Whittlesey household recycling centre looks to be among the most vulnerable to closure if the county council decides to close any of its nine household waste recycling sites. .
Whittlesey household recycling centre looks to be among the most vulnerable to closure if the county council decides to close any of its nine household waste recycling sites.
As consultations begin over the future of the centres, it is understood traffic management systems have been put in place for sometime to monitor traffic flow at each centre.
Of the nine the lowest footfall is thought to have been at Whittlesey, Thriplow and St Neots.
However this is believed to be only of the tests being carried out – a major consultation is now under way to find the best way forward.
The county council says changes are necessary to help contribute to £149 million in budget savings over the next five years.
Other proposals include reducing sites’ weekday opening hours and opening days or charging for certain types of waste such as hardcore and plasterboard.
Councillor Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “Household waste sites and ready access to them are a very important service provided by the county council.
“They help us maintain our good recycling record and reduce the potential for fly-tipping in the area.
“Faced with the urgent need to save money, the county is now looking to make some changes to that service. The many different options include reducing sites’ opening hours and even the closure of up to three sites across the county.
“I urge everyone who uses our three sites to take the opportunity to express their views on all the proposals. It is vital that Fenland’s voice is heard and taken fully into account when decisions on any changes are made.”
The consultation, organised by Cambridgeshire County Council, is under way and will run until September 26.
Results will be presented to the county council’s Highways and Community Infrastructure Committee in the autumn.
To have your say, visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/recyclingcentreservice. To get a paper form, call the county council on 01223 715459.
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