Hundreds share anger over recycling centre closure

2 hours ago

Sophie Parker,Royal Wootton Bassettand

Peter Davison,Local Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Hundreds of people attended the public meeting in Royal Wootton Bassett on Tuesday

LDRS The view from the back of the public meeting looking over rows of seats filled in a community hall - at the front is a stage with a screen and slideshow — Hundreds of people attended the public meeting in Royal Wootton Bassett on Tuesday

Hundreds of residents and councillors have gathered at a public meeting to express their anger over the closure of their household recycling centre (HRC).

The meeting was held on Tuesday to discuss the closure of the Hills‑run centre in Purton, Wiltshire, when the council's contract with the company ends this summer. Wiltshire Council runs several other HRCs at lower cost than Hills' sites.

It is one of two centres set to close in the county as part of the council's plans to change waste services.

Cabinet member for finance Gavin Grant said renewing the contract with the provider would be "simply unaffordable".

It comes as the council is due to renew six waste contracts at the same time - something which Neil Saunders from Purton Parish Council said "can't have come as a surprise".

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Google The entrance to a household recycling centre on a grey day. large metal fencing around it with huge red metal containers for recycling. — The household recycling centre at Purton is one of two set to close next year

Residents from Purton, Malmesbury, Cricklade and Royal Wootton Bassett were angry about having to drive much further to dispose of waste and raised concerns this would lead to more cases of rural fly tipping.

They also discussed the lack of public consultation regarding the plans and alternative provisions, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

There is no concrete plan for a new HRC to replace the site in Purton, but a number of other sites are being considered by the council.

Among those is the former salt depot in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Graham Reed, who lives in the town, said the roads would not cope with that option and many people would prefer to see the sit redeveloped into a country park and canal.

Councillor Helen Belcher promised a consultation over potential sites.

Mel Jacob looks into the camera - she has shoulder length blonde hair and wears glasses and a coat with a soft, lined collar or hood. Blurred behind her is a hall with lots of empty seating. — Wiltshire Council's deputy leader Mel Jacob said the council was open to better solutions

Steve Bucknell, mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, said the closure in Purton would affect residents "hugely".

He questioned how closing two HRCs and opening a replacement would be any cheaper than renewing the contract.

Bucknell said the decision had been rushed and the alternative centre at Stanton St Quintin near Chippenham was far away and a "nightmare" to reach.

Wiltshire Council's deputy leader, councillor Mel Jacob, said: "We're genuinely listening and trying to work out whether there is a better solution going forward."

The council said it would continue to negotiate with Hills.

Grant added: "If Hills can get to a point where we can delay the closure then of course we can do that. The ball is in their court."

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