Empty Trash not available

I recently tried to delete a file from the trash bin and noticed that the empty trash option from the finder menu had dissapeared. I can still delete items by using the secure empty trash feature from the finder drop down menu but when i control-click on the trash bin in the dock and try to empty trash nothing happens. I have tried holding the option key when i delete but that does nothing. I have also gone into the disk utility and carried out a disk repair and repair permissions but neither seems to make any difference. I'm slightly concerened that this may me the first sighns of something more serious. Can anyone help.

download Onyx.
open it.
when it is done with its opening 'routine', click 'parameters', then Finder, then check 'Show Empty Trash item' under 'Finder Menu'.
good luck!

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