”
A freedom of information request revealed £1,465 was spent in total, including £525 on the sweeper liveries, £860 for cleaning van liveries and £80 for stickers.
Announcing the decorations in July, Bristol Waste said on X: “We’ve been busy getting parade-ready for Bristol Pride tomorrow!
“Look for our street sweepers and street cleansing carts decked out in rainbows and helping Bristol shine with pride.
“Remember, put all your homophobia, transphobia and litter right in the bin.”