Council to defend recycling centre closure

A council leader is facing pressure from opposition councillors over a decision to close a recycling centre.

Ian Thorn, who leads Wiltshire Council, will have to defend a motion opposing the closure of Lower Compton Recycling Centre in Calne, where he sits as mayor, tabled by Labour and Conservative councillors.

The decision taken before Christmas to close two household recycling centres, at Lower Compton and at Purton, resulted in a petition with thousands of signatures.

The Liberal Democrat council leader previously said the price proposed for the contract renewal "was substantially higher than the current arrangement" and "would have placed considerable financial pressure on the council".

A Hills spokesman said the contract fees were based on costs increasing significantly over recent years.

The motion states Calne Town Council opposes the closure of the recycling centre "until another suitable, and local, site is found and ready for use", according to the Local Democracy Service.

It added: "We urge Wiltshire Council to continue negotiations with Hills to enable this to happen."

Labour councillor Celia Stevens said a recycling centre was "part of the infrastructure" a town the size of Calne needed.

She said: "Recycling is an essential part of dealing with waste in order to reduce landfill.

"Calne residents already do not get a fair share of infrastructure investment from Wiltshire Council and should not have this service removed."

Royal Wootton Bassett residents are concerned that a mooted replacement might be built in their backyard, at the site of Wiltshire Council's former salt depot.

The site is landmarked as a gateway for a country park and for the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.

If the closures go ahead as planned, people living in and around Calne will need to drive to Stanton St Quintin, near Chippenham, or Devizes to recycle waste.

The next full council meeting is due to be held on 14 January to continue discussions.

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