Lib Dem anger as Tory plans to axe Recycling Centres in Surrey are revealed
June 21, 2017 9:03 PM
Originally published by Surrey County Council Lib Dems
Originally published by Surrey County Council Lib Dems
Liberal Democrat county councillors in Surrey have expressed their anger and opposition to Tory plans to axe 4 Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) across the county. The plans follow on from the introduction of hugely unpopular charges to use the CRCs last year which were forced through by the Conservative Cabinet, despite widespread opposition by residents and Liberal Democrat county councillors.
The Conservative-administration has stated that its preferred proposals are to:
1. Permanently close four smaller CRCs - Bagshot, Cranleigh, Dorking and Warlingham
2. End the free daily allowance of non-household waste
3. Close CRCs on two weekdays so all sites are open for five days a week
4. Restrict users of vans, trailers and pick-ups to larger CRCs only
5. Ensure CRCs in Camberley and Farnham are only used by Surrey residents
Cllr Stephen Cooksey, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, said today:
"These proposals are a green light for flytipping in Surrey. The Conservatives at County Hall are making it harder and harder for people to do the right thing and dispose of their waste responsibly. The environmental consequence of discouraging the use of Recycling Centres would be very significant. Furthermore, these plans are being pushed by the Conservatives because of the financial crisis at County Hall caused by their failure to persuade their Conservative central government to provide a better funding settlement.
"Last time the county council consulted on charges and reduced hours for CRCs, residents told them loud and clear that they did not want them. The Conservatives then ignored them and introduced charges anyway. I fear that this is a similar meaningless consultation. I am totally opposed to these planned closures and urge residents to make their voices heard to tell this out of touch and arrogant county council exactly what they think of their proposals."
NOTES
A copy of the consultation on CRCs can be found here: