A MOVE to fortnightly bin collections will lead to more fires and risk lives, a prominent Barnet politician has claimed.

Tory councillor for Totteridge, Brian Coleman, warned the introduction of alternate weekly rubbish collections could spark an increase in fly-tipping and provide fuel for malicious fires.

Cllr Coleman, speaking in his capacity as chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, said firefighters would be diverted away from live-saving work to attended to more minor incidents.

The authority fears that as councils experience a “financial squeeze” over the coming months, they could look to cut collections times to save money.

The brigade was called to more than 8,400 rubbish fires across the city between August 2009 and August 2010. There are concerns fewer collections will lead to increased amounts of rubbish left out and more taxpayers' money being spend on fire crews attending blazes that could have been avoided.

Cllr Coleman said: “Most outdoor fires are fires in rubbish and refuse.

“Working with local people and local councils the Brigade has been successful in reducing the numbers of rubbish fires in London.

“However, there is a real danger that if fortnightly bin collections were introduced it would increase the number of fires which will risk lives and cost the taxpayer dear.”

The number of incidents fell last year by almost 1,400 compared to the year before. The authority is aiming to cut the number by a further 43 per cent in the next three years, but believes the target will be missed if fortnightly bin collections are introduced.

Cllr Coleman said: “Rubbish, refuse and other materials left outside are often maliciously set alight and even now we still attend over 8,000 calls each year.

“The Brigade wants to cut this number further but will be hampered by a short sighted, short term, quick fix solution that could increase the overall bill to the taxpayer.”

Councils have been told there is no London wide obligation to change to fortnightly collections, and Barnet Council bosses have said in the past they do not intend to implement a cut to refuse times.