RECYCLING centres in Somerset could be saved as leaders look to make savings through contracts rather than closures, a meeting has been told.
At an ongoing meeting of Somerset Council this morning (February 20), Councillor Dixie Darch (Lib Dem, Rowbarton & Staplegrove) – the lead member for environment and climate change – said savings could be made through contract negotiations with contractors.
The news will come as some relief to campaigners calling for the council to reverse proposals to close up to five county recycling centres in a bid to save money as it faces a £100 million funding gap.
Petitions against closures of the Dimmer Recycling Centre, in Castle Cary, and the centre in Crewkerne, were handed in to the Full Council meeting held in Bridgwater.
Confirming the Dimmer Recycling Centre was among sites ‘at risk’ of closure, Cllr Darch said no decisions had yet been made.
She also confirmed ongoing commercial negotiations could see savings made, negating the need to close sites.
“I understand your concerns and appreciate how much communities appreciate their recycling sites,” she said.
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“Given the massive pressures on the council’s finances, we have to look at savings,” she went on.
“The closure of any site would have an impact on the communities they serve, but we are faced with many unpalatable decisions.”
However, she said the ongoing contract negotiations meant there was “flexibility to making savings” and closures could not be ruled in or out.
Cllr Darch also confirmed public consultations would be carried out before any site was closed.
“I may not be shouting or waving my fists, but I am very angry indeed that we should find ourselves in a position where we have to even consider closing recycling sites,” she told the meeting.
Closing recycling centres is a really bad move as this will result in more fly tipping – result costly to clean up.
However, we have just moved to new recycling collection date. It worked last week, this week the whole village’s recycling was not collected. Someone needs to get a grip at the council unless services have already been suspended and taxpayers have not been informed