The National Association of Bin Fires has complained to Trading Standards after repeated comparisons with Reform UK’s Welsh branch, claiming they are giving burning rubbish “a bad name”.
The complaint follows the resignation of Reform’s Welsh leader and the defection of one of its Senedd members to Plaid Cymru.
Artist’s impression: an association member, quietly fuming at the comparison.
“We’ve worked hard to establish what people can expect from a bin fire,” said chairman Dai Sparks. “There’s a bin. It’s on fire. You don’t look away for five minutes and find half the contents have joined another party.”
The association is demanding a public apology.
“Our members provide warmth and occasionally bring a community together,” Mr Sparks added. “We’d appreciate those achievements being recognised.”
“My bin’s got standards.”
A local resident who wished to remain anonymous said the comparisons had gone too far.
Gareth Williams, 63, explained: “My wheelie bin caught fire last November. It was unpleasant, there was a terrible smell, and we lost the lid. But at no point did it claim it was ready to run Wales.”
Trading Standards confirmed it was examining the complaint.
“We normally deal with products that fail to perform as advertised,” said a spokesperson. “We may need more staff.”
