Plans to stop giving free bin bags to thousands of York homes look set to be ditched today.

About 10,000 terraced house residents without a council wheeled bin receive a weekly black sack.

Under plans to save nearly £30,000, City of York Council consulted on axing the scheme.

However, the Evening Press understands the ruling Lib Dems are set to confirm they will not go ahead with the cost-cutting move, at a budget meeting today.

This will prompt cries of U-turn from opposition councillors, but Guildhall leader Steve Galloway said the idea was always part of pre-budget consultation.

He said: "We are very conscious about the need to preserve, through York Pride, the appearance of the city. There was speculation that this could lead to more litter."

Labour councillors protested in York city centre today against plans to scrap the free service. They said it was a "tax on terraced living".

Updated: 14:38 Friday, February 11, 2005