NEWPORT recycling centre will close next month while others across Telford & Wrekin are to operate on reduced hours, it was confirmed today.
Following a budget consultation, Telford & Wrekin Council has confirmed that Newport Community Recycling Centre will close in order to meet an ‘unprecedented savings target’ imposed by the government.
The remaining Community Recycling Centres at Halesfield, Ketley and Granville will operate five days a week instead of seven.
All changes to the recycling service will come into effect by April 16.
A statement from Telford & Wrekin said the decision to close the Newport centre was taken because of high running costs and the amount of usage at the site, compared with the other centres in the borough.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Environment, Co-operative Council and Partnerships, said: “The council has a significant budget gap of £40m to close over the next three years.
“The proposal to close the Newport site has not been made in isolation and we given consideration to potential closure of other sites. We took into account running costs, the throughputs, operational constraints and the current level of service provided.”
The council confirmed the success of its kerbside collection scheme has resulted in less people using recycling centres.
They said Newport’s running costs are £80 per tonne compared to the average of the other three sites being £37 per tonne.
But the news was met with dismay by Councillor Andrew Eade, the former Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council.
He said: “It’s a disaster. The Conservatives put money in the budget 12 months ago to build a brand new recycling centre in Newport.
“Newport needs a modern recycling facility. Not only has Labour scrapped the new build, they are taking away the existing site when the town is under threat of 1,100 new homes being built around the periphery.
“This will lead to thousands more cars travelling along the A518 and more fly-tipping. All this when the council is putting up council tax. It’s crazy – everything is falling to bits.”
A timetable of opening hours has been drawn up which ensures there is always at least one site open in the borough at any time.
The Halesfield centre will be closed Thursdays and Fridays, Ketley will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Granville will be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.